INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND COMFORT IN NATIVE AMERICAN SHELTERS: SIMULATION AND ACTUAL DATA ANALYSIS

Abstract

The wigwam was a Native American shelter built in the north-eastern United States. This study determined if these structures supply comfort to human beings using modern measurement standards and if they provide indoor air quality levels that are healthy. Keene State College faculty and students built a full-size example of a wigwam and monitored data indoors and outdoors. When a fire was introduced into the wigwam to produce comfortable indoor temperatures, the analysis of air temperature and relative humidity, along with CO 2 , VOC, and PM 2.5 levels, determined indoor air quality and comfort. By having a full-size example of a wigwam, the authors were able to compare the accuracy of a digital energy model. Comfort can be accomplished even when using modern standards in this native structure. Temperature, humidity, and rainfall exposure can all be controlled to acceptable levels. Indoor air quality is always at good levels when a fire is not involved because the indoor air in the wigwam is the same as exterior quality levels. However, the particulates and VOC introduced into the environment are at dangerous levels with an open fire. A wood stove with a flue pipe to the exterior was used to reduce the pollutants to acceptable and safe levels.