English

This handbook describes the use of tracer-gas techniques for measurement of airflow in ducts. Initial measurements were carried out in the laboratory to examine the accuracy of these techniques. The mixing of tracer gases (eg, sulphur hexafluoride, SF6) in ducts of various shapes and sizes was examined using different types of tracer injector. Airflow estimated using tracer-gas techniques (eg, constant-injection, pulse-injection) was compared with measurements made with traditional instrumentation such as pitot-tubes and hot-wire anemometers.

Passivehouses in Europe with a specific energyrequirement of less than 30kWh/(m2a) total for heating, tap warm water, ventilation and household electricity have been realized in Darmstadt, FRG. Four families live in the dwellings with extreme thermal insulation, heat recovery and optimized use of passive solar energy. The measurement program includes more than 200 sensors; temperatures, comfort, energy flows, air flows and indoor air quality are monitored. With dynamic simulation comprising about 2000 cases of alternative design of the building components the project was optimized.

The Norwegian solar low energy dwelling developed within Task 13 of the International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling Programme, is a two-storey row house apartment of approximately 120 m² floor area. The IEA dwelling is being constructed at Hamar, 120 km north of Oslo, and it will be used for media personel lodging during the Winter Olympics in 1994. The IEA dwelling will be superinsulated, with U-values of 0.11, 0.14, and 0.13 W/m^2.K for roof, walls and floor respectively.