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Transient Interaction of Buildings with HVAC Systems— Updating the State of the Art

Kim Pressnail

John Timusk

Building Science Corporation Westford, MA 01886

This paper reviews work that has led to the development of a number of multi-zonal airflow models (network models). At present, the network analysis and perturbation methods cannot be used to solve the interstitial flow, pressure and resistance regimes. Network analysis and perturbation may suggest that such flows exist, but the complexity and workmanship dependence of the interstitial flow, pressure and resistance regime requires direct measurement. In other words, at present, the boundary conditions of the interstitial regime can be defined analytically using traditional methods, but the pressures and flows within the interstitial spaces cannot be predicted with certainty using analytical means.

Difficulties in obtaining the detailed information on mechanical systems and the leakage areas of building assemblies make the traditional approach of measuring airflows and constructing models using leakage areas impractical for diagnostic purposes. Additionally, a pressure difference across an assembly alone, where interstitial pressures are not considered, is not enough to describe performance of the building envelope. The interstitial air pressures are usually small and until recently have been beyond measurement.

Research on building envelope durability and indoor air quality has shown the significance of these small, but persisting interstitial air pressure fields. To enhance the capability of network models, a relational model was developed. This approach permits the measured building air pressure field to be used with the network analysis. Furthermore, the response of the analytical model is calibrated by comparing the effect of a specific perturbation on both the building air pressure field and the analytical model.

This paper is written in two parts, the first reviewing issues in prediction of airflow in the buildings and building envelope, the second analyzing the actual data of measured pressure response of buildings.

Journal of Building Physics, Vol. 24, No. 2, 111-131 (2000)
DOI: 10.1106/QT5C-V941-NKJT-9XL2


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