Analysis of annual thermal and moisture performance of radiant barrier systems
This report summarizes a project to model the annual thermal and moisture performance of radiant barrier systems installed in residential attics. A previously developed model for the thermal performance of attics with radiant barriers was modified to allow estimates of moisture condensation on the underside of radiant barriers that are laid directly on top of existing attic insulation. The model was partially validated by comparing its predictions of ceiling heat flows and moisture condensation with data and visual observations made during a field experiment with full-size houses near Knoxville, Tennessee. Since the model predictions were found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimental data, the models were used to estimate annual energy savings and moisture accumulation rates for a wide variety of climatic conditions. The models results have been used to identify locations where radiant barriers are cost effective and also where radiant barriers have potential for causing moisture problems. 58 refs., 20 figs., 32 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5745245
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/CON-319; ON: DE91014947
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: For Electric Power Research Institute
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Moisture measurements in single-family houses with attics containing radiant barriers
Moisture measurements in single-family houses with attics containing radiant barriers
Related Subjects
ATTICS
VENTILATION BARRIERS
THERMAL ANALYSIS
BUILDUP
CEILINGS
CLIMATE MODELS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
HEAT FLOW
HOUSES
MOISTURE
THERMAL INSULATION
VAPOR CONDENSATION
VAPOR SEPARATORS
BUILDINGS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SEPARATION EQUIPMENT
320107* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Building Systems- (1987-)