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TragSens

Measuring the dispersion paths of gases and aerosols in buildings

For several years now, there has been a working group at the Institute of Solar Research that develops methods and tools for the energetic analysis and evaluation of buildings.

The activities in this field include, in particular, non-intrusive methods such as acoustic leakage testing, infrared thermography and (aerial and satellite image-based) inventory analyses ranging from the scale of individual buildings up to entire neighbourhoods.

Measurement of internal building and room geometry using DLR's own camera-based Integrated Positioning System (IPS DLR OS) here supported by Boston Dynamics robotic dog SPOT. Credit: DLR (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0)

In the TragSens project, we cooperate with scientists working at the DLR Institute of Optical Sensor Systems, the DLR Microwaves and Radar Institute and the DLR Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures. We study which mobile measurement systems are best suited for detecting gas exchange paths of hazardous substances in the air in buildings and determining their exchange rates. The application in existing buildings shall work without extensive preparation of the building and, interfere the least possible with its use.

The following methods are being tested for this purpose:

• 3D scan of the inner building and room geometry, detection of openings, localisation of the measurement data, using DLR's own camera-based Integrated Positioning System (IPS)
• Detection of hidden wall structures such as hollows, ducts and funnels by radar and radiometry
• Detection and localisation of gas exchange and measurement of air exchange rates by means of acoustic measurements and tracer gas measurements

Detection and localization of gas exchange paths in the building by using acoustic measurements. Credit: DLR (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0)

Depending on the construction type, age and design of buildings, there are numerous paths for gas exchange between different building sections and in the building envelope. Smoke, gas and gaseous hazardeous substances spreading along these paths pose a great danger to persons present in the building in the case of fire, accident and attack.

The portable measurement systems shall therefore be used to detect paths and rates of gas exchange. In particular, the measurement results can be used for preventive measures. They can be applied in the field of:

• Fire protection
• Smoke extraction
• Infection protection
• Emergency plans in combined buildings with laboratories
• Evaluation of energy renovation measures with regard to airtightness

By working together with stakeholders from companies and authorities, we strengthen the relevance of the project results for future application.