English

Assesses the efficacy of an engineered mechanical ventilation system in controlling indoor humidity in one of the HUDAC Mark XI houses. Develops a mathematical model of the home, which is used to demonstrate the interaction between outdoor humidity, infiltration and ventilation rates, and indoor moisture generation and their influence on indoor humidity levels. Discusses the operating effectiveness of the rotary heat exchanger and the energy saved through its use.

An experimental investigation of wind-induced pressure loads acting on two square-plan flat-roofed model structures (50ft and 225ft high in full scale) is described. Measurements of mean, peak and root mean square pressures acting on points and over larger roof areas have been made in turbulent boundary layer flow simulating wind over urban and open country terrains. Area loads on the roofs have been measured both by a pneumatic-averaging technique, and by using a large flush-diaphragm transducer.

Describes detailed experimental analysis of the low energy Plainevaux House with regard to:< 1. Air infiltration, measured by the decay rate of CO2 tracer gas< 2. Air tightness, measured by the fan pressurization technique< 3. The evolution of inside temperature in a period of no-heating< 4. The corresponding air contamination.

The potential for energy consevation in space heating of new residential buildings is characterized using results from computer analysis, and from a survey of low-energy houses. Simulations of the energy requirements of a proto-type house in the USA at different levels of conservation show that much higher levels of conservation then those presently employed in new houses result in minimum life-cycle costs.

Describes a new method, termed Minisystem Analysis (MSA) developed for the calculation of the energy conservation potential of an individual building in which a number of energy conservation measures interact. In this method, account is taken of the fact that effects cannot at all times be added, and that certain measures must always be combined in order that the full effect may be obtained.

Presents the results of a Swedish survey of 1144 buildings to investigate the amount of energy saved from a number of different energy conservation measures.< Results show that the energy conservation measures result in a savings effect on average, and that the actual measured saving effects agree well with the theoretical effects which should have arisen from specific conservation measures.

Illustrates the measures which can be carried out on building elements in order to save energy. Describes different methods and states advantages and disadvantages as well as suitable combinations of measures. Includes descriptions of how to improve windows and doors, and a calculation of theenergy conservation measures.

Measures the air infiltration in individual rooms of a one-storey airtight house, using a special tracer gas measurement technique. Concludes that the overall ventilation rate was very low for the test house, although it had mechanical ventilation (exhaust fan). States that the best way of getting adequate ventilation is to install a ventilation system with built-in routes where fresh air can enter the building. This should either be balanced ventilation system or an exhaust fan system with special vents to the outside for supplying fresh air.

Investigates the effect of energy-saving measures by selecting a large number of multi-family and single-family swedish houses where such measures have been carried out. Energy saving methods include insulation of external walls and attics, triple glazing windows, and installation of radiator thermostatic valves. Concludes that these modifications have, in average, led to anticipated savings when they have been modified individually. Also considers moisture problems arising in retrofitted houses, and the effectiveness of different types of weatherstrips in energy conservation.

Describes the main energy R and D projects in the building sector which are financed by the Finnish Ministry of Trade and Industry. Projects in the 1970's included improving the air tightness of buildings, and balancing and controlling ventilation systems. Projects started in the 1980's include energy-economic improvement of ventilation and the building envelope, and development of heat pumps.