STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Refrigeration, Air conditioning, Heating and ventilation

A Novel Technique of Infrared Thermography for Ambient Air Infiltration Detection in Air- Conditioned Space

  1. Piyush Kokate
  2. Mohd Mubashshir Naved
  3. Amrapali Deorao Nimsarkar
  4. Harikumar Naidu

Abstract

Maintaining thermal comfort in the indoor microenvironment is essential for occupants’ well-being and functioning. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning account for a significant share in building energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to act on each energy-saving opportunity to improve air conditioners' energy efficiency and reduce outdoor air ingress in cooling space. Many earlier works focused on improving the performance of air conditioners; however, measurement of heat losses through building/room geometry remains a grey area. In this study, an infrared (IR) thermal camera was employed to obtain the IR thermographs of isolated, detached cooling space for finding out the air tightness. The secured thermographs were used for locating the sources of ambient air infiltration in the air- conditioned rooms, helping in air leak identification and early civil redesign work linked to cooling space. The study emphasizes the role of IR thermography in green and efficient buildings operation for cooling energy conservation and can be incorporated as an effective tool in energy audit and management methodology

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