The potential for energy consevation in space heating of new residential buildings is characterized using results from computer analysis, and from a survey of low-energy houses. Simulations of the energy requirements of a proto-type house in the USA at different levels of conservation show that much higher levels of conservation then those presently employed in new houses result in minimum life-cycle costs.
Describes a new method, termed Minisystem Analysis (MSA) developed for the calculation of the energy conservation potential of an individual building in which a number of energy conservation measures interact. In this method, account is taken of the fact that effects cannot at all times be added, and that certain measures must always be combined in order that the full effect may be obtained.
Presents the results of a Swedish survey of 1144 buildings to investigate the amount of energy saved from a number of different energy conservation measures.< Results show that the energy conservation measures result in a savings effect on average, and that the actual measured saving effects agree well with the theoretical effects which should have arisen from specific conservation measures.
Illustrates the measures which can be carried out on building elements in order to save energy. Describes different methods and states advantages and disadvantages as well as suitable combinations of measures. Includes descriptions of how to improve windows and doors, and a calculation of theenergy conservation measures.
In most office buildings, the continuous renewal of air cannot be guaranteed by means of ventilation through windows during any optional time. It is known (in the case of radiators and window ventilation) that when a window is open the ventilating heat cannot be recovered and other heat losses will occur.< The paper proves that the heating of a building by air is a greater energy saver then the conventional solution through static heating and window ventilation.
Measures the air infiltration in individual rooms of a one-storey airtight house, using a special tracer gas measurement technique. Concludes that the overall ventilation rate was very low for the test house, although it had mechanical ventilation (exhaust fan). States that the best way of getting adequate ventilation is to install a ventilation system with built-in routes where fresh air can enter the building. This should either be balanced ventilation system or an exhaust fan system with special vents to the outside for supplying fresh air.
Investigates the effect of energy-saving measures by selecting a large number of multi-family and single-family swedish houses where such measures have been carried out. Energy saving methods include insulation of external walls and attics, triple glazing windows, and installation of radiator thermostatic valves. Concludes that these modifications have, in average, led to anticipated savings when they have been modified individually. Also considers moisture problems arising in retrofitted houses, and the effectiveness of different types of weatherstrips in energy conservation.
Describes the main energy R and D projects in the building sector which are financed by the Finnish Ministry of Trade and Industry. Projects in the 1970's included improving the air tightness of buildings, and balancing and controlling ventilation systems. Projects started in the 1980's include energy-economic improvement of ventilation and the building envelope, and development of heat pumps.
Assesses the quality of retrofit work carried out in 329 Swedish houses, which had received government energy-saving funds. Describes the selection of dwellings, the measurement methods employed (including thermography, pressure testing, tracer gas and heat flow) and the results.< In most houses, insulation work in attics and on external walls had been carried out satisfactorily. However, the houses were still not air tight and exhibited high ventilation figures (for pressure tests 8 air exchanges per hour at 50 Pa and for tracer gas tests 0.6 air exchanges per hour).
Describes tests performed on laboratory manufactured and prefabricated concrete specimens, to determine air leakage rates through cracks. Shows the expected increase of air leakage for increasing crack width and the decrease for increased element thickness. Appropriate theoretical assumptions are described, and the results show relationships for the calculation of the magnitude of air leakage through cracks.