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

A system for detecting low indoor air quality (IAQ) and enabling ventilation in zones of a multi-zone environment, the system comprising:

• one or more zone dampers configured in one or more supply air channels associated with one or more zones of an area of interest (AOI), such that one of the zone dampers is configured in each of the supply channels for individually regulating the flow of supply air into each of the zones;
• an IAQ sensor configured in a common return duct associated with the AOI, wherein the IAQ sensor is operable to monitor IAQ values of a combined return air received collectively from the one or more zones;
• and
• a controller in communication with the one or more zone dampers and the IAQ sensor,
• wherein when the IAQ values of the combined return air are detected to vary and/or go below predetermined values, the controller is configured to:
• successively operate one of the zone dampers in an open state while operating the remaining zone dampers among the one or more zone dampers in a closed state, such that the supply air flows into the zone having the respective zone damper in the open state and the corresponding return air from the respective zone flows into the common air duct;
• successively monitor, using the IAQ sensor, the IAQ values of the return air received from each of the zones when the respective zone damper is in the open state;
• and
• detect a low IAQ condition in the respective zones being monitored when 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 one or more zones.