LoginGeneral principles of air movement around buildings are stated, indicating where windy areas are likely to occur. Case studies are then described in detail, and lessons to be learnt from these are summarised.
Bibliographic database Airbase
AIRBASE is the Bibliographic Database of the AIVC. It contains publications and abstracts of articles related to energy efficient ventilation. Where possible, sufficient detail is supplied in the bibliographic details for users to trace and order the material via their own libraries. Topics include: ventilation strategies, design and retrofit methods, calculation techniques, standards and regulations, measurement methods, indoor air quality and energy implications etc. Entries are based on articles and reports published in journals, internal publications and research reports, produced both by university departments and by building research institutions throughout the world. AIRBASE has grown and evolved over many years (1979 to present day, over 22000 references and 16000 documents available online). For most of the references, the full document is also available online.
The AIVC website includes a protected content feature that provides access to AIRBASE. Access to the protected content is free of charge but requires you to register first.
A survey of current methods of calculating natural ventilation and infiltration rates showed that most design recommendations are based on the results of digital analogue studies.
Describes methods of calculating ventilation heat losses employed in several European countries. Compares them from standpoint of air change rates. Proposes calculation procedure for new Czechoslovak standard CSN 06 0210.
Detailed analysis of actual space heating requirements shows a much higher consumption in mild weather than predicted. Attributes this mainly to casual window opening, which accounts for 30% of total energy used.
Reports results of series of tests on 6 single-family houses to determine rates of overall leakage through windows, doors, walls and ceilings.
Reports measurements in title. House was contained in environmental chamber with control over inside and outside temperature with essentially no wind velocity.
Describes pressurization method of measuring air leakage using a fan installed through an open window. Gives results of survey of 24 houses.
Reports study of air infiltration through experimental windows installed in a normal office building. Air change rate was measured using carbon dioxide as a tracer gas. Pressure drop across window, wind velocity and direction were recorded .
Suggests energy usage can be reduced by lowering the quantity of ventilation air. Reviews ASHRAE standards for minimum ventilation and air quality. Suggests changes in air conditioning design and the use of air purification equipment.
According to TGL standard 112-0319, the demand of heat required for ventilating a building essentially depends on the passage of air through its window and door joints. This varies to a great extent.
Describes portable air leakage apparatus capable of measuring the air infiltration of whole dwellings directly on site by the pressure method. Main assembly consists of a flow measurement duct and electric fan.
Compares wind pressures measured on a single-family dwelling with results obtained from a 1:50 scale model in a turbulent boundary layer.
Describes automated instrumentation using sulphur hexafluoride as a tracer gas in residential housing to determine rates of air infiltration in houses.
Reports results of surface wind pressure measurements made simultaneously at thirty-two points on a 57-storey office tower in Toronto.
States that the need for fresh air to dilute cigarette smoke is the dominant criterion for ventilation design.
A supply of fresh air is necessary in any dwelling to ensure a comfortable, safe and hygienic environment, but the heat loss to this air, during the heating season, may represent a substantial proportion of the total heat loss.
Describes a simple pressure method for measuring the air tightness of small buildings. It measures the leakage rate from all apertures in the external envelope simultaneously, from which total leakage area of openings could be inferred.
Discusses the need for shelterbelts over farmland and gives expression for drag force exerted by a barrier in terms of air density, wind speed, barrier height and ratio of wind speed in the shelter to that in the open.
Chipboard is a common building construction material which continuously emanates formaldehyde. Reports measurements of concentrations of formaldehyde in 24 rooms in 23 Danish dwellings where chipboard was used for walls, floors and ceilings.
Reports an indoor/outdoor sampling program for NO, NO2 and CO in four private houses which had gas stoves. Pollutant gases were measured essentially simultaneously at three indoor locations and one outdoor location.