Propuesta de mejora de la calidad del aire interior en aulas de la Espol

Abstract

In university classrooms with high occupancy levels, insufficient ventilation often leads to the accumulation of indoor air pollutants, which can negatively affect occupants’ health and learning conditions. Elevated carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter concentrations are commonly observed during long academic periods, highlighting the need for effective ventilation strategies. In this context, this thesis focuses on the evaluation and improvement of indoor air quality in a university classroom located at the Gustavo Galindo Campus of ESPOL through the analysis and optimization of a ventilation and filtration system. The study was based on experimental measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, and PM2.5 under real operating conditions. Using this data, a multizone airflow model was developed in CONTAM to simulate different ventilation scenarios. Natural, hybrid, and fully mechanical ventilation alternatives were assessed, considering indoor air quality performance, energy consumption, implementation cost, and maintenance requirements. A weighted decision matrix was applied to identify the most suitable option. The results indicate that the proposed hybrid ventilation system significantly reduces CO₂ and PM2.5 concentrations, keeping them within internationally recommended limits while maintaining moderate energy use and reasonable installation costs. These findings demonstrate that practical and technically sound solutions can effectively improve indoor air quality in university classrooms, contributing to healthier educational environments. Keywords: indoor air quality, hybrid ventilation, carbon dioxide, PM2.5, simulation, university classrooms.