Grab sampling of a tracer gas/air mixture in conjunction with the tracer gas decay technique is a convenient method for conducting a survey of air infiltration rates in homes. Examines such a method, using SF6 as the tracer gas and storing the concentration in evacuated glass tubes.
A wind-tunnel model study of the experimental building at Aylesbury, England has been conducted at scales of of 1:25, 1:50 and 1:100. Compares model results with those obtained in other wind-tunnel studies and with full-scale values obtained by the Building Research Establishment at Aylesbury.
Discusses MEPA (Microcomputer Energy Programs for Architects) which has been developed in Sweden to supply energy analysis information during the early stages of design of residential and small commercial buildings, and is used inSweden, Kuwait and the US. It is designed especially for architects using microcomputers.
Describes the Computerized Instrumental Residential Audit (CIRA), a collection of programs for energy analysis and energy auditing of residential buildings. Air infiltration is modelled using the LBL infiltration model based on effective leakage. For a given budget, CIRA can also develop an optimally sequenced list of retrofits with the highest combined savings. Energy calculations compare well with those of DOE-2.1 and with measured energy consumptions from a sample of monitored houses.
Describes a detailed simulation program for estimating heat loads and room air temperatures of a residential building. Sets out the algorithms and the example simulation of a house by the program. As room surface temperaures and natural ventilation are important factors in considering the thermal environment and the heat load of the room, they are treated more rigorously than in a previously developed program.
Evaluates the intensity and acceptance of body odour as perceived by 89 male and female judges entering 2 auditoria occupied by 50-200 men. Performs 200 experiments with varied ventilation rate, space volume per occupant and temperature. Finds carbon dioxide to be a useful index of body odour intensity. Does not find any significant influence of space volume per occupant on steady-state ventilation requirements. Establishes a relationship between percentage dissatisfied and CO2 concentration.
The Fanger Comfort Equation is coupled to a building simulation model. Discusses some factors related to thermal comfort. Incorporates variables influencing comfort as subroutines in the main thermal analysis program. If the temperature calculated is significantly different from the prevailing air temperature, amelioration measures such as changes in the rate of ventilation (natural or mechanical) or conditioning of air are determined by thesubroutine CONAIR.
Describes tests to investigate the sealing qualities of Kleeneze brushstrip (a fibrous draught-proofing strip) and the frictional forces exerted by it as the brushstrip compression is varied.