|
.
Applied Research Projects
.
Thermal Evaluation
of Flat-Roof Roofponds
.
This
research project was conceived as a multiple-phase study with the ultimate
goal of producing a numerical model to simulate the thermal performance of
flat-roof, unglazed roofpond buildings. In its first phase, this study will
compare a roofpond test-cell with a control cell that does not have any
thermal mass. Both test-cells have the same type of construction and their
movable insulation is operated using the same routine. In the second phase
of this study the same amount of thermal mass used in the roofpond test-cell
will be added to the interior of the control cell to determine the effects
of thermal mass in different locations within a building. In the third phase
of this project, both test-cells will have a roofpond, but the amount of
insulation will be varied in the cells to see the combined effect of thermal
mass and different levels of resistive insulation.
.
This research project has an estimated duration of three years. At the end
of the project a design guideline to predict the thermal performance of
roofpond buildings will be produced.
...........................................................................................
.
Side-by-Side Comparison of
Building
Materials for Insulation
.
The
goal of this research project is to experimentally determine and
characterize the heat transfer and insulation properties of different
construction materials and assembles. The project is setup as a stand-alone
“frame wall” where different materials are inserted in the five cavities
between the insulated double frames. In this project a large number of
materials will be tested (currently, the test includes a water-wall,
extruded polyurethane insulation, fiber-glass batt insulation, a radiant
barrier, and a dead air space), and the results will be used to develop a
guideline of insulation properties versus cost for the United States
Southwest.
.
Results of the project will be used also to empirically develop heat
transfer coefficients for various materials as a function of temperature
changes.
|
