Thermal desorption (TD) is a readily automated gas extraction technology based on standard gas chromatography parameters and providing an efficient, high-sensitivity alternative to convential solvent extraction. It is applied in single stage form to whole-air samples (canisters, bags, air streams) or in two stage form to organic analytes collected on sorbent tubes. TD involves the extraction of volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds from a sorbent by heating the sample, rapidly, in a flow of inert gas.
That study aimed at testing the following hypothesis : a low-ventilation rate in Swedish homes brings an increased prevalence of asthma and allergic symptoms among children. A passive tracer gas method was used to measure ventilation rates.
Odors of new cars are important today for the consumers’ comfort and sensory analysis techniques are necessary to deal with that question. In order to characterize interior trim parts and materials, Renault has been using for almost seven years now an olf
The general objective of the Hip-Hip project, partly funded by the EC, is to foster market penetration of GC-PV systems integrated in buildings in Europe by removing technical and non technical barriers as well as developing new PV products for the building industry, through the two PV manufacturers, Photowatt and Shell Solar. The objective, is to reduce PV systems costs through innovative design and better system optimisation. This project is designed to provide platforms for the development of the photovoltaic technology in the countries where the market is still underdeveloped.
The Satel-Light Internet server provides to designers and engineers daylight information which was previously unavailable. It is based on a database of daylight and solar radiation, covering Western and Central Europe, which was produced as part of a European project called SATELLIGHT. This database has been computed from the images produced by the Meteosat satellite. Thus it has an excellent spatial resolution (every 5 km on average) and an excellent temporal resolution (every 30 mn).
Information in the UK Climate Change Programme suggests that carbon savings in the domestic sector from end-use efficiency improvements could amount to some 4.7MtC/yr in 2010, based on allowances for improvements to the building regulations, residential energy efficiency improvements and appliance standards and labelling. This paper discusses detailed scenarios that have been developed using the BREHOMES model of the energy use of the housing stock to study the implications of this level of saving.
The integration of renewable energy systems, mainly active solar ones, in buildings has been an aim of intense research over the last thirty years. Solar thermal systems have become the most widespread, and certainly the most well known RES system, being a commonly accepted solution for hot water production. Within the framework of this paper, which is based on the results of the SEPEDIC-ALTENER project and the Serres project are being analysed all the aspects of RES systems integration in buildings.
Preliminary experiments with a novel glazing system developed at the Desert Architecture and Urban Planning Unit of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev indicated that it may provide improved visual and thermal performance in buildings with large glazed areas located in sunny regions (hot and cold). In winter, it allows solar space heating but reduces glare, local over-heating and damage to furnishings caused by exposure to direct solar radiation.
Evidence suggests that a significant number of large highly-glazed spaces have major design flaws that lead to energy wastage and discomfort. Provision to control solar gains are generally insufficient in these buildings, which can lead to excessively high temperatures during the summer. Besides, the solutions implemented to overcome these issues usually have a high energy cost, whereas passive techniques may well limit these problems. This paper deals with design issues related to solar protections.
External shading systems, window systems and light control systems try to reach the indoor comfort and energy saving by approaches, that are different in complexity, costs and results; besides a good coordination among them could produce better performances. This paper analyses the office space energy demand connected to the use of different glazing materials, light control systems and external fixed shading devices for office buildings, with the aim to optimize their usage aspects and characteristics.
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