Use of Simulink for Dynamic Air Quality Modeling in Interior Alaska
Publication: Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 19, Issue 1
Abstract
Interior Alaska has indoor air quality (IAQ) issues similar to those of other far northern communities associated with long cold winters and reduced ventilation rates. We also have some interesting issues associated with elevated radon in homes built in the hills around Fairbanks, as well as elevated particulate levels created by smoke from forest fires that occur in the vast uninhabited portions of the state. To better understand the influences of critical variables such as indoor source strengths and ventilation rates on IAQ associated with forest fires and radon, we have developed a Simulink-based mass conservation model. Using data gathered at two homes in Fairbanks during 2003, we have used this model to predict indoor radon and levels (particles less than in diameter). We find that we are able to predict both the rise of radon following the shutdown of a radon mitigation system and the variation of indoor by using ventilation rates consistent with what we have measured, source strengths associated with individuals in residences, and penetration and deposition rates compatible with what others have found. We have used situation-specific algorithms for subsurface radon source strength as well as particulate generation associated with cooking.
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Acknowledgments
The writers thank the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for funding this study.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 19 • Issue 1 • March 2005
Pages: 3 - 18
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 2, 2003
Accepted: Jul 20, 2004
Published online: Mar 1, 2005
Published in print: Mar 2005
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