System and method for detecting low indoor air quality and enabling ventilation in multi-zone

Abstract

A system for detecting low IAQ and enabling ventilation in a multi-zone environment is disclosed. The system comprises dampers configured in supply air channels associated with zones of the environment, and an IAQ sensor configured in a common return duct associated with the environment. When the IAQ values of combined return air are detected to vary, a controller successively operates one of the dampers in an open state while operating remaining zone dampers in a closed state, so that supply air flows into the zone having zone damper in the open state. The controller further successively monitors IAQ values of the return air received from each of the zones and accordingly detects a low IAQ condition in the zones when a difference is detected between the IAQ values of the return air from the respective zone, and the IAQ values of the combined return air received collectively from the zones.