Ventilation Load Calculator
The Ventilation Load Calculator helps determine the amount of outdoor air (fresh air) required for a space to maintain good indoor air quality (IAQ). It typically uses methods based on industry standards like ASHRAE 62.1, which consider both the number of occupants and the area of the space. Inputs include the number of people, required CFM per person (Rp), floor area (sq ft), and required CFM per square foot (Ra). The calculator sums these components to find the breathing zone outdoor airflow (Vbz), a key parameter in ventilation system design.
Why Ventilation is Crucial for IAQ: Proper ventilation is essential for diluting indoor pollutants like CO2 and VOCs, controlling humidity, and improving occupant comfort and health. Insufficient ventilation can lead to stale air, pollutant buildup, and potential health issues. Building codes often mandate minimum ventilation rates for different types of spaces to ensure these standards are met.
This calculator uses a simplified approach based on ASHRAE 62.1 standards for breathing zone outdoor airflow (Vbz). Actual design requires consideration of ventilation effectiveness (Ez), system type, and potentially more complex calculations like multiple zone equations. Always consult the full ASHRAE 62.1 standard and a qualified engineer for critical applications.