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Swimming is a good form of physical activity that keeps swimmers fit and healthy. In countries with cold climates, swimming is allowed only indoors. Since adequate water and air parameters must be ensured in these buildings, they are very energy-consuming. In new buildings, modern solutions can be used, thanks to which technologically advanced energy-saving systems can be used. Unfortunately, in existing buildings, it is not always possible to make technical changes, or they are associated with high financial expenses. In this article, a method of in situ measurement of selected air parameters is proposed, on the basis of which it is possible to suggest scenarios for changes in the control of air technology and parameters in order to achieve energy savings. The easy measurement method was applied in a typical swimming pool building, and energy-saving measurements were taken on the first day to obtain a baseline. Seven scenarios were analyzed that would lead to a reduction in energy consumption without the introduction of new elements into the facility. The main task was to find a solution that ensured adequate thermal comfort in the building. Significant energy savings were achieved in each scenario: 6–47% compared to measured energy consumption. To improve the energy efficiency of swimming pools, especially in the current energy crisis related to the economic and political situation, all methods for reducing the energy demand are desirable. The proposed assessment method will allow for energy-consuming elements and allow for changes in the use of equipment in the swimming pool building. However, the main objective is to maintain the thermal comfort of swimming pool users, as no savings can be achieved at the expense of worsening the feeling of building users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for healthy indoor conditions, the energy crisis, and environmental concerns make building ventilation systems very important today. The elements of ventilation systems to reduce energy intensity are constantly the subject of much scientific research. The most recent articles published in the last three years are analyzed in this paper. Publications focused on the topic of reducing energy consumption in ventilation systems were selected and divided into five key research areas: (1) the aspect of the airtightness of buildings and its importance for the energy consumption, (2) the methods and effects of implementing the concept of demand-controlled ventilation in buildings with different functions, (3) the possibilities of the technical application of decentralized ventilation systems, (4) the use of earth-to-air heat exchangers, (5) the efficiency of exchangers in exhaust air heat-recovery systems. The multitude of innovative technologies and rapid technological advances are reflected in articles that appear constantly and prompt a constant updating of knowledge. This review constitutes a relevant contribution to recognizing current advancements in ventilation systems and may be helpful to many scientists in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The atrium can be used as an element of a mechanical ventilation system. • IES-VE was used to estimate possibility of using atrium to provide thermal comfort. • In buildings, artificial lighting should be regulated in daylight function. • <10% of the hours beyond thermal comfort were obtained during academic year. • Using the atrium as a heat buffer 22%primary energy was obtained. The form, attractiveness, functionality, and exterior appearance of buildings have been important considerations in architecture for centuries. Large common spaces, sharing of daylight, and the use of large glazing are also important. Combining many of these factors, buildings with atriums form a focal point, create a social meeting place, and contribute to the attractiveness of the building by providing a large open interior space. In cold and moderate climates, the atrium roof is important as the climate is often not conducive to outdoor activities. Using an IES-VE simulation, variants of a building in which the atrium was an independent element of the building or integrated into the ventilation system as a passive heater were analyzed. Additionally, two lighting systems were analyzed: on/off time-dependent control and daylight-dependent control (using dimming profiles for artificial lighting). Integrating the atrium into the HVAC system reduced the primary energy consumption for air heating by 17–22%. Using regulated lighting lowered the number of overheating hours. Factoring when the building was used (academic year), the atrium variants met thermal comfort requirements for 90% of its useful time, which did not occur when the atrium was not integrated. Therefore, integrating an atrium with an HVAC system can reduce energy consumption while providing thermal comfort to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wall-type heat recovery units are solution for improving ventilation in refurbishment. • Assessment of air stream mixing by visualization and CO 2 measurements was conducted. • The risk of air mixing when using wall-type heat recovery units is low. • The analysis of the annual energy demand for residential buildings was conducted. • Wall-type heat recovery units are helpful in achieving low energy buildings. In the cold and moderate climates the energy demand for heating of fresh ventilation air is crucial. The mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery are used to decrease the peak power of the heating system and to save the energy. In a case of wall-type heat recovery units there is a doubt about the possibility of mixing fresh and exhausted air in the combined intake-outtake device. In this paper experimental investigations were conducted to assess their hygienic safety. The original set-up containing test chamber and the equipment for CO 2 concentration measuring has been used. Visualization of airflows mixing with the usage of smoke is presented. The results show that the risk of the exhausted air return to the building is low. At the same time the ventilating efficiency of such systems is high. The analysis of the annual energy demand for the sample single-family and multi-family buildings has been conducted to present the possible energy benefits of usage such devices. Concluding, the wall-type heat recovery units should be considered as hygienic safe and helpful devices in achieving the standard of low energy buildings in a case of existing and refurbished ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new approach to designing a ventilation system for an indoor pool was proposed. • A heat pump with double condenser was found to be the best solution. • Decentralization results in a decrease in the energy consumption of fans by 36%. • Decentralization causes a decrease in heat required for heating the air by 17%. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]