Discusses methods of overcoming the limitations of algebraic equations with small-scale physical and network flow models, as well as computer-based zone and CFD models.
The study was initiated to evaluate effects of automotive emissions from attached garages on the indoor environment in Canadian single-detached houses and the impact on occupants' health. This work consisted of testing a total of 25 houses in the Ottawa area to characterize the extent of leakage between the attached garages and houses. The selected houses were from various age groups, styles and types of attached garages. The study found that most of the air leaks from the garage were found to be leading into the basement.
States that to be effective, insulation must be installed correctly. Studies have shown that even small imperfections in how insulation is installed will significantly reduce its performance. There are problems associated with the settlement of loose fill insulation, and batt insulation can also sag and create voids - especially if they are not the full depth of the wall, of if they are narrower than the framing space into which they are put. Insulation installers usually work on a piecework basis, so have an incentive to cut corners.
Air movement can provide desirable cooling in "warm" conditions, but it can also cause discomfort. This study focuses on the effects of turbulent air movements on human thermal sensations through investigating the preferred air velocity within the temperature range of 26°C and 30.5°C at two relative humidity levels of 35% and 65%. Subjects in an environmental chamber were allowed to adjust air movement as they liked while answering a series of questions about their thermal comfort and draft sensation.
Experimental studies on natural smoke filling in an atrium induced by a liquid pool fire up to 1.6 MW were carried out. The new full-scale burning facility, the PolyU/USTC Atrium constructed at Hefei in China, was used. Five sets of hot smoke tests with diesel pool fires of 2 x 2 m placed on the floor were carried out. All openings were closed, except leaving a small vertical vent of 0.2 m high for supplying fresh air. Transient variations on the mass of the burning fuel, the vertical temperature distributions and the smoke layer interface heights were measured.
In many countries, besides the hot dry climate, the lack of energy resources is one of the brakes to the development: without air conditioning, it is not yet possible to give good conditions of working inside offices; air movements, dust, pollution are not consistent with cleanliness, controlled atmosphere and calm air. Furlhermore, sanitary spaces as hospitals and laboratories, and cultural ones as museums and libraries are interested in passive solutions to cooling in a closed atmosphere, ie: without any air movement, except controlled-filtered ventilation.
Human thermal comfort in warm conditions can often be improved inexpensively by increased air movement. Two automatic ceiling fan systems are described that regulate air speed to maintain comfort in changing conditions. One system is based on the ASHRAE comfort standard and the other uses the PMV comfort model. In comfort tests at 29°C and 50% RH both automatic systems provided the same level of comfort at steady state conditions as manual control. However the automatic systems were faster in bringing the subjects to comfort.
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