DC-83-03-2 -- Field Verification of the Air Infiltration Model Used in the Computer Program ENCORE PDF

This study investigates the reliability of the single-room infiltration model used in the computer program ENCORE. Calculated air-exchange rates have been compared with tracer-gas (N2O) measurements in 25 identical 1 1/2-story detached houses. The paper describes the infiltration model, the parameters, and some results.

The comparison shows good correlation at low wind speeds (v < 3 m/sec), but the model’s values at higher wind speeds are too high. The main reason for this inaccuracy seems to be that the wind-pressure coefficients used in the model are too high to fit the air barriers in ventilated wall and roof constructions.