How do We Solve the Conflict between the Need to Ventilate and Energy Efficiency - Assignment Example

1.0 Methodology 1 Rationale The goal of this research is to determine whether the Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) is the most suitableventilation option when trying to strike a balance between ventilation requirements and energy efficiency needs. Hence, there should be other options used for the comparison. Aside from the MVHR, there are currently four other configurations currently in use as identified by the Energy Savings Trust (2006). The systems are Trickle Ventilators (TV), Passive Stack Ventilation (PSV), Mechanical Ventilation (MV) and Positive Input Ventilation (PIV). In this research, comparison shall be made among TV, PSV, MV and MVHR systems only because there is limited research in PIV and it is rarely used in domestic settings. 1.2 General Plan of Action In order to carry out the task of the research called for in this paper, there is a need to specify criteria to be used in comparing the system. The criteria to be adapted include the following: Ventilation effectiveness – humidity control, stale air/pollutant removal, indoor air quality. Energy efficiency – system power consumption, heat loss reduction. Cost of installation, ease of operation, cost of cleaning and maintenance. The first two criteria are intuitive but the third list of criteria was included because each of these factors can outweigh the effects of the first two. For example, the cost of installation may prove to be prohibitive. Certain requirements such as ‘air tightness’ may call for additional changes not only in the house material but also in its layout, a significant investment to be made again. Complex systems are generally frowned upon and can lead people to choose other ‘hassle-free’ ventilation schemes. Cleaning and maintenance can also present significant cost and effort. Each of these should be investigated along with ventilation effectiveness and energy efficient. In addition, the comparison shall involve both quantitative and qualitative analysis. This is due to the lack of standardized units and ambiguity in quantifying some of the criteria such as ease of operation. Ideally, the systems could be compared by computer modelling and simulation. The four systems would be independently applied to a typical model house. Ventilation performance will be simulated and the resulting performance values determined by the computer program. Associated costs of installation, refurbishment, and changes in the house layout, maintenance and operation are to be specified and computed using approved and standardized costing functions. However, a preliminary survey of suitable modelling software revealed that ventilation computer modelling is still confined to mine ventilation system analysis. Developing and using a computer program for domestic application, though desirable, is beyond the scope of this research. Knowing all of this, the following two approaches were deemed appropriate. First, a survey of literature of established authors and organizations shall provide valuable insights into the following: Existing theories on suitable household ventilation design and requirements. Identification of the different kinds of ventilation available and its operation. Previous experiences not only in the construction and installation but also in the performance of the different types of ventilation. The second approach shall involve collection of primary data through an approved survey with the participants being design and construction professionals. The survey shall also follow a certain path in order to draw out the views and experiences on the ventilation systems. 1.3 Type of Data and Collection Procedures Sources for the literature review shall include peer-reviewed technical journals, articles, industry magazines, books and other reputable published material. School sponsored databases shall be consulted to determine availability and acquisition of relevant sources. If in case good sources are available elsewhere, all efforts shall be exerted to gain access. Articles from reputed internet sources such as Google Scholar and government sponsored technical websites will also be taken into consideration. Interviewees shall be selected on the basis of their profession and awareness of ventilation systems. Ideally, all relevant fields of related construction such as mechanical engineering, architecture, civil engineering and construction/installation shall be well-represented. The participants should have been involved in the design or construction of at least two kinds of ventilation system. Ideally, one of these should be with the MVHR system. However, this requirement could severely limit the population turnout. If in case this happens, the MVHR experience shall be relaxed. In any case, the minimum of two ventilation system requirement shall be met. Questions in the survey form shall be exploratory and investigative in nature. The degree of familiarity with ventilation systems including MHVR shall be established using years of experience and projects involved in as basis. They will then be asked to identify strengths and weaknesses covering design, construction and installation, regulatory requirements, existing household conditions and performance for the given ventilation systems they have identified. Stress will be given on the actual performance perception aspect. Rating scales were provided in certain types of questions to facilitate response. A copy of the survey form can be found in the appendix. The final survey was carried out in from February to March 2010 using the internet survey services of Kwik Surveys™. The invitation to participate in the survey together with a covering letter was issued by email to 43 people who work in the construction industry. The people identified to participate were either known to the researcher or recommended by the people from the previously mentioned Architectural Practice. All are UK based and currently working construction professionals. A work email was used to send the invitations, as it was believed that by recognizing a formal email address it would result in more responses 1.4 Data Analysis The process of analyzing data involves ‘examining, tabulating, categorizing and recombining the evidence to address the hypothesis of the study’ (Naoum, 2007). Saunders et al (2007, p. 493) identified three stages undertaken in the process of analysis. They are data reduction, data display and drawing and verifying conclusions. Data reduction is the process of simplifying and summarizing the collected data. In this research, the data generated in the literature review shall be organized in five areas of concern for each ventilation system: a) description of the system, b) installation and associated costs, c) operation, cleaning and maintenance, d) energy efficiency measured by comparing fuel consumption costs with heat loss reduction and e) indoor air ventilation quality performance. As stated before, quantifying the cost and benefits of the system can be subject to ambiguity and personal preference so a qualitative approach shall be undertaken. When available, statistical data will be used. A matrix of comparison, a table where characteristics of the different options are displayed against the five areas of concern above, shall be used for the Data Display. The third data analysis process shall be delayed after the results of the interview have been made known. Interview results shall be statistically analyzed. Percent participation for each field of construction service shall be identified and presented. Results of questions that have a grading system shall be tallied and statistically processed to come with a representative answer for the population. T-tests shall be used to establish confidence intervals and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) shall be employed to check for consistency. Questions that elicit qualitative answers shall be represented using percentage diagrams and charts. The results from the literature review and the questionnaire will be compared and check for correspondence. Each of the four systems shall be assessed and evaluated using the results from the two approaches. Here, an amalgation of concepts and verifying of results shall take place with the final product being the decision of what option is most suitable when there is a need to strike balance between the need for ventilation and the need for energy efficiency. Conclusion Determining the comparative benefits of a system to other options require that relevant criteria be established and corresponding characteristics identified for all. Relying on archival records, however, does not guarantee that a particular option outperforms the rest. There is a need to acquire primary data from people who have the experience and expertise on the subject. The ensuing statistical analysis shall provide us valuable results which we can use to ascertain the results in the archival records. Essentially, the goal is to have two approaches that can affirm or reject the propositions of another. A deeper analysis could uncover the reasons and help in the formulation of a valid conclusion. This is precisely what is to be done in this research. References: Energy Savings Trust (2006). Energy efficient ventilation in dwellings – a guide for specifiers. Dartmouth: Energy Savings Trust Publications. Heiselberg, D. (2004). Building integrated ventilation systems-modelling and design challenges. Proceedings of CIB 2004, Toronto, Canada Naoum, Shamil (2007). Dissertation research and writing for construction students 2nd ed. London: Sage Publishing Saunders, M., Lewis P. & Thornhill A. (2007). Research method for Business students, 4th ed. UK: Prentice Hall. Read More