Assessment of Literature Related to Combustion Appliance Venting Systems

Rapp, V. H. ; Less, B. D. ; Singer, B. C. ; Stratton, J. C. ; Wray, C. P.

关键词: lbnl;    combustion appliance venting systems;    retrofit programs;    venting;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1220526
RP-ID  :  LBNL--5798E
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1220526
Others  :  Other: 7145

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

In many residential building retrofit programs, air tightening to increase energy efficiency is often constrained by safety concerns with naturally vented combustion appliances. Tighter residential buildings more readily depressurize when exhaust equipment is operated, making combustion appliances more prone to backdraft or spill combustion exhaust into the living space. Several measures, such as installation guidelines, vent sizing codes, and combustion safety diagnostics, are in place with the intent to prevent backdrafting and combustion spillage, but the diagnostics conflict and the risk mitigation objective is inconsistent. This literature review summarizes the metrics and diagnostics used to assess combustion safety, documents their technical basis, and investigates their risk mitigations. It compiles information from the following: codes for combustion appliance venting and installation; standards and guidelines for combustion safety diagnostics; research evaluating combustion safety diagnostics; research investigating wind effects on building depressurization and venting; and software for simulating vent system performance.