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Taking a property’s pulse The University of Nottingham has developed a novel and easy-to-use test for measuring the airtightness of buildings. MMC reports The University of Nottingham’s handy new airtightness tool, termed the PULSE test, has been extensively researched and developed over 14 years and works by releasing a short burst of air that creates a low pressure pulse throughout the whole building. Taking just seconds to conduct, this can then be used to measure the flow through leakage pathways. Dr Ed Cooper, lead developer of the PULSE test, from the Department of Architecture and Built Environment at The University of Nottingham, said: “The gap between design and performance of airtightness in buildings can at best cause discomfort for occupants, and at worst create significant energy wastage and health problems. “The new test, which is quick and easy to operate, could help mitigate these problems by enabling tests that can be conducted by anyone with minimal training. It could have a big impact on improving the performance of buildings.” The latest version of the PULSE test comprises a composite compressed air tank and control 20 box mounted on a compact and portable trolley which can be wheeled into a building for testing. It is also easy to operate and requires no specialist training to use. The results are calculated inside the PULSE unit, which has a user-friendly graphical interface for analysis, and could have the potential to automatically upload to the Internet — removing any potential for results to be doctored. The test also offers accurate and repeatable results, by measuring at typical infiltration pressures and accounting for changes in background pressure levels caused by the wind or outside temperature. The PULSE test has attracted over £1m in funding throughout its development, including an EPSRC First Grant which helped to secure proof of concept; and an InnovateUK grant for further software and product development with industry partners. The University is currently in negotiations to license the technology to a joint venture, consisting of Elmhurst Energy, National Energy Foundation and Absolute Air and Gas — to make the PULSE test a commercial reality. The alternative to door “blowers” has also recently secured funding to be a pilot project for the £4.5m ‘Built 2 Specification’ (Built2Spec) initiative, which aims to revolutionize the way green buildings are delivered. Funded by the Horizon 2020 programme, Built2Spec aims to use innovative new technologies to transform the construction industry and help the EU countries hit 2050 carbon targets. Working alongside 20 partners in eight countries, such as the PassivHaus Institute, Lakehouse, BSRIA, VRM Technology, OHL, Nobatek and TNO, the PULSE will be developed for integration into the Built2Spec Virtual Construction Management Platform to help reduce the gap between design and performance of buildings.
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