One limiting factor in achieving optimum thermal performance in shutters is air leakage around the shutter edges. Describes a motor driven shutter using multilayer curtains employing a magnetic type edge seal. Measures the thermal performance of 2-layer and 4-layer shutters using a controlled environment chamber. The 2-layer shutter performs as well as a similarly sized unit in which the layers ar permanently sealed. The 4-layer unit does not perform as well as expected because of air leakage between cells at the top of theshutter.
Tests a room-size, residential air-to-air heat exchanger for effectiveness of heat recovery. Conducts experiments in a small wood frame building, the Test Chamber, on the roof of the lab building. Determines heat recovery efficiency by comparing actual heat loss to that expected due to mechanically induced ventilation. The heat exchanger recovers almost 50% of the heat contained in the outgoing air flow. Additional experiments quantify effects of fan power consumption and heat conduction through the case of the device.
Uses wind tunnel model studies of houses to determine how best to reduce the surface pressure variations from wind and the associated air infiltration emphasizing the correct placement of suitably modelled coniferous trees. Finds that tree crowns convert the directed kinetic energy of approaching wind into random turbulent energy, which reduces pressure gradients on the windward walls, a prime region for air infiltration.
Presents a review of the main methods used for the study of air movement. Includes sections on physical modelling (wind tunnel modelling etc), analogue (water and electrical) models of air movement, mathematical models and digital computer analogues, and full scale investigations including pressurization andtracer gas techniques.
Describes a national demonstration of the effectiveness of an optimal weatherization programme for low-income families conducted by the Community Services Administration and the National Bureau of Standards. 101 family dwellings in 12 cities
States that as many as 600 lung cancers a year may be attributable to radon gas, and this may jump to as many as 1500 if energy conservation measures reducing draughts become more widespread. Notes that radon appears to be present in every hou
Describes large-scale field studies to investigate the effectiveness of measures to prevent condensation in some 4-storey blocks of walk-up flats in Stirling. The remedial measures in the blocks of flats are improvement of thermal insulation
Describes methods for measuring air flow rates and air velocities in buildings, with the aim of formulating identical rules within the Nordic countries for the inspection and adjustment of ventilation systems.
Residential energy consumption can be decreased if air infiltration is reduced. However, reduced air infiltration can lead to problems with indoor air quality (eg excess humidity and high levels of indoor-generated air contaminants.). One sol
A model that relates fan pressurization results to infiltration values during the heating season is the basis for infiltration estimates in several different audit programs. Describes the model and presents validation results. Uses the model in 3 different audit strategies. The first is an energy audit to determine economically optimal retrofits for residential buildings, based on actual, on-site measurements of key indices of the house. Analyses measurements on a micro-processor and determines retrofit combinations compatible with minimum life-cycle cost and occupant preferences.
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