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
| Sep 26, 2012
EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITY – BD+C Greenbuild 2012 Issue
Your firm is invited to contribute to this special issue, which will be distributed at Greenbuild San Francisco, Nov. 14-16, 2012.
| Sep 11, 2012
RTKL appoints Lance Hosey as Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President
Author and authority on green design to spearhead RTKL Performance-driven DesignSM initiative.
| Sep 7, 2012
7 Do's and Don'ts for PV roof rack installation
As PVs grow in popularity, nearly half of all installations require roof rack systems. Our expert tells how to do the job right and protect your client’s roof.
| Sep 7, 2012
Net-zero energy pioneers on the el-hi frontier
Getting to net-zero is not easy, but the promise of eliminating energy bills and using state-of-the-art technology as a learning lab can make a compelling case to reach for net-zero.
| Sep 7, 2012
The keys to success in the K-12 school market
When educators and school administrators describe their vision for new K-12 school buildings as ‘21st-century learning spaces,’ they’re not exaggerating. Many new schools are truly different in concept from their counterparts of only a few years ago.
| Aug 2, 2012
BD+C University: PVC Single-Plies as Sustainable Roofing Systems
You can earn 1.0 AIA credit + HSW + SD by taking this course.
| Jul 2, 2012
Plumosa School of the Arts earns LEED Gold
Education project dedicated to teaching sustainability in the classroom.
| Jun 22, 2012
USGBC Joins Six Major Organizations at Rio+20 to Launch the Global Initiative on Urban Resilience
Global initiative is designed to spur building and infrastructure development, create new investment opportunities, and foster community action around the world
| Jun 19, 2012
Armstrong Issues Environmental Product Declarations On Nine Popular Ceiling and Steel Suspension Systems
Transparent new documentation allows end users to make more informed decisions when selecting ceilings for projects
| Jun 18, 2012
Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing Unveils Sustainable Building Solutions Test Facility
State-of-the-art facility provides a controlled testing environment of air and moisture infiltration/exfiltration in air barrier systems and building enclosures
