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Factors influencing radon concentration during energy retrofitting in domestic buildings: a computational evaluation

McGrath, James A., Aghamolaei, Reihaneh orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-5655-100X, O'Donnell, James orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-5881-9989 and Byrne, Miriam A. orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-7234-7108 (2021) Factors influencing radon concentration during energy retrofitting in domestic buildings: a computational evaluation. Building and Environment, 194 . ISSN 0360-1323

Abstract
The findings of recent research signalled increased radon levels following energy retrofitting of dwellings but to date, there have been limited quantitative data to support this observation. A modelling framework was developed that incorporates a dynamic radon entry rate, capturing changes in pressure differentials, to investigate changes in radon concentration following different energy-efficient retrofit measures in naturally-ventilated dwellings. Simulations examined a range of input criteria: dwelling type, air permeabilities, radon flow exponents, pre and post thermal retrofit characteristics, outdoor weather locations and corresponding wind profiles, as well as different ventilation guidelines. A total of 3,780 simulations were carried out. The air permeability of the building had the greatest impact on radon concentration with increases of up to 107%. Non-linear increases were observed arising from the impacts on pressure differentials due to changes in air permeability. The application of representative weather profiles associated with different locations (e.g. coastal, inland) resulted in differences of up to 37%. To a lesser extent, increased indoor temperature due to thermally retrofitting the building fabric, without changes in air permeability, resulted in radon levels increasing by 7%. Additionally, it was shown that the radon flow exponent was not a significant influence on radon concentrations following a retrofit. The addition of ventilation measures means that it is possible to achieve increased airtightness without impacting on the radon concentration. Overall, the simulations provide quantitative information that explains increased airtightness and elevated radon levels, highlighting the potential for radon concentrations to either increase or decrease following an energy retrofit.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Additional Information:Article number: 107712
Uncontrolled Keywords:Building retrofit; Computational simulations; Natural ventilation; Energy efficiency; Airtightness
Subjects:UNSPECIFIED
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Engineering and Computing > School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Publisher:Elsevier
Official URL:https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107712
Copyright Information:© 2021 The Authors. Open Access (CC-BY 4.0)
Funders:Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the STRIVE Programme. (2015-HW-DS-4)
ID Code:26966
Deposited On:01 Apr 2022 13:33 by Dr Reihaneh Aghamolaei . Last Modified 01 Apr 2022 13:42
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