Energy efficiency improvements through sunspace augmented positive input ventilation of buildings

Positive input ventilation (PIV) systems were installed in a new build housing development in Ballantrae in south west Scotland; utilising a glazed sunspace on the south elevation of each dwelling to augment the energy saving potential of the installation. Data logging equipment was installed in each dwelling to enable assessment of the energy efficincy improvement to the property over traditional systems of ventilation. Additionally, an attempt was made to evaluate the system benefits relative to occupant comfort utilising monitoring equipment in the occupied zone of the dwellings with a questionnaire survey undertaken in support of this. Data collected over a 16 month period showed that using the sunspace in this configuration can save up to 15 % of the domestic heating requirements when compared with traditional infiltration ventilation, and more than doubled the energy benefit of that obtained by positive input only ventilation.