Yu Wang
Doctor of Philosophy, (Building Technology)
Study Completed: 2020
College of Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Effects of a solar air heater on the indoor air quality in classrooms during winter. A case study of Palmerston North primary schools
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Schools are densely populated places, where children spend a large amount time. The air quality in classrooms impacts students’ health, academic outcomes and attendance rates. A two-year crossover project was undertaken by Ms Wang in 12 Palmerston North, NZ primary school classrooms (8 in 2013 and 12 in 2014). Her study investigated the change in classroom temperature levels and ventilation rates when a roof-mounted solar air heater was operating (treatment), compared to when it was not (control). Results showed that the temperature in treatment classrooms was on average 0.5 °C higher than in control classrooms, when both the control and treatment classrooms had the same heater use. Across all schools, carbon dioxide levels (a surrogate for ventilation rates) in treatment classrooms were on average 96 ppm lower than in control classrooms. More importantly, only in one treatment classroom did the ventilation rate meet NZ Ministry of Education recommended level.
Supervisors
Professor Robyn Phipps
Dr Manfred Plagmann
Dr Mikael Boulic