Gives a summary of the work in testing of different energy-saving retrofits performed in dwellings in Sweden. The report is based on work done at the Swedish National Testing Institute and the National Swedish Institute for Building Research carried out during the winter 1979-80. Thermography methods, pressure test method, tracer gas measurements and heat flow measurements wereused in 91 houses, which were retrofitted. Describes different test methods and discusses results of measurements.
Briefly overviews some of the available instrumentation and techniques that could be used by the home-owner, or professional auditor to evaluate energy use in houses. Includes descriptions of the "blower door" method for evaluating air leakage, and some tracer gas techniques for measuring air infiltration.
Discusses an energy saving project managed by a Swedish contractor ABV and sponsored by the SCBR. The project concerns about 500 flats in buildings that are 25-40 yrs old. Uses and applies experiences from theoretical and experimental work of testing air permeability and calculation of ventilation and infiltration. Describes development of some new techniques for measuring infiltration/ventilation. The work has also resulted in a new measuring unit for recording and treating temperature values.
Describes a test method for determining the overall heat loss coefficient of a house. Bases method on the statistical correlation of measured heat consumption with outdoor weather data. Derives a regression equation from the heat balance giving the relation between indoor air temperature, internal heat production and the outdoor weather data. Continuously monitors the power consumption (from electrical heaters) in an unoccupied house, together with indoor air temperatures and outdoor weather data, as solar radiation, outdoor air temperature and wind velocity.
Long-term efforts in Belgian research has led to the development of computer models for energy consumption predictions. Describes some simplified methodologies to be used for quick analysis of situations, especially in 2 cases:< 1. The analysis of the impact of certain design options on the thermal and energy balance of a house.< 2.
Notes that ventilation efficiency is not referred to directly in the new DIF standards for ventilation effciency. Reasons for this are that there are no clear definitions for the term or instructions on how optimum ventilation efficiency can be achieved under different operating conditions. Describes some measurements carried out on ventilation efficiency in non-industrial premises.
Reports on conference arranged by AIC where main topic was different building standards in different countries. Discusses condensation problems in UK housing and frequency of toxic gases in Scandinavian housing. Notes research into more efficient ventilation and future expectations.
Notes that there is currently no generally accepted term for the efficiency of a system in terms of pollution removal. Different proposals have been suggested. There is now sufficient factual data to determine the difference inability of different systems to evacuate pollution. This is despite the factthat the requirement for minimum flow is the same for all fan-assisted ventilation. The requirement is also unrelated to whether the system is an extract or push-pull system and where the ventilation devices are positioned.
Describes measurements of the leakage area of fireplaces,bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents, electrical outlets and leakage in the ducts of forced air distribution systems. Makes component leakage measurements in a total of 34houses in Atlanta, Georgia, Reno Nevada and the San Francisco Bay area. Finds damperless fireplaces and ductwork to be the most significant sources of leakage in the western houses.
Measures houses with energy efficient designs in Eugene, Oregon and Rochester (NY) for effective leakage area using blower door fan pressurization. Determines air change rates by tracer gas decay analysis. Makes fan pressurization measurements on 13 new houses in the San Francisco Bay area that have been partially sealed with polymeric foam sealant. Measures a similar group of 13 unsealed houses as a control. Uses the results of thesemeasurements in conjunction with an infiltration model developed at LBL to predict average annual and heating season infiltration rates.
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