Publication detail

Optimizing Indoor Microclimate and Thermal Comfort Through Sorptive Active Elements: Stabilizing Humidity for Healthier Living Spaces

PETERKOVÁ, J. ZACH, J. NOVÁK, V. KORJENIC, A. SULEJMANOVSKI, A. SESTO, E.

Original Title

Optimizing Indoor Microclimate and Thermal Comfort Through Sorptive Active Elements: Stabilizing Humidity for Healthier Living Spaces

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

This paper investigates the potential use of natural materials and elements for stabilizing indoor humidity levels, focusing on creating healthier living environments in buildings. Unstable indoor microclimates, particularly extreme humidity levels, can negatively affect human health by causing issues such as condensation, mold growth, or dry mucous membranes. In this work, we explore how sorptive materials can maintain indoor humidity within the optimal range of 40-50%. The aim is to identify optimal solutions for moisture control using passive elements, such as unfired ceramic components, which demonstrate high sorption activity within the 35-55% relative humidity range. These elements can effectively absorb moisture from, or release it back into, the indoor environment as needed. Five clay types based on different clay minerals were analyzed in the research in order to assess how their structures influence moisture adsorption behavior. These elements can be combined with green/active elements and standard measures, such as ventilation or targeted room air exchange, to improve indoor humidity regulation. The evaluation of the results so far indicates that the use of clay-based elements in the interior offers a sustainable and natural approach to maintaining optimal indoor microclimate conditions. The slab elements from all 5 clay formulations investigated effectively support indoor humidity stabilization.

Keywords

non-fired ceramic; clay minerals; microclimate; sorption/desorption of moisture; moisture buffering capacity; internal environment of buildings

Authors

PETERKOVÁ, J.; ZACH, J.; NOVÁK, V.; KORJENIC, A.; SULEJMANOVSKI, A.; SESTO, E.

Released

29. 11. 2024

Publisher

MDPI

Location

BASEL

ISBN

2075-5309

Periodical

Buildings

Year of study

14

Number

11

State

Swiss Confederation

Pages from

1

Pages to

20

Pages count

20

URL

https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123836

Full text in the Digital Library

http://hdl.handle.net/11012/250882

BibTex

@article{BUT193799,
  author="Jitka {Peterková} and Jiří {Zach} and Vítězslav {Novák} and Azra {Korjenic} and Abdulah {Sulejmanovski} and Eldira {Sesto}",
  title="Optimizing Indoor Microclimate and Thermal Comfort Through Sorptive Active Elements: Stabilizing Humidity for Healthier Living Spaces",
  journal="Buildings",
  year="2024",
  volume="14",
  number="11",
  pages="1--20",
  doi="10.3390/buildings14123836",
  issn="2075-5309",
  url="https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123836"
}