English

Reports measurements of air infiltration and leakage using tracer gas and the pressurization technique in a three bedroom townhouse having a gas-fired forced-air furnace system. The measurements were made in order to quantify the amount of infiltration due to various mechanisms.

Describes the current research programme of the Laboratory concerning air infiltration and ventilation. Gives some technical details. The programme consists of three main projects: 1) The development of mathematical calculation models to predict the interconnections between air tightness, ventilation, air change rates, pressure conditions and energy consumption. This model will be tested in practice. 2) The development of airtight structures and structural joints and sealing methods. Evaluation of theeconomical effects of airtightness is also included in this project.

The ventilation rate and energy consumption of one of the ECRC test houses was monitored continuously during one heating season, with one bedroom window open by various amounts. Results show that a very small window opening is sufficient to satisfy ventilation requirements most of the time. 

Describes an instrument for the measurement of air infiltration into buildings. The instrument indicates the concentration of a tracer gas in the building, by sensing the thermal conductivity of the air-tracer gas mixture.< The instrument, a Katharometer, has not been extensively used because of inherent difficulties. This thesis examines the dificulties. An analysis of the theoretical basis of the instrument is made and the problems created by changes of relative humidity, pressure and temperature are discussed and solutions are suggested.

Gives comprehensive and detailed instructions for the design and construction of airtight buildings. Discusses the problems involved in building an airtight house. Gives details of materials and methods for sealing joints, installing a vapour barrier and adding thermal insulation. Notes the difficulties in making penetrations for services, such as for electricity, water, space heating and ventilation, airtight. Describes three projects - at Taby, Umea and Akersberga - where test houses were constructed and gives details of their construction.

This work deals with different aspects of air movements in building components. The investigation shows to what degree the concept of fluid mechanics can be applied to problems concerning air flows in building componenets. The applicable parts of fluid mechanics are presented as thoroughly as possible. Based on this concept, routines are outlined to make it possible to handle complex flow and pressure distribution problems. Both manual and computer calculation routines are described and the way they can be used is demonstrated in a number of examples.

This is a practical handbook for constructing an energy efficient house. Describes energy conservation measures for the reduction of space heating in an average house on the Prairies. Describes conservation measures for a new house which include the improvement of air tightness, insulation, passive solar gainand insulation of window systems. Also describes refitting an older house, reducing energy used to heat water and reducing electricity consumption. Gives a short list of sources of information.

Describes the computer program developed for the Fire Research Station by Scientific Control Systems Ltd. to predict the movement of smoke from a fire in a building. This can be run ineither deterministic or stochastic modes.< Explains the physical model used to describe the movement of smoke through a building and outlines the computer technique used to solve the resulting equations. Presents some preliminary results obtained with the model and considers possible improvements. Discusses applications of the model.

Describes a method for determining the leakage of an entire building. Each room is pressurized in turn and the leakages of individual rooms are summed to find the total leakage of the building. Derives the equations for calculating total leakage and gives an example of the method applied to a row of three offices.

Reviews the source and nature of pollutants occurring in indoor air. Discusses two research projects at the Institute of Hygiene and Work Physiology of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich; one studying the air pollution caused by men; theother concentrates on pollution caused by materials. Outlines methods of investigating odours. Concludes that control measures to reduce emissions are necessary. Recommends that guidelines for a minimum ventilation rate should be drawn.