Static and dynamic thermal characterization of facade with mineral foam insulation using a hot-box apparatus

Abstract

Reducing heat loss through the envelope of the building had been an efficient way to save on heating and reduce energy consumption of buildings. In Europe, typical exterior walls need to prevent heat loss during cold weather but more and more allow comfortable temperature condition during the hot season. Indoor comfort in hot seasons is dependent on the thermal transmittance and on its dynamic response during hot days. The study presents guarded hot-box measurements of exterior walls build with insulating masonry and insulation boards made of innovative mineral foam used as an insulation material. The masonry is a composite system of concrete block filled with mineral foam to reduce the thermal transmittance. Insulation boards are made of mineral foam and are added to achieve the overall thermal transmittance targeted. Static and dynamic measurements were performed in order to compare thermal transmittance and decrement delay. The results are compared with those obtained from calculations carried out of the same walls through the application of European standards and a finite volume simulation. Uncertainties of the guarded hot-box measurement and calculation methods are discussed. Results shows that with equivalent U-values, the solution offer higher decrement delay compared to a traditional wall using conventional masonry and polystyrene insulation boards.