British Columbia Institute of Technology

About: British Columbia Institute of Technology is a education organization based out in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Smart grid & Belief revision. The organization has 458 authors who have published 785 publications receiving 16140 citations.

Highly Insulated Wall Systems with Exterior Insulation of Polyisocyanurate under Different Facer Materials: Material Characterization and Long-Term Hygrothermal Performance Assessment.

Abstract: The application of exterior insulation in both new construction and retrofits is a common practice to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings. In addition to increased thermal performance, the rigid insulation can serve to keep the sheathing board warm and serve as a water-resistive barrier to keep moisture-related problems due to condensation and wind-driven rain. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid boards have a higher thermal resistance in comparison to other commonly used exterior insulation boards. However, because of its perceived lower permeance, its use as exterior insulation is not very common. In this study, the hygrothermal property of PIR boards with different facer types and thicknesses is characterized. The material data obtained through experimental test and extrapolation is used in a long term hygrothermal performance assessment of a wood frame wall with PIR boards as exterior insulation. Results show that PIR with no facer has the smallest accumulated moisture on the sheathing board in comparison to other insulation boards. Walls with a bigger thickness of exterior insulation perform better when no vapor barrier is used. The PIR exterior insulation supports the moisture control strategy well in colder climates in perfect wall scenarios, where there is no air leakage and moisture intrusion. In cases where there is trapped moisture, the sheathing board has a higher moisture content with PIR boards with both aluminum or fiberglass type facers. An innovative facer material development for PIR boards can help efforts targeting improved energy-efficient and durable wall systems.

Improved Ice Arena Air Quality With the Use of a Three-Way Catalytic Converter and Fuel Management System

Abstract: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in an ice arena were evaluated before and after a three-way catalytic converter and fuel management system were retrofitted to a 7-year-old ice resurfacing machine. Continuous monitoring with a chemiluminescence NO2 analyzer for 68 and 71 consecutive hours before and after the retrofit indicated an 87% reduction in airborne NO2 concentrations. Simultaneous multiple location sampling with Palmes tube diffusive samplers confirmed this reduction following the retrofit. In the ice arena used for testing, the average NO2 concentration was reduced from 1.9 to 0.25 ppm. In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) levels were reduced by 57% from 14 to 6 ppm. These findings indicate that there is a practical and affordable solution to reduce N02 and CO concentrations in ice skating facilities that can be used with other measures to improve air quality.

Performance verification of a prototype non-invasive intra-oral bone growth stimulator for titanium dental implants

Abstract: A prototytpe non-invasive intra-oral device to promote bone growth following dental implantation was developed. The device generates a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) covering the bone interface of the titanium implant. The prescribed treatment period is two hours per day for eight-week duration. It is designed to be a single-patient use disposable device. All components are totally embedded into a mouth guard type enclosure so that it can be conveniently and comfortably placed inside and removed from the oral cavity by the patient. Laboratow verification tests confirmed the device meets the designed technical specifications. Initial in-vitro study showed positive results in promoting bone growth.