Describes a retrofit carried out on a building of 36000 m3 volume in Northern Italy which eliminated air infiltration around windows using silicone caulking. The energy balance of the building was evaluated experimentally before and after the retrofit. Verifies the impact of unwanted air infiltration on a building's energy use. States that the analysis of the experimental data made it possible to extend the results obtained from town houses by other authors to apartment buildings.
This report examines three devices (exhaust fan, air-to-air heat exchanger and exhaust air heat recovery heat pump) which could be used to increase the ventilation rate of a tightly constructed house to a level sufficient to keep indoor air pollutants and moisture to acceptable concentrations.
Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide were monitored in 12 homes on a real-time basis to determine their transient concentrations, their dispersion through the homes and day-to-day variation in pollutant levels. Kitchen ventilation was determined using sulphur hexafluoride tracer gas, and use of unvented gas appliances was monitored with thermo couples. A week-long measurement programme was undertaken in a wide range of homes to determine the distribution of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulates and organic compounds.
An experimental study was conducted in Thailand to determine the thermal performance of twin glazed windows with dynamic insulation. The effects of blinds situated either between or outside the glazing were analysed. With an external blind, the heat transfer coefficient was 1.25 W/m2 deg C with natural convection and 0.6 W/m2 deg C for a flow of 20 m3/h (glass area 2.16 m2). The solar flux transmitted was evaluated analytically and experimentally depending on the blind's position. An economic study was performed on a six-storey air-conditioned building in Thailand.
A sample of 232 people were questioned during the winter about their bedroom window opening behaviour. They were also invited to cite the ill effects from which they might suffer if their bedroom window were closed all night. The great majority were found to adapt their window opening to the weather. Thereasons for it appear to be related to beliefs regarding ventilation and health.
Describes automatic equipment for measuring thermal comfort based on resultant surface temperature, convective heat flux density, air temperature and relative humidity. Results obtained in an environmental chamber are presented and evaluated.
Presents a mathematical model for the measurement of thermal comfort. Compares the results with previous measurements of air velocity in buildings with and without air conditioning.
Provides information for builders, architects and skilled owner-builders in the USA on the basics of using air-to-air heat exchangers in residential settings, including: 1) how heat exchangers work, 2) why and when they are appropriate, 3) how to choose an adequate ventilation rate and a machine that fits the purpose, 4) how to install, control and maintain the machine, 5) assessing the state-of-the-art in this technology and 6) information on suppliers, ventilation standards and further information sources.
A cross sectional survey investigating building sickness was carried out in two buildings with similar populations of office workers but differing ventilation systems, one being fully air conditioned with humidification and the other naturally ventilated.