air infiltration

For simplicity's sake the determination method outlined in previous issues of this article did not include the air infiltration through cracks. The graphical method is again demonstrated when allowing for air infiltration as specified in German standard DIN 4701 and examples are given.

Discusses current knowledge concerning wind-induced ventilation in buildings. states major difficulty in estimating ventilation and infiltration rates in a building is ignorance of wind pressure distributions around structures. Examines properties of wind with special reference to mean velocity profiles, characteristics of turbulence and wind energy spectrum. Reviews internal and external pressure distributions on an isolated building. Studies effect of grouping of buildings on pressure distribution around a house by considering results of wind tunnel tests.

Treats measurements of air infiltration rate in 2 mobile homes - one treated with caulking, the other with continuous sheathing board - over entire heating and cooling season. Concentrates on summertime data. Summarises results in graphs and tables. Analyses results to find general parabolic dependence on wind and linear dependence on temperature difference. In addition data exhibit marked reduction of infiltration attributed to use of continous sheathing board.

Presents a review of the problem area relating to unintentional ventilation, with special reference to the significance of this phenomenon with regard to the heat balance of buildings. It also contains a list of research tasks which the authors consider to be urgent. Factors which affect unintentional ventilation are discussed, such as wind and temperature conditions outdoors, permeability of the climate envelope of buildings, flow conditions on rooms with known rates of air supply and known temperature conditions, air movements in a flat and in the entire building.

Describes measurements of airtightness and ventilation in prefabricated 'modulent' houses, 25 single-storey with habitable lofts and 8 single-storey, all with mechanical extract systems. Measurements used pressure method and tracer gas in houses with different airtightness, types of window, windproofing and facing materials. Possibility of presetting ventilation terminals and fans to achieve recommended airflows was investigated. Treatsrelationship between wind, temperature and airtightness. Notes number of shortcomings in ventilation system discovered during investigation.

Derives mathematical relationships for the connection between pressure loss and volume flowrate using simple crack models and applying known laws of similarity for flow in pipes or gaps. Demonstrates how these relationships permit more exact determination of the permeability of cracks in normal building structural components than has been possible hitherto with the use of a few approximate average values for crack permeability coefficients and pressure exponents.

Presents calculation principles and results of investigation into air infiltrating into a high rise building, based upon assumed equality of pressures on staircases and in the rooms halfway up the building.

Describes a diagram from which heat losses due to infiltration according to German standard DIN 4701 can be obtained, as well as rate of air infiltration per unit length of crack. By considering several factors the method can be generalised for the case of several windows and doors of varying quality of fit. The method is therefore useful for both the approximate and the accurate calculation of infiltration heat losses.

Heat load from passage of cold outside air to building interior is function of wind speed and outdoor air temperature. Analyses meteorological data to determine suitable design conditions for accurate assessment of infiltration heat losses. Terms multiple of wind speed and indoor-to-outdoor air temperature 'wind-temp number' using it as measure of infiltration heat loss caused by wind. Plots these numbers for range of outdoor air temperatures and wind directions.

One cause of these discomfort zones is cold air infiltration through window joints. This can be deflected using a warm air curtain. Describes tests showing that the degree of deflection depends to a large extent on the pulse ratio of the intermixing air flows. Describes chart compiled when experimental results were evaluated permitting determination of volume of air to bedischarged by nozzle convectors sufficient to diminish discomfort zone.