A three-dimensional steady-state heat and vapour transport model to assess the risk for interstitial condensation in building enclosures

Abstract

The article presents a practical 3D heat and vapour model to estimate the risk for interstitial condensation in building enclosures. The model is in fact a three-dimensional implementation of the Glaser method. In the first part of this article the modelling assumptions and solution technique are outlined. Next, the model is validated against an example from the literature. The third part of the article zooms in on the applicability of the proposed model in comparison to more complex hygrothermal models. Both the weaknesses and the strengths of the methodology are discussed. This section reviews the circumstances in which the model can be used safely and when a more detailed analysis is preferable. Finally, the article presents an actual case whereby the applicability of the model is demonstrated by making design decisions for the energetic retrofit of a curtain wall system.