Modeling, numerical simulation and validation of the hygrothermal transfer through a wooden building wall in Nancy, France

Abstract

The present work aims to model heat and mass transfer through wooden building walls in Nancy. Adsorption and desorption isotherms of three exotic wood and one temperate wood using a dynamic vapor sorption apparatus at 35 °C were experimentally determined then modelled using Nelson sorption isotherm model. Sorption hysteresis of these woods was deduced. Heat and mass transfer model validation shows that the thickness of wooden wall higher than 0.15 m permits to cancel the influences of ambient air temperature on the temperature of the air in the building. Also, the results show that influence of the four wood species is not observed and can be neglected. To reduce the quantity of water absorbed by the wooden wall, it is important to dry the plank to a moisture content of 0.14 kg/kg dry basis. It is observed that heat and mass transfer gradients are highly influenced by the seasonal variations and characteristics of indoor air. During the day, the wooden wall gives a low variation of climatic conditions of air inside the house.