energy consumption

Presents the latest results of air infiltration research in Finland. The aim is to increase the knowledge of the influences of air infiltration on energy consumption, ventilation and indoor climate. Briefly describes the principles of a calculation model for predicting the interconnection between airtightness and air change rate. Describes improvement of air tightness in Finnish buildings, with special attention to construction details. Discusses possibilities of draughtless and controlled fresh air intake through the building envelope.

Investigates the effect of energy-saving measures by selecting a large number of multi-family and single-family swedish houses where such measures have been carried out. Energy saving methods include insulation of external walls and attics, triple glazing windows, and installation of radiator thermostatic valves. Concludes that these modifications have, in average, led to anticipated savings when they have been modified individually. Also considers moisture problems arising in retrofitted houses, and the effectiveness of different types of weatherstrips in energy conservation.

Reports on an investigation concerning ventilation and energy conservation in dwellings, which was financed by the EEC and the Dutch Ministry for Housing and Public Works. Concludes that:< 1. In single family houses air flow through cracks and joints causes more ventilation then is required.< 2. Flats with more airtight construction provide better control of ventilation.< 3. The amount of wind protection plays a part as important as airtightness.< 4.

An energy saving survey was carried out in an office building in Stockholm during the autumn of 1978. The measures which were proposed are now being carried out. This report details the measurements made which include, airtightness testing of the building, pressure drops across facades, air flow measurements, temperature measurements in ventilation systems, temperature measurements in rooms, boiler combustion efficiencies, electricity consumption, oil consumption and thermographic inspection.

Reports heat loss measurements made in an unoccupied house at Kenmay, Scotland. Gives constructional details of this well-insulated house. Reports measurements of energy and temperatures over two heating seasons and short term measurements of ventilation by tracer gas decay method. Finds natural ventilation rate of 0.25 air changes/hour and attributes this to low windspeeds. Compares calculated value of fabric heat loss with measured value and finds good agreement. Finds type of system used, either convective or fan heating has not affected the measured heat loss.

Reports study of the energy consumption and ventilation requirements of typical existing public schools in New York. Electricity and fuel-oil consumption data from May 1970 to April 1973 from 19 schools were analysed.

Gives results of a statistical survey of energy consumption in British government buildings. Suggests one reason for high consumption may be excessive ventilation. Reports field trial of the effect of reducing natural ventilation in a London office building. Window frames were sealed with a rubber mastic, giving an annual fuel saving of 22%. Finds measure was highly cost effective with a payback period of less than three years.< Discusses problem of heat loss through large doors in hangars and workshops.

Reports a study carried out to assess whether homeowners occupying more highly insulated houses have actually realised fuel savings over those realised by comparable homeowners in less heavily insulated houses. Describes method of the survey which included air leakage tests.

Describes the current research programme of the Laboratory concerning air infiltration and ventilation. Gives some technical details. The programme consists of three main projects: 1) The development of mathematical calculation models to predict the interconnections between air tightness, ventilation, air change rates, pressure conditions and energy consumption. This model will be tested in practice. 2) The development of airtight structures and structural joints and sealing methods. Evaluation of theeconomical effects of airtightness is also included in this project.

Presents a method of analysis to separately quantify the amounts of heat loss due to transmission and to air infiltration. The analysis is based on daily gas and electricity readings for a flat. Discusses three models for calculating heat losses; the regression model, the static thermal model andthe dynamic thermal model. Only the static and dynamic models have the ability to predict some of the individual terms in the heat balance equation.< Concludes that all three models may be used for a first estimate of the total amount of energy consumption.