This paper outlines the living conditions that can occur in the proximity of buildings and the significance of the wind velocities that can be established, for example for shopping centres when these include high-rise buildings or for patio schools when these are to be suitable for education in the open air. It also illustrates how natural ventilation in the building occurs and describes the influence of the wind on mechanical ventilation systems.
This report describes tracer gas measurements and pressurization tests made on two low-cost houses about one year after their construction. The influence of wind speed on the ventilation rate was found to be significant, whereas stack effect was found to have no significant influence. Infiltration rates of 0.24 and 0.34 h-1 were found. These values are very low for Belgian dwellings. A pressurization and depressurization test was performed for each house at pressure differences between 5 and 150 Pa. The ageing effect was found to be quite substantial.
Discusses the installation of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in residential buildings. The various ventilation strategies are summarized for both blocks of flats and single houses. Building components and guidelines are described.
Presents a detailed description of the measurement technique and apparatus used to measure the air change rate in the Spencer St and Linford low-energy houses in Milton Keynes, UK. An automatic air infiltration rig using nitrous oxide tracer gas constant decay was used. Air leakage was also measured by pressurization for the Linford houses and some from the neighbouring Pennyland project.
This paper presents a quantitative estimate of the error of the decay and constant concentration method. A number of tests were carried out in an indoor test house located in the laboratory hall at the National Swedish Institute for Building Research. The relevant meaning of the concept of air-exchange rate is discussed and an appropriate terminology is suggested. The theoretical background, based on a multi-cell model, of the two tracer gas methods is given.
The current German Standard specifies a minimum thermal insulation. However even with excellent insulation, if the air change rate is too low, condensation can form. High humidity emissions in dwellings can require air change rates of more than 2/hour. The use of mechanical ventilation, possibly humidity-controlled and with a heat recovery system, is suggested to minimize ventilation heat losses. The user has to be educated to provide adequate ventilation in spring and autumn, but during the cold season the ventilation rate can be reduced to two thirds of the minimum value.
Presents a compact control system of modular construction, developed in the Netherlands, which incorporates in one unit the functions of air circulation and ventilation, heat recovery and heating. It conforms to the German health and building regulations and operates with any fuel. In 1983 it was installed in 6000 new, highly-insulated Dutch dwellings and in another 10000 dwellings in 1984. Operating costs are 700-800 florins/year for heating a living area of 110m2. Future models may include water heating.
Describes four ventilation options for a 3-4 person dwelling of 100-140 m2 living area. These are: a simple transverse system conforming to State (Land) building regulations, a shaft system conforming to Standard DIN 18017 (old design), a central heat recovery based system conforming to Standard VDI 2088, and a central heat recovery/heat pump system. Presents the energy balances of the four systems with the aid of energy flow diagrams.
Discusses the problems arising from inappropriate ventilation in highly-insulated flats and houses: outlines the advantages of ventilating systems with heat recovery as a possible solution. Deals with the advantages of combined ventilating and space heating installations including those which can blow air directly into bedrooms.
Discusses the various measures used to achieve the energy-conservation aims of the Federal Republic of Germany thermal insulation regulations of 1 January 1984 and to counter the health problems that arose as a result of higher fuel prices leading to reduced domestic fuel consumption in conjunction with poor ventilation. Discusses the advantages of installing heat recovery based central air conditioning systems with filters which are eligible for tax relief.