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A project was formulated for the purpose of studying the possibility of improving indoor climate in hot countries without the use of fans and/or air conditioners. This climate regulation technique is here termed passive climate regulation. In the present report the results of the first stage in a series of studies are presented and discussed. In this stage the principles involved are outlined and the computational techniques are demonstrated for relatively simple cases.

Existing models for predicting air infiltration account for three dominant variables, namely envelope leakage characteristics, indoor-outdoor temperature difference and wind speed. Building shape, wind direction and sheltering, also influence the wind induced component of air infiltration. In this report, these variables are examined analytically and experimentally using wind tunnel data and field infiltration measurements. A sensitivity analysis of a power law infiltration relationship reveals that these factors are most significant at small temperature differences.

There is no patent solution. Discusses duties of ventilation system: to create a satisfactory indoor climate in a cost-effective manner while considering the demands of three intimately associated factors - well-being, health, working efficiency, risk. Notes the various criteria to be complied with to provide satisfactory ventilation: thermal requirements, air quality requirements, noise/safety, flexibility and economy.

A field study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of air leakage sealing techniques for reducing air infiltration in houses. Presealing and postsealing air leakage tests were performed upon 82 single detached houses inWinnipeg or southern Manitoba. All houses were placed under a negative pressure, and leakage sites were identified using smoke pencils. Windows and doors were weather-stripped and other unintentional openings caulked and sealed using specified materials and techniques.

Reconsiders semi-empirical equations derived from earlier laboratory investigation of flow through cracks. Proposes revised method of application. States equations offer improved technique for estimating open areas of room components. Presents supportive experimental results. Demonstrates implications of the equations regarding scale effect for full-scale and model-scale situations. Presents some results of ventilation rate measurements at model scale to illustrate effects of scale and wind turbulence, flow characteristics of scale model windows and of simple circular holes.