Low-frequency measurement of leakage in enclosures
A wide variety of enclosed structures either require or cannot entirely prevent leakage from their interior space to the outside. Existing methods for measuring such leakage have important disadvantages. We have developed a device and technique that permits leakage areas to be measured from within or without the enclosure without causing unacceptable disturbance. The apparatus uses low-frequency (1 Hz) acoustic monopoles to generate an internal pressure signal which is then analyzed synchronously to provide a measurement of leakage area. We have successfully applied this technique to measuring air tightness in residential houses, and believe it can be easily adapted for use in field, laboratory, or classroom applications. We are currently evaluating why the values we obtained were, on average, 14% lower than those obtained through conventional methods and we are investigating the apparent inability of the device, as presently designed, to measure large leaks.
- Research Organization:
- Applied Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 5814358
- Journal Information:
- Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States), Vol. 57:7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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AC pressurization: a technique for measuring leakage area in residential buildings
AC pressurization: A technique for measuring leakage area in residential buildings
Related Subjects
BUILDINGS
LEAK TESTING
LEAK DETECTORS
DESIGN
PERFORMANCE
CONTROL SYSTEMS
HOUSES
LABORATORY BUILDINGS
LAWRENCE BERKELEY LABORATORY
OSCILLATIONS
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
TESTING
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
440300* - Miscellaneous Instruments- (-1989)