LoginDescribes technique for measuring the volume of air leaving a house through the loft. Two tracer gases are used; nitrous oxide is released in the house and carbon dioxide in the loft.
Bibliographic database Airbase
AIRBASE is the Bibliographic Database of the AIVC. It contains publications and abstracts of articles related to energy efficient ventilation. Where possible, sufficient detail is supplied in the bibliographic details for users to trace and order the material via their own libraries. Topics include: ventilation strategies, design and retrofit methods, calculation techniques, standards and regulations, measurement methods, indoor air quality and energy implications etc. Entries are based on articles and reports published in journals, internal publications and research reports, produced both by university departments and by building research institutions throughout the world. AIRBASE has grown and evolved over many years (1979 to present day, over 22000 references and 16000 documents available online). For most of the references, the full document is also available online.
The AIVC website includes a protected content feature that provides access to AIRBASE. Access to the protected content is free of charge but requires you to register first.
Presents a model for predicting air infiltration that eliminates many site- specific parameters normally required. The only information necessary is the geometry and leakage of the structure obtained from fan pressurization measurements.
Reports low-pressure measurements of the leakage function of a building using an alternating (AC) pressure source with variable frequency and displacement.
Notes dangers of incomplete theoretical models distorting technical progress. Cites as example determination of U-value in estimating energy losses through building envelope.
Reports measurements of the wake flows behind solid and porous fences, made with a pulsed wire anemometer (PWA) and a hot-wire anemometer (HWA).
Reports comparisons between wind pressures measured on two low-rise experimental buildings and pressures measured on wind-tunnel models of those buildings.
Describes sources of radon in materials and measures of exposure. Reviews measurements of radon in mines and dwellings. Describes measurements of the concentration of radon in a sealed chamber.
Describes in detail a multi-cell model for predicting ventilating airflows. Gives equations for flow through cracks, wind and stack effect.
Reviews current and past air infiltration research related to low-rise residential structures.
Describes the basic relation between pressure difference and air flow rate across an opening under steady state conditions.
Describes tests in Exeter University library of method of determining ventilation rate by measuring the amount that the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration in an occupied space is raised above the outside ambient level.
Treats investigations in office building where 1) flow rates of supply air, return air and ventilation between main office area and adjacent rooms were measured with an anemometer.
Recommends method for determination of extra heat and moisture load of a cold room resulting from leakages through chinks, cracks and porosity. Recommends clause on maximum leakage in delivery conditions.
Reports the results of three programmes of measurements of ventilation carried out in one-family houses, which in most cases were of the 'council house' type.
Reports survey of the energy consumption of 50 low-energy passive solar houses in the Saskatoon area. Gives graphs of energy consumption versus degree days for standard and low-energy houses and space heating consumption per unit floor area.
Outlines forces causing air leakage through openings in a building. Discusses likely leakage paths and states importance of identifying these and improving the air tightness of walls, windows, floors and roofs.
Discusses in general terms the importance of attending to detail in construction. Gives examples of faulty design and construction.
Discusses the two methods for calculating air infiltration given in the ASHRAE handbook.
Presents examples of the use of a generalized model of air infiltration, developed earlier, to estimate the air infiltration characteristics of two test homes using data for the structures, weather and furnace installation.
This is a practical handbook for retrofitting existing buildings. Describes with illustrations the addition of insulation, weatherstripping windows, and doors, addition of triple glazing and the installation of a vapour barrier.