A multitude of design strategies are available to achieve energy-efficient windows. Opportunities for improving window performance fall into six groups: site, exterior appendages, frame, glazing interior accessories, and building interior. Design strategies within these groups can improve one or more of the six energy functions of windows : solar heating, daylighting, shading, insulation, air tightness and ventilation. Gives 33 strategies for energy saving. Includes information on weatherstripping windbreaks, shutters, multiple glazing and many others.
Presents diagrams showing the behaviour of air currents in two passive solar houses. Suggests some straightforward means by which repetitive patterns of discrete currents can be engineered. An appendix briefly outlines the operation of a discrete current flat plate collector with a 65 - 75% normal winter efficiency.
Describes results of measurements of air leakage, surface pressures and air infiltration for several conventional and energy efficient houses located throughout the United States. The measurements are compared with predicted infiltration obtained from a simple model combining measured air leakage values and average surface pressures. It was found that within limits therewas reasonable agreement between measurements and predictions. Particular features of the energy efficient houses which reduce air leakage, and therefore air infiltration, are described.
Animal houses such as piggeries and cattle sheds are commonly ventilated using extraction fans in the ridge of the building. Fresh air is introduced through wide openings. These openings are screened by a baffle. Describes improved design of baffle which caters for a constant pressure difference between the inside and outside of the house.
The wind pressures on a building can be decreased by a shelter hedge. Gives results of wind tunnel tests which show how this shelter effect depends on the distance between hedge and house, and on the wind direction.
Reports study of 800 paired samples of indoor and outdoor smoke and SO2 concentrations of 60 Rotterdam homes. Finds that smoking increased the amount of smoke found in living rooms and the data suggest that newer houses tend to have less SO2 in the living rooms than older houses. On average living rooms contained approximately 80% of the smoke and 20% of the SO2 measured simultaneously outdoors during 24 hour periods. Estimates probability of having more SO2 in the living room than outdoors is less than 2%.
Reports measurements of air change rates carried out in the living rooms of 39 flats built during the last 20 years using Freon 12 as a tracer gas. Ventilation rates ranged from 0.3 to 2.9 changes per, hour, the average being 1.3 changes per hour. Air temperature, humidity and wind speed were recorded and the ventilation rates corrected for wind speed and temperature. Notes large ranges in ventilation rates for similar flats.
Outlines forces causing air leakage through openings in a building. Discusses likely leakage paths and states importance of identifying these and improving the air tightness of walls, windows, floors and roofs.
Reports a study of patterns of domestic energy consumption in the U.S.A. Surveys home energy use and energy use for travel. Recommends ways of saving energy. Discusses sources and distribution of air pollution.
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