Mathias Cehlin

Computed Tomography for Indoor Applications

Abstract This paper deals with tomographic techniques for two-dimensional spatially resolved concentration measurements indoors. This represents a significant advance over the traditional point measuring method for mapping tracer gas and pollutants. Methods for recording of data are stressed as well as different types of tomographic reconstruction algorithms such as the Smooth Basis Function Minimization (SBFM) and the modified Low Third Derivative (LTDm) methods. Among the reconstruction algorithms available today, SBFM and LTDm are among the most promising. These algorithms show potential for reconstruction of gas concentration in rooms, since they are regularized to converge towards smooth concentration distributions. Using the LTD method and ‗snapshot‘ configuration enables the examination and real-time monitoring of transient flows.

Numerical and experimental investigation of the influence of infrared reflective interior surfaces on building temperature distributions

Radiative properties of interior surfaces can affect not only the building heat flux but also the indoor environment, the latter of which has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of surface emissivity on indoor air and surface temperature distributions in a test cabin with reflective interior surfaces. This was done by comparing experimental and simulation data of the test cabin with that of a normal cabin. This study employs transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using re-normalisation group (RNG) k–ε model, surface-to-surface radiation model and an enhanced wall function. Boundary conditions were assigned to exterior surfaces under variable outdoor conditions. The numerical and the measurement results indicate that using interior reflective surfaces will affect the indoor air temperature distribution by increasing the vertical temperature gradient depending on the time of the day. CFD simulations with high spatial resolution results show increased interior surface temperature gradients consistent with the increased vertical air temperature gradient. The influence of reflective surfaces is potentially greater with higher indoor surface temperature asymmetry. The vertical indoor air temperature gradient and surface temperatures are important parameters for indoor thermal comfort.

Mapping tracer gas concentrations using a modified Low Third Derivative method: numerical study

ABSTRACT In indoor applications, computed tomography is the process of transforming a network of intersecting attenuation measurements into a spatially resolved two-dimensional concentration map. In this study the Low Third Derivative method (LTD) was numerically evaluated and optimized for different conditions. A modified version of the LTD algorithm (LTDm) was proposed and evaluated against the original version. Eight test maps were reconstructed under different conditions, such as weight ratio, pixel resolution, beam density and measurement noise. Performance of both LTD algorithms was found to be intimately related to the number of peaks and complexity in the test map and the steepness of the peaks. The LTDm algorithm improved the quality, especially for concentration maps including steep gradients and regions with very low concentrations. The LTDm method heavily lessened aliasing distortions and efficiently minimized the effects of noise.

Assessing the Myths on Energy Efficiency When Retrofitting Multifamily Buildings in a Northern Region

In the light of EU’s requirements to achieve a major cut in energy use by 2050, Sweden has the same target. The built environment must by 2020 reduce energy use by 20 and 50 % by 2050. The size of the future building stock will naturally increase and regardless of how energy efficient future buildings will be, the energy performance of the old stock must be improved in order to reach those goals. In major renovation projects involving multifamily buildings in large residential areas in the cities, 50 % reduction can be achieved. This is cost-effective and profitable even if the rent is increased.

BYGGAE – METHOD FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

Policies for energy efficiency requirements in buildings have become more stringent according to EU2020 goals. Despite policy regulations, requirements for energy efficiency are not met in many new ...