An investigation of air infiltration characteristics and mechanisms for a townhouse.

Reports measurements of air infiltration and leakage using tracer gas and the pressurization technique in a three bedroom townhouse having a gas-fired forced-air furnace system. The measurements were made in order to quantify the amount of infiltration due to various mechanisms.

Some observations on the problem of defining mean wind speeds representative of flow over urban and suburban terrain.

Examines the problem of defining a mean wind speed which reflects the general characteristics of the surrounding terrain for the particular case of the area around Sheffield University. This problem has arisen in connection with the data analysis procedures for a full-scale wind force measurement project where a reference wind speed is required for data presentation.< Compares the mean wind structure over the area, taken from wind tunnel models with an analysis of data from three anemometers on site.

Instrumentation for Full-scale Wind Load measurement on glasshouses.

Describes apparatus used to measure full-scale wind loads on a glasshouse. Wind pressure was sensed by a Dines anemometer and the variation in wind velocity with height by a small pressure tube anemometer. Wind loads on the glasshouse were sensed by pressure tapping points connected in sequence to micromanometers. Describes apparatus for the recording and analysis of data. States apparatus has been used for two years and found to be reliable in operation.

Energy efficient housing: a prairie approach.

This is a practical handbook for constructing an energy efficient house. Describes energy conservation measures for the reduction of space heating in an average house on the Prairies. Describes conservation measures for a new house which include the improvement of air tightness, insulation, passive solar gainand insulation of window systems. Also describes refitting an older house, reducing energy used to heat water and reducing electricity consumption. Gives a short list of sources of information.

Effect of wind on the energy consumption of a domestic dwelling.

Presents a method of analysis to separately quantify the amounts of heat loss due to transmission and to air infiltration. The analysis is based on daily gas and electricity readings for a flat. Discusses three models for calculating heat losses; the regression model, the static thermal model andthe dynamic thermal model. Only the static and dynamic models have the ability to predict some of the individual terms in the heat balance equation.< Concludes that all three models may be used for a first estimate of the total amount of energy consumption.

Airtightness and thermal insulation: building design solutions Lufttathet och varmeisolering byggnadstekniska losninger

Gives comprehensive and detailed instructions for the design and construction of airtight buildings. Discusses the problems involved in building an airtight house. Gives details of materials and methods for sealing joints, installing a vapour barrier and adding thermal insulation. Notes the difficulties in making penetrations for services, such as for electricity, water, space heating and ventilation, airtight. Describes three projects - at Taby, Umea and Akersberga - where test houses were constructed and gives details of their construction.

Indoor radon concentrations and building materials. Control of airborne radioactivity

The daughter products of radon are chemically active materials which, when inhaled are very likely to deposit in the respiratory tract. Defines a special unit, the working level, to indicate the radiation burden from radon daughters. Reports study of exhalation rates from various building materials made by enclosing samples in containers and analysing air samples from the containers. Gives table of results. Discusses control of airborne radiation by increasing the ventilation rate, sealing room surfaces, mechanical circulation and filtration of the air.

The case for controlled ventilation of houses

Fresh air requirements in individual rooms of an occupied house vary between 0.5 and 2 air changes per hour depending on the number and activity of the occupants. The most common method of ventilation control is by opening windows but measurements show that even quite moderate window opening results in air change rates greater than 2 air changes per hour throughout a house.< Reports measurement of the energy cost of window opening in a test house with a heat loss coefficient of 5 kWh/K day. Finds in a low energy house,controlled ventilation is essential.

Radon in Swedish dwellings

Reports investigation of the radon concentrations in Swedish homes. The concentrations of radon and daughter products, air change rate and gamma levels have been investigated in 63 dwellings in seven types of houses built at the beginning of the 1970's in the town of Gavle. Gives table of results. From these results the absorbed dose in the basal cells of bronchial epitheiuim in the lung has been calculated for various periods.

Population dose equivalent from naturally occurring radionuclides in building materials.

The authors have developed a Fortran IV computer program for estimating whole body and lung dose equivalent rates due to naturally occurring radionuclides in building materials. Two of the inputs to this program are the effects of wall thickness and the effects of a surface sealant on the gamma exposure ratedue to the increased quantity of radon daughter nuclides trapped within a wall.

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