Method and apparatus for estimating the rate at which a gas is generated within an enclosed space

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for estimating the rate at which carbon dioxide is generated in an enclosed space is provided.
The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors.
The sensors are configured to measure values of selected environmental variables in the enclosed space and generate signals representative of the values.
The apparatus also includes a gas flow model circuit, operatively connected with the sensors, for receiving the signals from the sensors.
The gas flow model circuit generates an estimated carbon dioxide generation rate value as a function of the values.
Based on the carbon dioxide generation rate value, one may estimate whether a human is present in the enclosed space, how many humans are present in the enclosed space, and the amount of bodily heat being generated by humans in the enclosed space.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for determining the rate at which a gas is generated in an enclosed space is provided.
The method includes the steps of measuring values of selected environmental variables in the enclosed space, and generating signals representative of the values.
The method further includes the steps of transmitting the signals to a gas flow model circuit, and causing the gas flow model circuit to generate an estimated gas generation rate value as a function of the values of the selected environmental variables.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a building control system is provided.
The building control system includes a plurality of sensors disposed to sense values of specified environmental variables in an enclosed space, and a controller, operatively connected with the plurality of sensors configured to receive the values from the plurality of sensors and generate control signals responsive to the values.
The controller includes an interface circuit operatively connected with the plurality of sensors, and a gas flow model circuit operatively connected with the interface circuit