English

In this paper, an empirical method is proposed which qualifies the thermal performance of buildings through the entire year. The thermal quality parameter (BTPI) is intended to be an instrument for the implementation of new energy regulations for buildings, especially for those that are located in areas with mild climate and no heating or air conditioning systems. Portuguese climatic zones are typified for summer and winter and predominance factors for seasonal loads are defined.

Reviews air infiltration measurement methods, prediction models, and flow through components of buildings. Attempts to construct a device capable of measuring air flow through a building component under a given pressure difference and to investigate the existence of a coefficient which, when multiplied by the pressure difference, raised to an exponent, will yield the air flow through that component. Components were tested under differing pressure differences and the testing device was calibrated by a tracer gas technique.

One option of reducing residential energy consumption is to improve air tightness but adequate ventilation must be provided for health reasons. Sources of infiltration and factors affecting infiltration rates are described, with methods for quantifying and comparing rates. The relationship with air quality is explained and the effect that air quality has on respiration and health. Typical indoor pollutants are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, radon and radon progeny, formaldehyde gas, particulates, tobacco smoke and odours.

Diffusion-type passive monitors were placed for a two-week period in each of 303 residences in the New Haven (Conn.) area during a 12 week sampling period January to April 1983. For each home NO2 levels were recorded outdoors, and in three ro

Notes the increased attention being paid to "sick buildings" of the irritating type. Occupants complain of deteriorated indoor air and subtle medical symptoms that may be related to the indoor air. The problem seems to coincide with energy economising. To evaluate the actual quality of the air in a building it is necessary to conduct field studies with mobile investigation units, taking representative air samples for immediate sensory and chemical analysis.

Describes a new procedure for predicting the thermal comfort of people in naturally ventilated buildings. The procedure starts by obtaining, for each important wind direction, velocity ratios between points of interest inside the proposed bu

The main objectives are 1) the collection, processing and evaluation of leakage data for opening doors and windows, obtained from certifications or tests, 2) evaluation of the influence of building technologies and component materials on leakage, 3) experimental evaluation of the reasons for the choice of wall/frame combination and of the relative components and 4) experimental evaluation of the correlation between air leakage and sound insulation in order to define new methods of acoustic measurement of air leakage for components after installation.

To update the National Association of Home Builders Thermal Performance Guidelines, models were developed, representative of the new houses being constructed in each American state. The models define the number and types of windows and doors,

The Energy Signature Monitor (ESM), an innovative energy monitoring system, addresses the data acquisition and analysis demands of test programmes which require monitoring of large samples of buildings. It has been developed aspart of the Whole Building Evaluation System (WBES). Only a nominal number of sensors are required per test site, with less stringent sensor accuracy demands as compared to laboratory investigations. The aim is to provide an inexpensive user friendly system for use by non-technical personnel.

Describes a survey of standard homes built between 1907 and 1973, not fitted with double glazing, to assess potential draught gaps, and of consumer attitudes to insulating products particularly draught excluders.