Consist of three main layers. The top layer is near ambient and has low salt content. The bottom layer is hot, typically 160 F to 212 F (71 C to 100 C), and is very salty. The important gradient zone separates these zones. The gradient zone acts as a tran ...

An air distribution outlet, typically located in the ceiling, which mixes conditioned air with room air.

A method of preventing oxidation of the exposed metal in structures by imposing between the structure and the ground a small electrical voltage.

A slender threadlike spike of pure crystalline material, such as silicon.

The weight of a material per unit of volume compared to the weight of the same volume of water.

A unit of apparent power, equal to 1,000 volt-amperes; the mathematical product of the volts and amperes in an electrical circuit.

The transparent or opaque sphere in an electric light that the electric light transmits through.

Energy available as a result of motion that varies directly in proportion to an object's mass and the square of its velocity.

The pressure corresponding to the outlet velocity of a fan; the kinetic energy per unit volume of flowing air.

A building structural element that is built onto a building's exterior along the inner edges of all the windows, and extending from the ground to the eaves. Wingwalls help ventilate rooms that have only one exterior wall which leads to poor cross ventilat ...

The transformation on a compound or material into one or more substances by heat alone (without oxidation). Often called destructive distillation. Pyrolysis of biomass is the thermal degradation of the material in the absence of reacting gases, and occus ...

Heat stored above room temperature (in a solar heating system).

The purpose for which useful energy or work is consumed.

Energy terms

A material used to seal areas of potential air leakage into or out of a building envelope.

The angular position of the sun at solar noon with respect to the plane of the equator.

A generic term for liquefied and pressurized gas, ordinarily butane, propane, or a mixture of the two, contained in a cylinder for domestic use.

That portion of supply air that is drawn from outside, plus any recirculated air that has been treated to maintain a desired air quality.

A device that moves and/or circulates air and provides ventilation for a room or a building.

A long, underground metal or plastic pipe through which air is drawn. As air travels through the pipe it gives up some of its heat to the soil, and enters the house as cooler air.