Simplified Radon Entry Rate Estimation Methodology from Tracer and Radon Concentrations Based on Functional Data Analysis Approach. Chapter 8

Abstract

We present a methodology useful for estimation of radon entry rate (RER) in buildings. General RER estimation is complicated by the presence of air exchange rate, which acts as a nuisance parameter. Nevertheless, RER can be estimated under various circumstances. One such a situation occurs when, in addition to the time series of radon concentrations, time series of some tracer concentrations is available. Here, we will present a simpler but flexible alternative to Kalman filtering approach, based on functional data analysis (FDA), Ramsay, Silverman (1997) methodology. It is built on spline smoothing of radon and tracer concentrations, subsequent estimation of their time derivatives and finally on solution of the underlying system of differential equations. The methodology is presented first in generality, and then with respect to practical implementation and computation. Then it is illustrated on real data.