Thermal performance of fiberglass and cellulose attic insulations
A series of experiments has been completed on the thermal performance of fiberglass and cellulose attic insulations under winter conditions using an attic test module in a guarded hot box facility. Experiments with one type of loose-fill fiberglass insulation showed that the thermal resistance at large temperature differences (70 to 76{degrees}F) was about 35 to 50% less than at small temperature differences. The additional heat flow, attributed to natural convection, was effectively eliminated by applying a covering of fiberglass batts or a combination of a polyethylene film and fiberglass blankets. No significant convection was found either with fiberglass batts or with one type of loose-fill cellulose. Using the experimental data along with an attic model, the additional energy costs due to convection in the coldest climate investigated were estimated to be $$0.025/ft{sup 2}yr to $$0.028/ft{sup 2}yr at the R-19 level and $$0.014/ft{sup 2}yr at the R-38 level. For the same conditions, annual energy savings due to upgrading insulation from the R-19 to the R-38 level were estimated to be $$0.046/ft{sup 2}yr to $0.070/ft{sup 2}yr.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 10177817
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-921203-3; ON: DE92040714
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Thermal performance of the exterior envelopes of buildings,Clearwater, FL (United States),7-10 Dec 1992; Other Information: PBD: [1992]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
FIBERGLASS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
ATTICS
THERMAL INSULATION
THERMAL ANALYSIS
AIR FLOW
CEILINGS
ECONOMICS
HEAT TRANSFER
COST ESTIMATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY CONSERVATION
NATURAL CONVECTION
320107
360606
BUILDING SYSTEMS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES