English

Reports on a measurement system developed by the Institute of Technology at Tastrup Denmark, involving a microcomputer- controlled system for registering air change rates using tracer gas (nitrous oxide) according to the constant concentration method. The system is designed for measuring and metering tracer gas in up to 10 separate rooms (using an infrared gas absorption detector). It operates through automatic data logging on a floppy disc and can run without supervision for extended periods (up to six days).

Outlines a method for measuring the air leakage through the surface exteriors of an apartment, by adjusting the pressure of the adjoining apartments to that of the test apartment, so that no air leakage occurs through adjoining walls.

Gives a summary of the existing types of air infiltration measurement techniques and instrumentation using tracer gases. Describes automated air infiltration instrumentation used by researchers in the US, Canada, the UK, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland. The equipment can operate in the decay mode, constant flow mode and the constant concentration mode.

Presents the results of an investigation carried out on behalf of the Swiss Ministry for Environmental Protection. The main aims were to find acalculation method for the annual energy demand of a building which takes into account solar heat gain and which generates data permitting the effect of thermal protection regulations on energy consumption to be evaluated. Treats the effect on transmission heat loss of outside walls of absorbed solar radiation, the specific heat loss of typical dwellings, reference years based on weather data for energy consumption calculations.

This report is a guide to give the canadian builder practical information in the area of energy conservation in new housing. Offers useful suggestions for planning, designing and building a more energy efficient home. Sections covered include energy use in dwellings, air tightness, ventilation andmoisture control, options for improving the building shell, space heating and cooling systems, and cost considerations. Takes the 1979 Ontario Building Code as the basis upon which to develop and evaluate improvements.

Many mechanically ventilated buildings are over-ventilated since ventilation rates are based on a fixed number of people (often in excess of the average occupancy) and no allowance is made for infiltration. States that the CO2 concentration in the ventilated space can be related to the ventilation rate per person, and by modulating the fresh air flow to maintain a constant CO2 concentration, a constant ventilation rate per person can be obtained.

Reviews a research project which has the objective of establishing:< 1. Expressions for ventilation efficiency< 2. Methods for measuring ventilation efficiency< 3. Rules for acheiving efficient ventilation.< Derives expressions for ventilati

TNO Research Institute for Environmental Hygiene have developed a mathematical model (based on an electrical analogue model) for deciding on the best ventilation system (natural v. mechanical) for a building while it is still atthe design stage. This model has been applied to an auction complex situated at Bleiwijk to deduce the best ventilation system for the building. Conclusions are that a natural ventilation system can be realized by placing ventilating devices exclusively in the roof.

In a modern residence with reduced air infiltration, a problem may arise if the fresh air requirement is left to natural leakage. The article discusses this problem, and describes techniques for measuring air leakage and typical results. The contaminants which define the need for ventilation are described and the case for controlled ventilation systems (and possibly heat recovery devices) is made. Areas for further research are recommended.