pressurization

Uses the building energy program DOE 2.1A with the objective of validating it for use with single-family dwellings. Carries out four studies, each with a different set of conditions. The first involves a single-story house with full basement, while the second involves a single-story house on a slab. Runsblower door tests to estimate infiltration. On a bimonthly basis, simulated heating energy differs from the measured value by up to 11%. The third study, using 75 similar houses with electrical resistance heating, shows an agreement of within 5% between simulated and actual measurements.

Traces the development in the UK of performance based standards for windows from the original British Standard Draft for Development 4 issued in 1971, through the UEAtc MOAT No1 isued in 1974, to the recent BS No 6375 Part 1 1983. The original three attributes of wind resistance, air permeability andwatertightness have been gradually developed. Test methodology has been refined, and for weathertightness levels of performance have been identified to reflect various categories of use.

Tests of airtightness and raintightness of windows have been carried out continuously at the Swedish National Testing Institute since 1977. As many factors such as size, material, method of opening and type of weatherstrip employed can all vary among windows tested, it is not easy to draw conclusions about the influence of any one factor. Test results for each window are also strongly influenced by the workmanship and quality of the individual window.

A major pathway for loss of conditioned air in east Tennessee homes with externally located HVAC systems is leakage in the ductwork. The effect on infiltration rates, as measured by Freon-12 tracer gas dilution, becomes marked if the central duct fan is operating. Duct fan on and duct fan off measurements of the rate of air exchange gave mean values of 0.41 and 0.78 ach respectively in a total of 31 homes.

Fan pressurization tests on 2 unoccupied houses have been conducted once every 2 weeks for a period of a year to determine the seasonal variation in air tightness. House no.1 was built with more insulation than is required by the local building

To experimentally determine the repeatability of pressurization test results, pressure tests a home about 80 times in one year. Studies the effect of weather conditions on test results, along with changes in the results over time. For local wind speeds less than 2.5 m/s the 50 Pa leakage rate has a standard deviation of about 2% of the mean over short time periods. For stronger winds, errors as large as 15% compared to calm weather test results occur. Finds a seasonal variation of 25% in the leakiness of the house.

Decribes how the 19 floor 76m high Arts Tower at Sheffield University is having its energy use characteristics investigated. Illustrates a typical floor plan. Describes and illustrates a component pressure testing rig todetermine the infiltration coefficients of the vertically sliding windows. Treats the criteria determining the rig design and the air flow measurement procedure. Treats tests on windows where the sealant did and did not appear defective, the overall values of window coefficients, testing of a weatherstripped window, the payback period for weatherstripping the windows.

Reports air tightness measures and variations in 14 low-energy houses in Heimdal, plus testing of energy saving measures for exposed detached houses. The air tightness should be considerably improved according to the regulations. Treats principles of air tightness, pressure measurement, thermography tracer gas measurements and heat loss measurements.

Performs tracer gas measurements and fan pressurization experiments on an 8-storied student residential building in order to determine the influence of wind as well as of stack effect upon air infiltration. Compares pressure and tracer gas distributions with those from a predictive infiltration computer model for high rise buildings.

Describes the retrofitting of a 14-storey office block in Oslo, done as part of an energy conservation project carried out in Norway 1979-82. The main reduction in energy consumption was achieved by tightening air leaks between concrete wall elements and windows by the application of sealing compound in 2 critical types of joint in the facade. Measures the energy consumption one year before and one year after retrofitting, using thermography to find the air leaks and to verify the tightening afterwards. Also carries out pressurization tests using the building's ventilation system.