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Ventilation Strategies for Deep Energy Renovations of High-Rise Apartment Buildings: Energy Efficiency and Implementation Challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Anti Hamburg

    (nZEB Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
    Institute of Civil Engineering, TTK University of Applied Sciences, 10135 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Ülar Palmiste

    (nZEB Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Alo Mikola

    (nZEB Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia)

  • Targo Kalamees

    (nZEB Research Group, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia)

Abstract

Ensuring proper indoor air quality in high-rise apartment buildings is a crucial challenge, particularly when upgrading ventilation systems during deep energy renovation of existing buildings. This study evaluates the condition of existing ventilation systems and assesses the performance, cost, and energy efficiency of different mechanical ventilation solutions with heat recovery, including centralized and decentralized balanced ventilation with heat recovery, single-room ventilation units, and mechanical extract ventilation with heat pump heat recovery or without heat recovery. An onsite survey revealed significant deficiencies in existing ventilation systems, such as airtight window installations without dedicated fresh air valves, misaligned and decayed exhaust shafts, and inadequate extract airflow in kitchens and bathrooms. SWOT analyses for each system highlighted their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, providing valuable insights for decision-makers. The results indicate that while centralized and decentralized mechanical ventilation with heat recovery enhances energy efficiency and indoor air quality in high-rise multifamily apartment buildings, challenges such as high installation costs, maintenance complexity, and architectural constraints must be addressed. Heat recovery with exhaust air heat pumps is a viable alternative for high-rise apartment buildings when more efficient options are not feasible.

Suggested Citation

  • Anti Hamburg & Ülar Palmiste & Alo Mikola & Targo Kalamees, 2025. "Ventilation Strategies for Deep Energy Renovations of High-Rise Apartment Buildings: Energy Efficiency and Implementation Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:11:p:2785-:d:1665445
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hamburg, Anti & Kuusk, Kalle & Mikola, Alo & Kalamees, Targo, 2020. "Realisation of energy performance targets of an old apartment building renovated to nZEB," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    2. Paolo Zangheri & Delia D’Agostino & Roberto Armani & Carmen Maduta & Paolo Bertoldi, 2023. "Progress in the Cost-Optimal Methodology Implementation in Europe: Datasets Insights and Perspectives in Member States," Data, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-27, May.
    3. Alo Mikola & Raimo Simson & Jarek Kurnitski, 2019. "The Impact of Air Pressure Conditions on the Performance of Single Room Ventilation Units in Multi-Story Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-18, July.
    4. O’Connor, Dominic & Calautit, John Kaiser S. & Hughes, Ben Richard, 2016. "A review of heat recovery technology for passive ventilation applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 1481-1493.
    5. Anti Hamburg & Targo Kalamees, 2018. "The Influence of Energy Renovation on the Change of Indoor Temperature and Energy Use," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-15, November.
    6. Paula Ala-Kotila & Terttu Vainio & Jarmo Laamanen, 2020. "The Influence of Building Renovations on Indoor Comfort—A Field Test in an Apartment Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-18, September.
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