Experimental work on a linked, dynamic and ventilated, wall component

In conventional construction, the ventilation air enters a building through a combination of ‘desired’ pathways, via opened apertures, such as a window, vents, and ‘undesired’ pathways, via cracks such as around external openings, joints between building

Estimation of air infiltration of buildings based on the degree of air tightness and climatic data

A method was developed to estimate annual air infiltration rates in houses from measured data (building envelope air tightness, wind speeds, indoor and outdoor air temperatures). It was applied to 6 houses and the results showed a close correlation with the results from existing air filtration models.

Cost-effectiveness of increasing airtightness of houses.

Air infiltration through the exterior envelope of a residential building impacts significantly on the heating energy consumption and cost, especially in a cold climate such as Montreal's. Therefore to renovate existing houses to the level of new well-built houses in terms of airtightness will lead to a reduction of the heating energy costs. By considering the life-cycle energy consumption and the initial cost of renovation, and the CO2 tax credits, the paper estimates the cost-effectiveness of this type of renovation.

Modelling air infiltration in the second skin facade.

The increased sensibility, as far as the environmental demands are concerned, has intensified the research which aims at minimizing the energy consumption in buildings as well. In order to accomplish this task, new concepts and developments are necessary. Among those, the Second Skin Facades can play an important role. A simulation using the simulation code Simulink was set up.

Estimates of the energy impact of ventilation and associated financial expenditures.

Ventilation is essential for the maintenance of good indoor air quality, although there is evidence to suggest that energy loss through uncontrolled or unnecessary air infiltration is excessive. In this study; estimates are presented for air change (ventilation and infiltration) energy use in non-industrial buildings for 13 countries. Various methods are used for the estimates, but they are mainly based on calculating the total annual enthalpy change needed for the conditioning of air. The potential for reduced energy use by improved ventilation control is also briefly reviewed.

Moisture in the roofs of cold storage buildings.

The low-slope roofs of ten cold storage buildings in the Dallas area were examined visually and thermo graphically (Tobiasson and Korhonen 1985) from above and below. Two inch (51 mm) diameter cores were taken to verify infrared findings and to determine moisture contents for estimating wet thermal resistances (Tobiasson et al. 1991 ). Twelve inch (0.3 m) square specimens of many of the insulations were removed for laboratory studies of their thermal properties and structure.

Airtightness of French dwellings: results from field measurement studies.

A field measurement study of the airtightness of 73 - less than 5 year old - French dwellingswas led between 1999 and 2000. Buildings have been selected and classified according to theconstruction structure, the thermal insulation and the occupancy mode. Using a fandepressurizationtechnique, we assessed the air leakage rate of each dwelling with twodepressurization tests. Meanwhile quantifying air leakage rates, we observed qualitatively themost frequent locations of air leakage paths using a smoke detection method and infraredthermography.

A mathematical model for infiltration heat recovery.

Infiltration has traditionally been assumed to affect the energy load of a building byan amount equal to the product of the infiltration flow rate and the sensible enthalpydifference between inside and outside. However, laboratory and simulation research hasindicated that heat transfer between the infiltrating air and walls may be substantial, reducingthe impact of infiltration.

Design guidelines for combustion air systems.

Fuel-burning appliances require air for combustion. When the appliances are located in enclosed spaces, provision must be made for supplying the required amounts of air. Depending on the specifics of the appliances and the enclosure, additional air may be required for draft hood dilution and space conditioning. An enclosed space can be a mechanical room in a building, a furnace room in a residence or the entire floor of a building if a separate enclosure is not used to isolate the combustion appliance(s).

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