Air permeability Measurements in a Deep Freeze Warehouse

The air permeability of a building represents a very important characteristic due to its influence upon the operation of the building, its energy consumption and indoor comfort and has been the subject of many researches. While the air permeability have been experimentally studies and several types predicting models have been developed for habitable buildings, very little research has been undertaken for deep freeze warehouses. In this study we carried out experimental measurements in a one of the largest European deep freeze warehouses at -25 °C followed by an infrared thermography investigation of the infiltration locations along the building envelope. The measurement protocol for this unusual building is described in detail. The air change rate at 50 Pa, n50, was found to be 0.08(1/h), much lower than any habitable building. The main infiltration places on the building envelope are the structural nodes at the upper side of the building, where vertical walls meet the ceiling and the doors situated at the upper side of the building. A short analysis of the EN 13829 applicability for such deep freeze buildings is also presented.