Challenges and Development Prospects of Artificial Ventilation Systems Application in Afar Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Due to hot weather situation of Afar region the air conditioner with cooling is more applicable in ensuring the thermal comfort needed. Familiarity with the Artificial Ventilation Systems (AVS) is essential to diagnose its social, economical and environmental problems and recommend strategies for redemption.This research discusses the challenges, complains and opportunities for Artificial Ventilation Systems application towards buildings of living rooms and offices in Afar regional state.  In this study purposive sample surveys of 120 buildings were undertaken in Assaiyta, Logia and Samara. Air conditioning (AC) unit with R-22 operating refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly were dominantly used in all selected sites. Among the AC types, the split type is the dominant types of air conditioning units followed by window type. In Assaiyta and Logia Towns fan forced ventilation type and natural ventilation is extensively used than air conditioning this could be due to the high initial cost of AC and its power supply (electricity). Among the Occupants complains for their Artificial Ventilation Systems, the noise level coming out of the system was the highest. It could be due to the equipment age, lose fittings and improper maintenance of units. According to major respondents the maintenance of Artificial Ventilation Systems is carried out once in two years or not at all. This illustrates a poor maintenance policy.The presence of odor due to cigarette smoking and close proximity to toilets were an indicator of Indoor Air Quality problem. Financial limitation, unavailability, unaffordable, lack of awareness and energy source for the operating of environmentally friendly Air conditioner were challenges of the majority respondents in the three selected sites of Afar region. Solar energy potential, the presence of more NGOs, and higher institution were some of the opportunities to exploit the maximum benefits of Artificial Ventilation Systems for improving the living and working condition of occupants in the region.

Keywords:  Artificial Ventilation Systems, Complains, Refrigerated air conditioner, Indoor Air Quality