ASSESSING THE ENERGY IMPLICATIONS OF ASHRAE 241 COMPLIANT STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING EQUIVALENT CLEAN AIR

Abstract

Amidst the rising concern for building energy consumption, with HVAC systems accounting for a significant portion, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the focus on HVAC's role in enhancing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and mitigating airborne virus transmission. This situation led to the formulation of ASHRAE Standard 241, which introduces the Equivalent Clean Airflow Index (ECAi) to integrate the impact of various air cleaning technologies within buildings. Consequently, this research sets out to investigate the energy implications and energy saving potential of strategies compliant with ASHRAE 241 through energy simulations and a case study approach. By examining these strategies, the study aims to delineate a pathway towards optimizing energy efficiency in HVAC systems while still ensuring proper viral risk control, thereby addressing both environmental sustainability and health concerns in the built environment. This exploration is critical in the current global health context, offering insights into balancing energy consumption with the need for safe indoor environments.