Describes a technique developed for measuring air flows between internal spaces of houses. Involves using a portable gas chromatograph to monitor the concentrations of three tracer gases released in three distinct zones within the building envelope. Using the results of each measurement, which takes approximately two hours, the ventilation rate of each zone can be calculated along with the interconnecting air flow. Presents the tracer gas equations involved, and includes an account of the experimental method and the practical difficulties encountered.
Discusses the use of a regenerative, air-to-air, rotary heat exchanger as part of a controlled ventilation system in a modern tightly built house. Describes analytical studies and the construction of a prototype. A four-month trial ina test-house indicated that the unit would be capable of recovering 5000 Kw/hof waste energy if operations were extended over the full heating system.
Gives measurements of the ventilation as well as the temperature efficiency of mechanical supply and exhaust systems (balanced systems). The ventilation efficiency is a measure of the performance of providing air in the occupied zone and is also an indicator of the air quality. The temperature efficiency is a measure of the system's capability of supplying heat in the occupied zone. Monitors ventilation efficiencies by adopting tracer decay techniques and the temperature efficiencies by measuring the stationary temperatures.
Gives air leakage measurements which show that improvement of the tightness of the outer core of a building gives an energy saving of 5000 Kw/a in comparison to a conventionally constructed building.< Finds that the most leakage occurs at the joints of walls and ceiling, followed by the breakthrough for electrical wiring, the corners of the buildings, the windows, the joints of wall and floor and the joints of ducts and ceiling.< Older houses in Sweden have approximately the same rate of leakage as in Finland, ie 5-10 changes per hour at 50 pa.
Shows that the leakage test in most buildings with mechanical ventilation may be performed with the ventilation system itself with only a slight reduction in the accuracy of the measurements. Using fans in the ventilation system, the pressure difference inside/outside may often reach a measurable value of 5-10 pa. If such a pressure difference is not obtained, the leakage exceeds allowable values and the building should be tightened. Before measuring, all of the supply air openings in outer core of the building should be closed and taped. All doors inside the apartment should be open.
Reports on single family dwellings fitted with energy-saving ventilation unit. Quotes energy savings of 10,000 Kwh/annum. Points out that adequate indoor climate can be maintained through tight houses, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery as opposed to airing rooms by opening windows.
Reports measurements on air transport through homes made by a committee working a Dutch Standard on Heating Load Calculation similar to DIN 4701, but taking account of air infiltration losses through joints and cracks between glazing, window-frame and facade construction. Describes the measuring method applied. Tables air leakage coefficients c and flow exponents, n ,of a number of flats and single family houses. Also tables c and n values of cracks according to type of construction and material, use of weather strips and measuring institute.