Indoor temperature, relative humidity and CO2 monitoring and air exchange rates simulation utilizing system dynamics tools for naturally ventilated classrooms

Abstract This study reports the results of two-season (summer and winter) monitoring of indoor CO2, temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) levels conducted in naturally ventilated classrooms of a primary school. Parameters were recorded at 1-min interval for one week including occupancy and non-occupancy hours. CO2, T and RH exceeded ASHRAE recommended limits for significant fraction of occupancy period. Minute-by-minute ventilation (VRs) and air exchange rates (AERs) were calculated for occupancy hours. Results showed significant variation (p  0.98 for all classrooms, using minute-by-minute VRs) with monitored CO2 concentration and low root mean square error. Similarly, minute-by-minute VRs input to models showed more accurate simulation as compared to VRs averaged for a session (Correlation coefficient