What is the purpose of demand-controlled ventilation?

Demand-controlled ventilation is focused on optimizing indoor air quality while minimizing energy usage by adjusting ventilation rates based on actual occupancy levels in a space. This approach allows buildings to provide fresh air as needed rather than maintaining a constant flow regardless of the number of occupants present.

When occupancy levels are low, the system reduces the amount of conditioned outdoor air brought into the building, thus conserving energy that would otherwise be used for heating or cooling the incoming air. Conversely, as the number of occupants increases, the system can ramp up ventilation to ensure adequate air quality. This strategy not only conserves energy but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, as the air quality can be maintained at appropriate levels based on real-time demand rather than a fixed rate.