| Conceptual Reference Database for Building Envelope Research |
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| Essay:Hygrothermal research on building envelopeHygrothermal research on building envelopeCurrent trend in industry and research on building envelope has shifted from the pure thermal performance concern, that was promoted by the reduced world energy resources since the 70's, to a more comprehensive performance stance of both thermal and hygroscopic consideration. This is response to the growing presence of problems induced by heat and moisture transport and accumulation inside the envelope. The current research activities aim to develop methods to reliably predict the transport process through the building envelope due to heat, air and moisture transfer. Accurate prediction methods will allow designers to evaluate alternatives, improve designs and allow guideline be developed based on performance predictions of a comprehensive series of designs. It can also be employed to develop better retrofit procedures to alleviate and correct problems in existing buildings. The current research effort can be seen in three constituent areas: fundamental understanding of the phenomenon and measurement of basic hygrothermal properties; theoretical modeling and computer simulation programs; and experimental work to identify problems, validate the models and evaluate design alternative in simulated environments. There have been significant advances in the simulation models [4]. However, the current models have not been well validated to provide accurate results and are not mature enough for wide-spread use. Productive use of this models will rely on a) expert who understand the fundamental mechanism and mathematical modeling of the hygrothermal process, and b) validation of the simulation model for a narrow configuration.
[By J. Rao, 1999]
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