Reviews the results of IRC research on some key factors that influence the performance of a ventilation system in large buildings. It discusses the effects of these factors and provides guidelines for operating the system efficiently. Improving the airtightness of older buildings will reduce air leakage and cold drafts, and help reduce energy use by improving the performance of ventilation systems.

The Field and Laboratory Emision Cell (FLEC) was presented for the first time at the Healthy Buildings Conference in 1991. The FLEC is now used worldwide for many different applications that are related to emission testing of building products. Several labelling schemes are now on the market using both the FLEC and more classic climate chambers to fulfil the increasing demand for more indoor environmentally friendly building products.

In order to explain the effect of ventilation systems, the article presents the results of investigations made on a simulation program to calculate the temperature, heat loads, ventilation rates and indoor air quality. The study considered the Japanese daily schedule and the residents behaviour in regard to maintaining comfort. The indicators of indoor air quality were taken to be carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde concentrations. Three systems were analysed: basic passive ventilation system, a passive stack ventilation system and a mechanical ventilation system.

Describes how a nodal model was developed intended to represent room heat transfer in displacement ventilation and chilled ceiling systems. Precalculated air flow rates were used to predict the air temperature distribution and the division of the cooling load between the ventilation air and the chilled ceiling. A network of ten air nodes is used to separately represent the air movements in the plumes and the rest of the room. Calculation of the capacity rate parameters is done by solving the heat and mass balance equations for each node using measured temperatures.

Simulates a kitchen for a study of indoor air quality. An extractive FTIR technique was used to measure combustion products from unflued combustion from a gas cooker in a ventilated room. On a comparison of the results with those from conventional instruments, the FTIR technique showed good agreement. The study incorporated the obscuring of the spectrum due to the effects of H2O and carbon dioxide and detection limits. The conditions in the room were investigated using CFD.

States that when used with ice storage systems, cold air distribution systems are popular since they require less operating and capital costs. Stresses the importance of a consideration of occupant comfort. The study looked at air circulation and temperature distribution in a room, considering different orientation, velocities and sizes of jet for a given vertical location of air inlet and outlet on opposing walls. A control volume method was used to solve the Navier-Stokes equations and an energy equation in two dimensional rectangular Cartesian coordinates.

This article concentrates on displacement ventilation design procedures appropriate for rooms with heat- and contaminant-removal requirements. With passive thermal displacement ventilation, supply air is discharged directly into the occupied zone at a low velocity near the floor level and at a slightly cooler temperature than the design room temperature. The air from the diffusers spreads along the floor, creating a relatively cool layer of fresh air near the floor.

Describes how methods used in widespread energy efficient residential buildings in Germany are now being applied to larger buildings. Germany's Passiv Haus Institut has become a leading centre in developing a specification for the next generation of energy efficient buildings - the Passive House Standard. In 400 residential building the standard has reduced total energy consumption to 12% of the UK norm. Describes how this approach has been applied to a 2,200 m2 office and factory in Colbe, Marburg. The three-storey structure was completed in autumn 1998.

Reports on the detailed design of Birchensale Middle School, and how the design team has incorporated PROBE lessons into the specification. The school is over 30 years old, naturally ventilated and lightweight in construction. The PROBE team's role has been to help fine-tune the design based on the findings from PROBE post-occupancy studies. Perimeter classrooms are naturally ventilated with cross-ventilation via openable fanlights above the classroom doors.

States that car park ventilation systems not only have to control the exhaust gases emitted by vehicles but take into account possible fuel spillages and the venting of smoke in the event of a fire. Explores ways of checking for compliance.