Predicting psychrometric conditions in biocontaminant microenvironments with a microclimate heat and moisture transfer model -- description and field comparison

Indoor Air
M J CunninghamG Spolek

Abstract

A numerical model is described that is designed to model psychrometric conditions in biocontaminant microenvironments, such as in bedding and the base of carpets for dust-mites, and on the surface of linings for molds. The model is very general and can include room air, other room components, other zones including the outdoors, other rooms and any subfloor space. Mechanical plant can be modeled. Good agreement between modeled and field results are reported for the complex case of an occupied bed and for the microclimate in the base of a carpet, before and after its timber floor above a crawl space was retrofitted with insulation. Biocontaminants such as dust-mites and molds can pose serious health problems. Understanding microclimates in biocontaminant microhabitats, when coupled with biologic models, will make it possible to predict how the life cycles of these biocontaminants are affected as these conditions change. In turn, this will suggest which interventions that modify indoor climate and microclimate are likely to control these biocontaminants. Furthermore such interventions might include indoor humidity control, changing building insulation and ventilation levels, covering mattresses, use of electric blankets, use of ca...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

May 24, 2005·Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery·Jay M PortnoyCharles Barnes
Nov 5, 2005·Indoor Air·P Howden-ChapmanN Wilson
Aug 21, 2013·Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences·A A Haleem Khan, S Mohan Karuppayil

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