Yasuko Yoshino

A Study on Indoor Air Quality of Urban Residential Buildings in China

abstract The purpose of this survey was to examine the actual conditions of residential indoor air quality in urban areas in China. In this survey, the concentrations of about 16 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and two carbonyl compounds were measured at 75 apartments in seven Chinese cities, viz., Urumqi, Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, Chongqing, and Kunming. In this paper, the measurement results for six VOCs and two carbonyl compound concentrations are summarized. It was found that the average concentrations of benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde were relatively high.

A Study on Actual Conditions of Thermal Environment and Indoor Air Quality in a Japanese Traditional House Corresponding to Sericulture

Abstract This study of the traditional sericulture residence, located inside the Minkaen, Jidayubori Park, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Japan, aims to clarify the environmental characteristics of a sericulture building from the engineering point of view. In sericulture, the silkworms are raised at different locations depending on their age. Therefore we describe the actual conditions of the thermal environment such as temperature and humidity when the silkworm is breeding, and the air quality such as CO2, CO, VOC, and carbonyl compound from the silkworm hearth. In addition to these factors the ventilation rate in each part of the traditional house corresponding to sericulture is determined. Moreover, the ventilation performance of the attic and the monitor roof is investigated. The mechanism of thermal conditions, IAQ and ventilation rate was clarified in this paper for the first time using the three-dimensional heat fluid simulation software. As described thus far, we have clarified the environmental situation in a sericulture house from the engineering point of view.

Summer Investigation on Indoor Environment of Residential Buildings in Beijing and Other Four Cities

In order to understand the actual conditions of urban residential indoor environment, indoor thermal comfort and indoor air quality in Beijing during the summer season, the investigation of indoor environment was carried out in Beijing, from August 21 to August 25 of 2002. Results of this investigation were compared with the results in other cities, which was already reported. The questionnaire revealed the life style within residences of summer season, the types of air-conditioners used etc. This field survey showed that the indoor thermal comfort during the mid-day, evening hours and sleeping time in Beijing felt outside the ASHRAE comfort zone and the concentrations of formaldehyde and VOCs were relatively high in some houses.

A Study on the Actual Conditions of Residential Environment and a Solar Energy Applied House in the Tibetan Plateau

This study shows the results of field measurements of an apartment building located in Tibet′s capital and in traditional houses in order to evaluate their levels concerning the living environment such as inside and outside temperature, humidity, illumination intensity, CO and CO2 concentration, intensity of solar radiation and the UV strength. The Tibetan plateau is characterized by high altitudes, low oxygen concentration, transparent atmosphere, wide diurnal range temperature, and special culture and life style, so UV and solar radiation, thermal environment and IAQ claim attention. Also a questionnaire survey was carried out for the consideration of improvements. We describe architecturally useful ways of utilizing the abundant solar energy in the Tibetan plateau of China and the solar potentials of various places are analyzed. Especially, the floor materials of the apartment houses and traditional residences in Lhasa city are examined and the living environment is improved using a direct heat gain system with simulation software. In addition, the condensation function of a solar cooker is used effectively in the local area, by selecting the most suitable materials. Also the power output performance of a solar cell using a compact portable sunlight concentrator proposes characteristic application methods for Tibetan residences.

A Study on Actual Conditions of Residential Environment in Western Region of China Part 2. A Concept for a Bio-Village in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County

We have directed at the climatic and residential environments and local residents of western China. It is founded on Japan-China joint research, built on physical measurements and questionnaire surveys that enable healthy and sustainable development, on the basis of assessment of the climate and environmental characteristics of western China. Additionally, the project aims at proposing convenient methods to protect people against the adverse health effects of climate change, looking at inhabitants. Focusing our attention on the state of housing in rural parts of Sunan Yugur autonomous county and on the characteristic abundance of natural energy resources, we set out to develop a new model for energy-efficient housing adapted to available natural energy sources. This Bio-Village concept is one of the nomad settlement plan, and in consideration the lifestyle coexisting the traditional life and livestock industry, we aim to achieve compatibility of local business development and energy conservation village.

A Study on Actual Conditions of Residential Environment in Western Region of China Part 1. A Survey on Environmental Actual Conditions of the Residence in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County

We declare the intensity of solar radiation, UV strength, inside temperature, humidity, illumination intensity, IAQ field measurements for traditional houses and apartment house in order to evaluate their levels in the living environment in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County of Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China. This study has been conducted together with Professor Jiaping Liu, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology. We have directed at the climatic and residential environments and local residents of western China. It is founded on Japan-China joint research, built on physical measurements and questionnaire surveys that enable healthy and sustainable development, on the basis of assessment of the climate and environmental characteristics of western China. Additionally, the project aims at proposing convenient methods to protect people against the adverse health effects of climate change, looking at inhabitants. Focusing our attention on the state of housing in rural parts of Sunan County and on the characteristic abundance of natural energy resources, we set out to develop a new model for energy-efficient housing adapted to available natural energy sources. We are aiming to reduce household energy consumption and to promote greater environmental conservation.