Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a system that uses a camera to detect air leakage from buildings in real time.
This system could provide more accurate readings much faster than current diagnostic tools. Through a sequence of images, the system visualizes leaking air that is a different temperature than the surrounding air.
Researchers crafted algorithms that measure velocity and flow rate for real-time leak visualization. The system has been used successfully to detect air leakage through brick, vinyl siding, and concrete masonry blocks under sunny and cloudy conditions.
The research team is working to measure the amount of leakage occurring. This will allow building owners to better prioritize areas that most need sealing.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Feb 12, 2020
KPF unveils The Pinnacle at Central Wharf, a high-performance, resilient tower
The project will reconnect Downtown Boston to the waterfront.
Sustainability | Feb 6, 2020
Passive House picks up steam
Passive solutions that reduce a building’s energy consumption could get more viable as cities toughen CO2 emissions limits.
Contractors | Jan 20, 2020
Wellness is for builders, not just for buildings
New research on wellness in the construction sector highlights interventions that could be effective in addressing dehydration, weight management, poor air quality, and stress.
Green | Jan 10, 2020
How the new EC3 tool raises the bar on collective action
Nearly 50 AEC industry organizations partnered to develop the groundbreaking Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator.
Sustainability | Jan 2, 2020
Willis Tower becomes largest U.S. building to earn LEED Platinum
The tower earned the Platinum designation under LEED's latest v4.1 rating system.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 16, 2019
101 Top Products for 2019
Building Design+Construction readers and editors select their top building products for the past 12 months in the fourth-annual 101 Top Products report.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 12, 2019
Top Building Envelope Products for 2019
Sto's beetle-inspired exterior coating and Dörken Systems' UV-resistant vapor-permeable barrier are among the 28 new building envelope products to make Building Design+Construction's 2019 101 Top Products report.
Sustainability | Dec 3, 2019
This world-first facility will turn human remains into soil
Olson Kundig is designing the project.
Sustainability | Nov 13, 2019
Citicape House will feature Europe’s largest living wall
Sheppard Robson designed the project.
Sustainability | Nov 8, 2019
South Korea plans to build three hydrogen-powered cities by 2022
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is in charge of the project.
