Leakage measurements of houses are common practice in many countries, partly because they are needed for predicting ventilation rates. To use the measurements in this way it is usually necessary to fit an equation to the measured leakage data, so that the data can be extended into the region of interest. At present, the power-law equation is generally chosen for the curve fit. Considers a new approach using a quadratic equation. Shows that there can be large differences between the 2 equations, so the choice of equation is important.
Discusses the ASHRAE Standard 62-1981 "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor AIr Quality", and extensive field measurements of ventilation. Presents apredictive model for indoor air contaminant concentrations in residences andits verification, along with the effects of several variables. Additional research on the indoor emanation rates of contaminants which are health hazards would enable the prediction of indoor contaminant levels with various control options.
Investigates the energy performance of a two storey occupied gas heated house in Ontario Canada by means of steady state and dynamic analyses of measured data. Experimental results were obtained from a monitoring study done on an hourly basis.
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 a model for computing the infiltration and air flow between rooms of a multi-room building in terms of basic principles of fluid mechanics. This model has been incorporated into a comprehensive loads-predicting computer program. Air flo
A small test house having a pitched roof/ventilated attic was installed in a high bay environmental chamber. The test house and its attic were extensively instrumented for measuring heat and moisture transfer. The test house was exposed to a ser
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.
Measures the pressure on the outlet of a flue on a free-standing scale model in the wind tunnel at IG-TNO, as a function of the height of the flue outlet above the roof, of its position on the sloping roof and the pitch of the roof.
Discusses the importance of local wind and temperature conditions and their effect on the air change rate between a building and its environment. Provides a descriptive model of air change rates and a building's microclimate. Describes methods which illustrate average wind velocity and effect of height and characterises wind spectra and turbulence intensity caused by velocity fluctuations. Discusses mechanisms which affect air change rates and climate comfort and gives an analysis of a simple model for random air leakage. Lists important and urgent research requirements.
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.