flat

Reports results of studies conducted in Switzerland in small apartment buildings. Air change rates were measured in ten different apartment buildings using N2O as a tracer gas. Measurements were taken for various wind conditions andtemperature differences and with the windows partly open. Finds that ventilation rate increased by a factor of 4 when the windows on one facade were opened by only a few centimetres.

Reports study of the potential for energy saving in an old low-rise, 50 unit apartment building. Energy use and heat balance of the building are calculated including heat loss through conduction and air infiltration. Also gives estimate of infiltration rate from a room found using first water vapour thensulphur hexafluoride as a tracer gas. Suggests various strategies for energy conservation which would result in a 30% saving in fuel. Methods are applicable to a wider class of old buildings

Discusses measurement of energy consumption and the large number of factors to be studied. Presents detailed measurements for two blocks of flats in Sweden taken partly during 1971/72 and partly during the oil crisis of 1973/74. In one of the two projects major savings were achieved by adjusting the heating system, reducing the room temperature and reducing the mechanical ventilation. About half of the savings made in the energy used for heating and ventilation (40%) resulted from reduced airing of rooms.

Reports measurements made in a flat in the Netherlands of internal to external temperature and pressure differences, wind speed and direction, position of windows and doors -whether opened or closed- and ventilation rates. Concludes ventilation rate can be predicted fairly accurately from wind velocity but energy consumption is not a linear function of wind velocity.

Describes different types of weatherstrips and reports ageing and deformation test on strips and tests on air tightness and closing force. Concludes that tubular strips provided the highest degree of airtightness in both windows and doors, while angle strips were only slightly inferior in performance. Air leakage was considerably greater for strips of expanded and foam plastics and fibre strips. Tests on ageing properties indicated that special rubber mixtures such as silicone rubber and epdm were preferable to p.v.c.

Gives the results of measurements of wind and driving rain carried out over a 1-year period on an 18-storey block of flats, and compares these results with calculated and model scale data. The in-situ measurements indicate that the pressure differences between various locations on a facade, exposed to rain are much smaller than the calculated values, and also pressure differences due to wind at a window between the inside and outside are much lower than the theoretical values.

Summarises results of research project comprising survey of air tightness and natural air change rates in various types of residential building. Briefly describes equipment for pressurization tests and tracer gas measurements. Compares properties, range of measurement and cost of 5 different tracer gases. Provides some results from measurements in 53 single family houses and 28 flats. 9 of tested dwellings had their tightness improved and supplementary measurements made.

Investigates energy balance of centrally heated flat at coastal town of Kijkduin, based on daily figures of gas consumption and ventilation losses derived from meteorological conditions. Studies: 1) pressure difference over the building caused by windvelocity, wind direction and outdoor air temperature; 2) natural ventilation caused by pressure differences over fortuitous cracks and intentional opening of windows, grilles and shafts. Studies possibility of ventilation prediction via mathematical model.