Air leakage in Catalan dwellings: Developing an airtightness model and leakage airflow predictions

Abstract

a b s t r a c tIn this study we estimate the air leakage distribution of single-family dwellings in Catalonia and use a statistical analysis of an airtightness database for single-family dwellings in France to identify the building characteristics that have the greatest influence on airtightness. The most significant variables are found to be the structure type, the floor area, the age of the building, the number of stories and the insulation type. A multiple linear regression technique is then applied to establish a predictive model for deriving an estimated value of airtightness from these characteristics. To estimate the infiltration airflow, a stochastic simulation of the building characteristics was performed per census tract using real data on the distributions of building variables taken from the census information. The model is then applied to determine the power law coefficient and the airtightness distribution. The predicted flow coefficients are combined with the AIM-2 model and given meteorological conditions to determine the infiltration airflow. Two sets of meteorological conditions are considered: average conditions and extreme conditions for each season.

Methodology for the Study of the Envelope Airtightness of Residential Buildings in Spain: A Case Study

“…In order to define relevant control variables, a review of previous studies that have established predictive airtightness models in residential buildings [26] has been used. It is deduced that one of the variables with greater relevance is the year of construction [27][28][29][30]. Also, characteristics of the building such as typology [31], type of construction [30], type of window/glazing [15] and window frame [6,32], foundation [28], construction system [33], materials [15,24,32,34], floor area [28], total height [28], number of storeys [33], ventilation system [35,36], type of insulation [30] and sealing devices [34], and management type [31] should be considered.…”

Simple Tool to Evaluate Airtightness in Chilean Homes

“…Montoya uses multiple regressions to determine a model that predicts airtightness of homes in Catalonia [16]. For this, he uses a statistical model developed from an airtightness database of 251 French homes.…”

CONFINE: an airtightness level calculation tool for people’s protection in case of

“…Airflows through each path are calculated using the power law equation, according to eqn (8), and by solving the system of mass balance equations for each of the 3 zones, eqn (9). Results are the 3 reference pressure p(h ref ) i , from which airflows can be calculated.…”

“…As a result energy needs can be minimized while maintaining a satisfactory indoor air quality. During the last decade, the interest on building airtightness issues in the risk assessment field has also grown, concerning [9][10][11][12]. The French industrial risk prevention strategy asks for air leakage requirements for rooms used as shelters, but rarely for air leakage requirements on the whole building envelopes.…”