Uses the building energy program DOE 2.1A with the objective of validating it for use with single-family dwellings. Carries out four studies, each with a different set of conditions. The first involves a single-story house with full basement, while the second involves a single-story house on a slab. Runsblower door tests to estimate infiltration. On a bimonthly basis, simulated heating energy differs from the measured value by up to 11%. The third study, using 75 similar houses with electrical resistance heating, shows an agreement of within 5% between simulated and actual measurements.
Carries out measurements of the air infiltration rate of 3 large single cell buildings using the tracer dilution method. The purpose is to determine whether or not there are any special difficulties in using the tracer dilution method in this type of building, prior to emabarking on a more substantial measurement program. Uses nitrous oxide and sulphur hexafluoride as tracers. Finds both to be satisfactory, but concludes that SF6 in conjunction with a portable gas chromatograph performs more reliably when used for on-site measurements.
To simulate time-dependent interior humidity, a moisture mass balance is applied to the control volume of the envelope of a residential structure. Moisture transport mechanisms incorporated include infiltration, cooling coil condensation, int
Presents results of full-scale pressure measurements on 3 test houses. Discusses the influence of different input parameters, such as leakage characteristics and pressure distribution on the rate of air infiltration, employing a simple calculation model.
Describes a simple method to calculate the leakage area of a house regardless of design or weather conditions. The leakage area is used in the LBL infiltration model to calculate infiltration for any weather condition. This method, which uses fan pressurization to measure leakage area has been used in a survey of over 300 houses located through out North America. Presents the results of that survey and suggests that the present capability in air infiltration modelling offers an excellent framework for an air leakage standard for residential buildings.
Conducts tests over a period of 18 months in a house near Knoxville Tennessee to determine the effect of forced ventilation on the infiltration rate. Uses an outside-vented electric dryer as the power vent. Carries out testing during a variety of weather conditions. Uses SF6 as a tracer gas to measure infiltration rates. Develops a non-linear regression based on measured data relating the change in house infiltration rate to the vent rate.
Presents data on the air infiltration and ventilation rates in 2 large commercial buildings. One building is a 4 storey, 10000m2 office building near Glasgow, Scotland; the other is a 26 storey, 100,000m2 skyscraper in Newark NJ. Collects the data on air infiltration and ventilation rates by a micro-computer based automated air infiltration system which controls the injection of a tracer gas into the various zones of the building and monitors its decay.
When wind and mechanical ventilation effects work together simultaneously, the combined effects of the two cannot be given by simple linear summation. Investigates this non-linearity of pressure differentials by the wind tunnel test of a model building, and verifies its effect on air infiltration.
Shows that the interior pressures in buildings are amenable to more detailed analysis than is conventionally given them and that useful information on them can be easily derived from the wind tunnel data on external pressures. The uncertainties can be expressed in parallel statistical terms. The importance of fluctuating pressures are related to the area of the opening and interior volume and a simple criterion indicates when these are likely to be important.
Discusses the advantages of reducing air infiltration in industrial buildings in terms of energy conservation. States that heat loss due to infiltration is often underestimated or ignored as it is difficult to measure. Concentrates ondoorways as a major source of infiltration, and shows that the type of door used needs to match the requirements of the entrance, such as type and size of vehicle passing etc. Decribes a range of doors suitable for different conditions.
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