Researchers create building air leakage detection system using a camera in real time

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a system that uses a camera to detect air leakage from buildings in real time.

This system could provide more accurate readings much faster than current diagnostic tools. Through a sequence of images, the system visualizes leaking air that is a different temperature than the surrounding air.

Researchers crafted algorithms that measure velocity and flow rate for real-time leak visualization. The system has been used successfully to detect air leakage through brick, vinyl siding, and concrete masonry blocks under sunny and cloudy conditions.

The research team is working to measure the amount of leakage occurring. This will allow building owners to better prioritize areas that most need sealing.

BD+C’s second annual Accelerate Live! AEC innovation conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago) featured talks on AI for construction scheduling, regenerative design, the micro-buildings movement, post-occupancy evaluation, predictive visual data analytics, digital fabrication, and more. Take in all 19 talks on demand.

Sustainability | Jun 13, 2018

Largest Passive House office building in the U.S. will be built in Chicago’s West Loop

Solomon Cordwell Buenz is designing the building.

| Jun 11, 2018

Accelerate Live! talk: Regenerative design — When sustainability is not enough

In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), HMC’s Eric Carbonnier poses the question: What if buildings could actually rejuvenate ecosystems?

| May 30, 2018

Accelerate Live! talk: T3 mass timber office buildings

In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), architect and mass timber design expert Steve Cavanaugh tells the story behind the nation’s newest—and largest—mass timber building: T3 in Minneapolis.