Indoor air quality in the university classroom: An experiment and simulation analysis in a tropical climate

Abstract A comfortable classroom environment depends heavily on indoor air quality to maximise productivity and performance. This statement refers to the preliminary survey indicating that most university students spend 90% of their time inside buildings. Each day, between three and six hours are spent in the classroom. However, most classrooms today are equipped with AC units, which restrict air exchange. A major reason is the high temperatures, especially in tropical climates. Overly high CO 2 concentrations will have a negative effect on health. The purpose of this research is to identify the indoor air quality of Classroom A.202, Department of Architecture, Diponegoro University, focusing particularly on CO 2 concentrations. A combination of experiments and simulations is used in the method. For 10 minutes, an Air Quality Monitor and CONTAM simulation software were used to measure and simulate window openings and occupant movements. The results show that CO 2 concentration levels increase as occupants in a room increase and air circulation becomes obstructed. It was found that good air circulation can lower CO 2 levels, resulting in an optimal learning environment.