A low cost technique for the measurement of high ventilation rates.

A recent investigation into the thermal environment of tropical housing required a low cost method for the measurement of high ventilation rates. As a result a simple measurement system, using the detection of the decay of smoke density, was developed. The sensor, based on an infrared LED emitter and a silicon diode receiver, was easily portable, highly robust and could be constructed for less than 50. It was found to be suitable for the measurement of decay rates in excess of 20 air changes per hour. The visible smoke tracer required for the system was easily generated by a number of methods, including smoldering coir matting, smoke bombs and theatrical smoke generators.