Thermal environment analysis of enclosed dome with double-layered PTFE fabric roof integrated with aerogel-glass wool insulation mats: On-site test and numerical simulation

Abstract

To study the thermal performance of an enclosed dome with double-layered PTFE membrane with aerogel-glass wool insulation mats, a comprehensive on-site test was carried out. Twenty-two wireless thermometers were used to monitor the temperature of key positions during a clear to cloudy day in summer. Solar irradiance was recorded as well. A numerical model was established to compare the thermal insulation property of this case and other three cases with different thermal insulations for double-layered membrane roof containing no extra insulation, peripheral wool glass insulation and all aerogel insulation. These cases only differ in the occupation area of thermal insulation materials laid on inner membrane. On-site test illustrates that the novel roof with aerogel- glass wool insulation can effectively prevent ambient radiation to pass through and render the stands insusceptible to the sunlight in regardless of the incidence angle. The temperature field of the dome is stratified and temperature only varies in vertical direction. According to numerical analysis, the current roof performs best in terms of thermal insulation property. This roof with combined insulation can reduce the average temperature difference of outdoor and indoor space by 7.7 ℃ while the value is merely 7.0 ℃, 5.9 ℃ and 4.8 ℃ for under the same environment condition.