Modeling of residential attics with radiant barriers
This paper gives a summary of the efforts at ORNL in modeling residential attics with radiant barriers. Analytical models based on a system of macroscopic heat balances have been developed. Separate models have been developed for horizontal radiant barriers laid on top of the insulation, and for radiant barriers attached to the bottom of the top chords of the attic trusses. The models include features such as a radiation interchange analysis within the attic space, convective coupling with the ventilation air, and sorption/desorption of moisture at surfaces facing the attic enclosure. The paper gives details of the models and the engineering assumptions that were made in their development. The paper also reports on the status of efforts that are underway to verify the models by comparing their predictions with the results of laboratory and field tests on residential attics and test cells, both with and without radiant barriers. Comparisons are given for a number of selected sets of experimental data. Suggestions are given for needed model refinements and additional experimental data. Plans for utilization of the models for extrapolation to seasonal and annual performance in a variety of climatic conditions are also described. 32 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 7129371
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8809103-1; ON: DE88012496
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 5. annual symposium on improving building energy efficiency in hot and humid climates, Houston, TX, USA, 13 Sep 1988; Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ATTICS
RADIANT HEAT TRANSFER
THERMAL BARRIERS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
HEAT FLOW
HEAT TRANSFER
HOUSES
NUMERICAL DATA
SCALE MODELS
VENTILATION
BUILDINGS
DATA
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY TRANSFER
INFORMATION
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
STRUCTURAL MODELS
TESTING
320107* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Building Systems- (1987-)
320105 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Building Services- (1987-)