Reducing CO2 in indoor spaces – a good ambient climate improves well-being
When measuring and monitoring the ambient climate we usually consider temperature and air humidity. However, our well-being is also influenced by another factor that is often neglected: the level of carbon dioxide in the air. The indoor sensors by Elsner Elektronik are also designed to measure the CO2 value in the building.
CO2 affects performance
When there are high levels of carbon dioxide, or CO2 for short, it means that the breathable air in the room has been “consumed”. This affects our ability to concentrate as well as our “fitness”. Sensitive people might even suffer from a headache under such conditions. Due to its impact on reduced performance, CO2 is a particularly important issue for company buildings and schools.
Astonishingly little attention is drawn to the CO2 level in the air in private households. But also in living spaces high values of carbon dioxide are reached quickly, therefore a good ambient climate is certainly no longer the case. This especially applies to sleeping areas. In rooms that are meant to serve relaxation is where we find the highest levels.
The maximum concentration for work environments has been specified at 5000 ppm. However, we already react when CO2 is at a level of 1000 to 1500 ppm. Values of more than 2000 are considered unacceptable. Similarly, the DIN 1946 standard specifies the relevant value for ventilation as 1500 ppm. In comparison: fresh air has about 300 to 500 ppm. “ppm” means “parts per million”, i.e. volume parts per one million volume parts. The body suffers from an unfavourable relationship between oxygen and carbon dioxide. CO2 is also an indicator for other gases that contribute to poor air quality in a room, e.g. organic compounds.
Knowing when there is too much CO2 in a room
When planning automatic ventilation regardless of whether this is carried out via windows or ventilation units, the CO2 value can easily be included in the controls by inserting a sensor. The value is also of interest when it is not possible to automatically open windows and there is no ventilation technology installed in a house or office. CO2 measurements provide important information about when ventilation should take place in such cases as well. For example, high CO2 levels can be indicated on a display together with a reminder to air the room manually. It is also easy to configure an indicator by changing the colour of a lamp. Such “ventilation requirement displays” have already been incorporated in the ambient lighting of Corlo Touch by Elsner Elektronik, for example.
Include CO2 in automatic ventilation
In order to counteract consumed air in a room, Elsner Elektronik, manufacturer of technical building system controls, offers CO2 sensors as individual devices as well as in combination with temperature and humidity measurements. In addition, there are solutions for various systems:
The compact exhaust air control AQS/TH PF measures temperature, humidity and CO2. The combination device with sensors and control technology automates ventilation via windows or ventilation units. It is simply integrated into the switch scheme used in the building. Consequently, no special knowledge is required either for the installation of the device or the setting and the controller can be installed by any electrician.
There is also the combination sensor WG AQS/TH-UP for the central control systems WS1 and WS1000 which measures temperature, air humidity and CO2. It communicates via radio signal with the central unit which also allows a subsequently installation. The sensor activates the ventilation if the CO2 level is too high. The WS1 and WS1000 systems are available in the design variations Color or Style. The controls feature user-friendly touch displays used for shading, ventilation, light control and temperature control in buildings and winter gardens.
If there is a bus system like KNX in the building, a CO2 sensor can provide the recorded data for various purposes simultaneously: for automatic ventilation, as a ventilation recommendation, as an information display and for recording and control over a certain period.
The CO2 value for a KNX system may, for example, be measured with the KNX AQS-UP or Cala KNX AQS sensors. The Sewi KNX AQS is suitable for ceiling installations. The internal ventilation control automatically ensures perfect ventilation according to CO2 levels via the KNX bus. Elsner Elektronik also offers all devices with a combination of temperature, humidity and CO2. Some models have additional functions such as room brightness measurement and motion detection.
Air quality is always important
There are very different ways of evaluating the CO2 value in a room: including a ventilation recommendation, ventilation automatics, individual controls and a KNX system. Consequently, an approach is also available to solve every building project. It is important that occupants and users understand that the CO2 concentration in any building, whether used privately, publicly or commercially, is an important factor for well-being and should therefore be monitored.
