A short description of a second generation low-energy house built at Hjortekaer in 1984, with a calculated annual heat demand of 3500 kWh (excluding domestic hot water), is given. The house is superinsulated and very airtight. The roof and walls are insulated with 400 and 300 mm of high quality mineral wool respectively, with infinitesimal thermal bridges, and the floor is a slab-on-grade construction insulated with 200 mm polystyrene. Most of the windows are south facing and fitted with a new type of lightweight external insulating shutter.
Examines the design of two houses, built in 1982, which integrate an exhaust air heat pump and a warm air heating system into a very well insulated structure. Monitored during 1983-84, they consumed 50% less energy than a typical Swedish house. Apart from occasional (avoidable) high temperatures, the warm air heating system led to a comfortable indoor climate. The performance of the houses could be improved by installing energy conservation appliances. The house of the future should be tight, well-insulated and mechanically ventilated.
A research project by the Energy Division is underway to develop and demonstrate appropriate construction techniques for superinsulation (SI) residential construction in Minnesota. Techniques applicable for both new and retrofit SI constructi
Air pollution due to volatile compounds in six unoccupied houses with intended low energy consumption was measured. The measurements included air temperature, air humidity, ventilation rate and concentration of organic gases and vapours. On average 14 different compounds were identified in concentrations exceeding 0.005 mg/m3 in the samples, and Toluene and alpha-Pinene were the most frequent compounds. A total concentration of organic gases and vapours averaged for the five periods of measurements 0.46 mg/m3 (0.032 - 5.5 mg/m3).
In energy balance of buildings the ventilation losses are a big part, and this part is getting relatively bigger the better the enclosure of the building is insulated. All ventilation that is larger than what is wanted for hygiene and comfort can be regarded as undesired and thus be considered as heat loss. For energy conservation it is therefore essential that ventilation rate can be controlled. This report discusses the current research in Sweden dealing with air infiltration.
Fifty-nine owners/occupants of electrically heated houses in the Denver, Colorado area have, for about ten months, been participating in a study sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to determine theeffect of air infi
Building services accounts for some 40-50% of the UK's consumption of primary energy. The potential for energy saving through the adoption of such schemes as district heating, combined heat and power, heat pumps and solar energy could make a major contribution to the country's energy balance.
Three identical houses in Houston, Texas were extensively instrumented for measuring their air conditioner energy consumption and ceiling and duct heat-gain rates. Comparative tests were conducted to investigate differences in house performance due to increased attic ventilation. The performances of a roof-mounted power ventilator, a ridge vent, and wind-driven turbines were compared to the performance of soffit venting meeting the requirements of the HUD Minimum Property Standards.
This paper presents an account, and results, from the U.S. Gas Industry's on-going program to assess the effectiveness of various retrofit actions toincrease the seasonal efficiency of central, gas-fired, space heating, residential furnace
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