Evaluating the performance of ventilation systems in Canadian multi-unit residential buildings

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Multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), such as social housing, apartment buildings, and condominiums,have been found to underperform with respect to energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ). To make matters worse, there have been numerous reports of COVID-19 outbreaks within this building form, further jeopardizing resident health and well-being. Given the energy implications associated with providing ventilation in Canada and the benefits of sufficient ventilation on improving IAQ and reducing virus transmission, it is essential to ensure proper design and control of ventilation systems within MURBs. Therefore, this research aims to assess mechanical ventilation system performance within MURBs as it relates to energy efficiency, IAQ, ventilation delivery, and occupant comfort. Field study campaigns in three MURBs with centralized and decentralized ventilation systems (two in Toronto and one in Vancouver) and multi-domain model development (airflow and building energy models) will be performed to understand the implications that the design and control of ventilation systems can have on MURB energy consumption, IAQ, and occupant comfort. In addition, parametric studies using the developed models will be conducted to test the application of novel technologies and variations to existing ventilation systems. This research project will generate new knowledge regarding the performance of (de)centralized ventilation systems in MURBs, lead to novel field study methods for assessing ventilation system performance, and to innovative strategies for their design and control, all of which will improve energy efficiency, IAQ, and occupant comfort within MURBs.