Radiant barrier research plan
Insulation systems based on highly reflective aluminum surfaces have been in existence for a number of years. Renewed interest in the application of these systems to buildings has been generated by recent experiments, especially those on the class of systems that are known as radiant barriers. Typical radiant barriers consist of a substrate material such as kraft paper or a polymer film with a thin reflective coating (usually aluminum) on one or both sides. Typical applications are in residential attics with the radiant barrier laid on top of the insulation or placed beneath the roof. Experiments by a number of groups have clearly demonstrated that radiant barriers are effective in reducing heat flows through ceilings of buildings, especially under conditions where the building is cooled. While the result of the experiments are in qualitative agreement in indicating heat flow reductions, the quantitative thermal performance of a long-term degradation of performance and potential moisture problems are two other issues relating to these systems. 20 refs., 4 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 7011640
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/CON-256; ON: DE88013345
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RADIANT HEAT TRANSFER
VENTILATION BARRIERS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
EMISSIVITY
THERMAL INSULATION
THERMAL RADIATION
BUILDINGS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT TRANSFER
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
SURFACE PROPERTIES
320107* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Building Systems- (1987-)