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Engineering Approach to Determine Indoor Air Quality at Different Schools

ENGINEERING APPROACH TO DETERMINE INDOOR AIR QUALITY AT DIFFERENT SCHOOLS

Abstract: Indoor Air Quality can be a major concern in workforce, schoolwork, and daily life. A major concern for Indoor Air Quality(IAQ) has arisen in the areas surrounding Saginaw Michigan. The research conducted involves testing for accelerated values of carbon dioxide, Toxic Volatile Organic compounds(TVOC), air flow, air exchange rates, and temperature. The IAQ testing is conducted inside classrooms at different schools using mechanical and electrical equipment. These testings determine if the air is an adequate level of lean outdoor air inside the work setting. The IAQ is compared to the ASHRAE 62.1 building standard. The electrical equipment used in the testing process is designed by undergraduate students as part of their capstone project. Deviation in the test results and observed concerns will be shared with building management. The other objective of this research is to introduce STEM learning into all levels of schooling through this process. The testing methods used in this process utilize mechanical and electrical equipment. The activities assigned to students demonstrates how to use mechanical and electrical testing devices, analyze the difference in the equipment and teach ASHRAE standards. Overall, this research is conducted to analyze the indoor air quality in different schools and try to influence several students to choose STEM as their career path.