TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES
MODELLING AND SIMULATION
Use of software to model the behavior of fluids, pollutants and particles inside buildings, to assess and quantify aspects such as indoor air renewal, the efficacy of the extraction system or air flow patterns.
CAPTURE AND QUANTIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Capturing and quantifying the main air pollutants inside buildings using specific sensors. Characterization of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.
EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES
Detection of discomfort due to episodes of air pollution caused by external and internal sources. Minimization and identification of the source. Chemical control for continuous monitoring.
HVCA SYSTEMS
Improvement in HVAC through the use of new filtration and ventilation systems. Assessment of the quality of CO2 filtration in the laboratory.
SMART MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
Use of meters and sensors to improve comfort standards inside buildings. Optimization of relative humidity, temperature and CO2 and monitoring of pollutants in the air.
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
Improvements and indications for active carbon and biological filters. Research of new filters and the use of UV light and photocatalysis. Specialized filters for the elimination of specific compounds.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Improvement in techniques that promote energy efficiency and ensure correct air quality inside buildings. Achievement of a balance between thermal insulation and air quality.
AI TECHNOLOGY AND SMART COMMUNICATIONS
The use of artificial intelligence for optimal management of ventilation and filtration systems, to reduce their energy consumption.
INFRASTRUCTURES AND LABORATORIES
Laboratories to detect and characterize volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Assessment of ventilation systemsʼ efficiency at reducing COVs and other inorganic compounds.
RELATED PROJECTS
- The Construction Research and Innovation Group (GRIC) at the UPC is driving the N2B2 project to develop new technology so that heating and air conditioning can be turned on and off via predictive control.
- Cities are responsible for 80% of global energy consumption, 70% of total waste generation and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions of the planet. For this reason, measures need to be taken to transform cities into more sustainable, circular ecosystems.
- Ventilation in indoor spaces has become a topic of great interest recently, especially with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent studies report a reduction in the incidence of respiratory infections when ventilation maintains the concentration of carbon dioxide below 1000 ppm. Proper ventilation is also required to ensure the wellbeing of lecturers and students and to enhance their cognitive abilities.
