IN-SITU MEASUREMENTS OF R-VALUES OF A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING USING THIN FILM HEAT FLUX SENSOR AND HEAT FLUX PLATE

Heat flux plates have been widely used in measuring the thermal resistance of building materials. This plate was used in comparison to a thin-film heat flux sensor to determine the thermal resistance of a residential building in the Mid-Atlantic zone. Both sensors were calibrated using four known R-value of extruded polystyrene panels with R-3, R-5, R-10, and R-20. Two sensors were used to ensure the readings collected were similar and reflected a more accurate measurement. For fenestration of doors and windows, the duration of measurement was shortened to overnight, typically from midnight to dawn when the thermal mass effect of the house envelope is at a minimum, or during the day when two pyranometers were employed to correct for incoming solar radiation. As for the walls, ceiling, and floor, a traditional approach was taken by measuring the heat flux on the warmer side of the building envelope over a week long period. The UA value of the house was then computed using a simple heat balance equation based on all the measured R-values and their corresponding areas as 650±8 Btu/hr-?F, and 4.8±0.2 Btu/?F-day per square foot of floor area, respectively. Based on all the measured R-values and their corresponding areas, the house is within the standard building code.

Additional Abstract Information

Student(s): Sarah Miller

Department: Engineering

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tony Chen

Type: Poster

Year: 2016