MVHR RESEARCH FOR EXISTING HOMES


A researcher gathers data


for the Calebre project at the E.ONRetrofit Test House


existing homes where it proves difficult to realise low air permeability values, higher performance systems are needed. In addition, it may be possible to achieve


further savings by using a more complex air flow rate control strategy, provided the ventilation rate can maintain the indoor air quality. Further research on this is required. The simulations indicate that there is potential to reduce both energy use and CO2


• Further research is needed to understand the relationship between MVHR systems


• An approved installation process or standard of quality control should be


,


The simulations indicate that there is potential to reduce both energy use and CO2


emissions, but real-


life savings are only likely to occur if the systems are correctly installed


but real-life savings are only likely to occur if the systems are correctly installed. Calebre Project Briefing Note No. 1 illustrates the need for high-quality workmanship when it comes to draught-proofing and correctly balanced installation. Quality control and training of installers is critical to optimising the operation of these systems.


What we recommend As a result of the investigation, we concluded:


• The airtightness of existing dwellings must be improved when installing


• Retrofitted MVHR systems should be specified to the highest performance


MVHR systems to maximise energy savings and carbon emissions reductions


parameters to cope with the higher levels 52 CIBSE Journal September 2013 www.cibsejournal.com


of air permeability often demonstrated by existing dwellings


and airtightness levels in other buildling types, and to establish the required air change rate to maintain indoor air quality


• When carrying out airtightness improvements to properties, care should


be taken to ensure an appropriate air supply to combustion appliances. CJ


l For a copy of the Calebre MVHR briefing email K.L.Chadwick@lboro.ac.uk More information at www.calebre.org.uk


PROFESSOR PHILLIP F G BANFILL is director of research at the School of the Built Environment, Heriot Watt University; SOPHIE ASIMPSON is a research associate at the School of the Built Environment, Heriot Watt University; DENNIS L LOVEDAY is Professor of Building Physics, and director at the Sustainability Research School, Loughborough University; and KEYUR VADODARIA is a senior research associate at the Centre for Advanced Research in Building Science and Energy (CARBSE), CEPT University, India. HYWEL DAVIES chaired the advisory group for the project.


exercised to ensure the optimal operation of the installed systems


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76