Date of Defense
9-12-2024 2:00 PM
Location
F1-1124
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Department
Architectural Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Young Ki Kim
Keywords
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Active Living Walls (ALWs), Pre-cooling & Evaporative cooling, University Office Building.
Abstract
Extreme hot climates can significantly affect indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation, resulting in higher energy demands. Numerous studies have demonstrated that outdoor greening, such as trees and landscaped areas, can reduce a building’s energy consumption. However, less research has been conducted on the impact of indoor vegetation on energy use and air quality. Indoor vegetation decreases carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration by absorbing and releasing oxygen (O₂), while the evapotranspiration process further enhances (IAQ) and reduces energy expenditure. The United Arab Emirates has dry arid climate and summers with high humidity levels, causing individuals to stay longer indoors, which is leading to an increase in energy usage and high cooling demands resulting from global warming and climate change. This feasibility study explores the impacts of indoor planting on IAQ and energy consumption through the implementation of Active Living Wall (ALW) during the fall and winter seasons across several offices at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain. To evaluate the ALW impacts on IAQ and potential energy reduction, IAQ monitoring for selected offices was conducted along with a survey and interviews to gather user-side evaluations. CFD and energy simulations were also performed to analyses the effects of ALW on airflow and cooling load demand. Results indicate a temperature reduction of 0.3°C to 1.0°C across different fan speeds. Additionally, ALW enhanced IAQ by reducing PM10, PM2.5, and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), with levels reduced by up to 100 ppm and TVOCs reduced up to 9.8 μg/m³. Limitations include the structural design of the ALW and the chosen plant types in indoor conditions. ALWs improves human comfort which reduces the health effects of sick building syndromes (SBS). Further research should explore the long-term effects of ALWs to effectively address climate change challenges.
Included in
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE LIVING WALL ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION: CASE STUDY IN UAEU CLOSED OFFICES
F1-1124
Extreme hot climates can significantly affect indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation, resulting in higher energy demands. Numerous studies have demonstrated that outdoor greening, such as trees and landscaped areas, can reduce a building’s energy consumption. However, less research has been conducted on the impact of indoor vegetation on energy use and air quality. Indoor vegetation decreases carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration by absorbing and releasing oxygen (O₂), while the evapotranspiration process further enhances (IAQ) and reduces energy expenditure. The United Arab Emirates has dry arid climate and summers with high humidity levels, causing individuals to stay longer indoors, which is leading to an increase in energy usage and high cooling demands resulting from global warming and climate change. This feasibility study explores the impacts of indoor planting on IAQ and energy consumption through the implementation of Active Living Wall (ALW) during the fall and winter seasons across several offices at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain. To evaluate the ALW impacts on IAQ and potential energy reduction, IAQ monitoring for selected offices was conducted along with a survey and interviews to gather user-side evaluations. CFD and energy simulations were also performed to analyses the effects of ALW on airflow and cooling load demand. Results indicate a temperature reduction of 0.3°C to 1.0°C across different fan speeds. Additionally, ALW enhanced IAQ by reducing PM10, PM2.5, and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), with levels reduced by up to 100 ppm and TVOCs reduced up to 9.8 μg/m³. Limitations include the structural design of the ALW and the chosen plant types in indoor conditions. ALWs improves human comfort which reduces the health effects of sick building syndromes (SBS). Further research should explore the long-term effects of ALWs to effectively address climate change challenges.