Reducing Over-Ventilation in Variable Occupancy Spaces: Aligning HVAC Performance with Real-Time Demand Using Proactive Occupancy Sensing

This proposed study uses transient CFD to compare constant ventilation, CO₂-based control, and occupancy-driven ventilation in a meeting room operating below design occupancy. It focuses on ventilation effectiveness and CO₂ response lag, evaluating whether occupancy-based control can better match ventilation to real-time demand. The work aims to provide practical insights into improving HVAC energy performance and indoor air quality in variable-occupancy spaces.