English

The paper presents the theoretical background to an analytical tool, called ROOM, that is used by a large design practice to predict comfort conditions, and plot detailed comfort contours within a given space. ROOM is based on a thorough analysis of the radiant heat transfers that occur within a complex space linked to an explicit finite difference treatment of elements that store thermal energy. Airflow modelling is, at present, limited to simple single zone or two zone (stratified) space, with buoyancy driven ventilation as an option.

The modern trend towards more airtight energy efficient housing requires additional care in providing controlled ventilation. Passive Stack Ventilation (PSV) is one way of providing the necessary control. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is carrying out research into the performance of PSV systems in dwellings. Several different PSV systems were installed in a test house and the flow velocity through them measured under a range of meteorological conditions. The results of these tests are presented and the effect of bends in the duct and duct diameter are discussed.

An experimental low-energy house, with a novel structure incorporating an unusually large amount of expanded polystyrene insulation, was subjected to extensive monitoring while occupied by a family. Measured thermal conductances are reported and compared with calculated U-values, and the moisture performance is discussed.

The paper begins by developing the concept of CONTAINMENT and describes how the ventilation system of a nuclear plant plays amajor role in the provision of this CONTAINMENT and in ensuring that the plant can be operated safely. It continues to describe the various demands that a nuclear plant places on the ventilation system and describes the types of areas that require ventilation. The paper finally describes how BNFL Engineering Division have designed a new generation of reprocessing plants for Sellafield that have low air throughputs.

This paper presents information on the principles and application of displacement ventilation and discusses the most significant design parameters. Included are details of the performance characteristics of low velocity air terminal devices and of the resulting indoor environment based on experimental studies. Strategies for the design of displacement ventilation systems are also presented.

A series of design studies is being sponsored by the Department of Energy to investigate the practical application of passive solar technology in non-domestic buildings. The first set of eight studies managed by Ove Arup is complete and two further sets managed by Halcrow Gilbert Associates (HGA) and Building Design Partnership are under way. These studies illustrate the opportunities to produce marketable low energy designs in which the architectural form plays the major role in generating a comfortable internal environment.