To minimise overheating in homes it is important to produce accurate models to understand where risks might lie. To test the accuracy of modellers’ predictions, researchers – led by Ben Roberts – compared four models with real-life temperatures in two homes
Category: Technical
Calculating Covid-19 risk according to activity and indoor space
A group of UK researchers has attempted to quantify the transmission risk of airborne Covid-19 infection according to activity and type of indoor space. Chris Iddon describes the methodology and how the risk of infection falls as ventilation rates are increased
Safe return: making school air conditioning Covid-secure
As children across the UK return to the classroom, schools have had to devise Covid-secure services strategies to safeguard pupils and staff. Chris Baker details the plan for safe air conditioning at Parrs Wood High School
How thermal storage will free up roofspace at Millennium Bridge House
By using thermal storage in buildings with cooling and heating requirements, designers can cut energy use, reduce HVAC plant and potentially free up space for rooftop gardens. Joshua Martoo reports
Quality assured: regulating the heat network industry
With investment in heat networks expected to rise exponentially, the government is proposing mandatory testing to ensure the new wave of low carbon district heating delivers performance and value for consumers. Alex Smith reports
Are smart home technologies too clever for the industry?
Dan Cash summarises – and responds to – key questions raised in July’s article on smart home technologies
Decarbonising heat using ambient loop heat networks
As the government aims to decarbonise heat, Locogen’s David Linsley-Hood investigates how ambient heat pump networks could be a potential mechanism for providing low carbon domestic heat in the UK
Light relief: Tackling the coronavirus with ultraviolet light
Experts are looking to ultraviolet light to help limit the transmission of coronavirus. Andy Pearson finds out how UVC light technology works and whether it could be used in buildings
Improving competency and testing for smoke control systems
New accreditation and certification schemes have been launched recently, to improve competency and compliance in the smoke control sector. Alex Smith talks to Allan Hurdle about the industry’s response to the Hackitt report
New normals: Consultants predict how Covid-19 will change HVAC design
What is the impact of Covid-19 on the design of HVAC systems for future buildings? We asked four building services engineers how system specification might change as a result of recent guidance