English

Discusses good control of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems as the best way to improve energy efficiency in air conditioned buildings. Looks at the Human Science Building at the University of Pretoria in this light. Simulations were performed using QUICKcontrol, a new software tool. Control methods investigated included air bypass, reset control, setback control, improved start-stop times, economiser control and carbon dioxide control. Sixty percent savings were predicted in HVAC power consumption, giving a payback period of nine months.

Analyses present and historical Thai houses in terms of climate, culture and technology, as background to an investigation of the potential for use of natural ventilation as a passive cooling system for new house designs. It suggests that natural ventilation can provide a thermally comfortable indoor environment for 20% of the year. Also develops comprehensive design guidelines for natural ventilation using CFD (computational fluid dynamics).

The residential building described is an experimental low energy home, using a hybrid system with natural energy resources and unused energy. Describes its construction and evaluation. Added features include superinsulation and good airtightness, with a calculated heat loss coefficient of 0.97 W/m2K. Passive systems include direct solar heat gain and exhaust stack ventilation. Renewable energy systems include PV modules, wind power and domestic hot water, and a ground source heat pump for both heating and cooling. There is a floor cooling system for summer cooling.

A study obtained steady-state solutions for Rayleigh number on flow structure of buoyant flow in a roof of triangular cross-section. The heat transfer was also investigated. It was found that height-base ratio and Rayleigh number have a significant influence on the temperature and flow field.

Describes how a computational fluid dynamics code was used to predict temperature and flow fields in recessed spaces outside high-rise residential buildings housing condenser units for window air conditioners. Attempts to analyse how heat is rejected into the spaces, which differ in height and location of unit. A strong rising hot air stream and one vortex pair were identified in the space near to the corner wall. It was also found that condenser units operate poorly when placed inside the taller recessed space, and at higher locations and nearer to its corner wall.

This report documents the consultation process undertaken as part of the IEA ECBCS Annex 37 Preparation Phase activity. The report includes: an overview of informationprovided bythe twelve individuals consulted; and identification of key issues for consideration in developing theinitial Annex work plan.

This report focuses on a specific approach and constellation of technologies for heating and cooling buildings. The goal is to contribute to more sustainable energy use over the life span of buildings. The apporach is the use of lower-grade energy sources and more sustainable energy practices for space heating and cooling. The technology and applications addressed in this report relate to the 'building-end' mechanical system: the space and water heating and space cooling equipment located in buildings.

The Conservation Co-op is a four storey 84 unit residential building in Ottawa, Canada, which when built (1995) embodied as many environmentally sound concepts and technologies as possible within the confines of an extremely tight budget. The objective of the development team was to provide affordable housing with minimal environmental impact, enhanced durability and superior occupant health and comfort. After five year of occupancy, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation initiated a review of the performance of the buildings.

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.

Describes a study designed to investigate sooting problems in houses where occupants reported regular burning of candles. Samples of stained carpets, filters and other materials as well as swab samples of black dust or soot were taken from five homes. Other potential pollutant sources were also identified by air quality audits conducted on each home. In addition, the study included a search of industry information to uncover best practices for cost-effective clean up and control of soot or staining problems.