Indices for dynamic evaluation of indoor humidity and thermal environment

Abstract Moisture sources release wet-components into indoor air, affecting the occupants’ health, air conditioning energy consumption, and building service-life. Wet-component evaporation and diffusion are dynamic processes, and yet existing indices are limited in their ability to accurately describe moisture sources dynamically influencing indoor air. Here we propose two indices CRIt (H), an index of the rate of humidity contribution change, and CRIt (c) as the rate of indoor climate contribution change. Taking a humidifier as the source, we use our indices to compare by experiment the impact of source parameters on a variety of ambient conditions over space and time. Our approach accurately reflects how the moisture source affect humidity and temperature, with identification of specific stages of dynamic influence. This study will be beneficial for the establishment of transient indoor environmental models, regulation of air-conditioning systems, and sustainable control of the indoor environment.