Measurements and simulations of natural and forced convection in loose-fill attic insulation
Wahlgren, P.
2002 Journal of Thermal Envelope and Building Science, 26(01)
Wahlgren, P., (2002), "Measurements and simulations of natural and forced convection in loose-fill attic insulation", Journal of Thermal Envelope and Building Science, 26(01).
Abstract:
The influence of convection on the thermal performance of loose-fill attic insulation has been investigated using measurements and simulations. Thermal resistance measurements have been performed in a large-scale attic test model, with and without attic ventilation, and on loose-fill rock wool and fiberglass insulation. Measurements of natural convection have shown that the critical modified Rayleigh number for attic insulation in a conventional attic floor is approximately 22. The maximum decrease in measured thermal resistance due to natural convection was 25% compared to that obtained at the onset of convection. There was no indication of a decrease in the total thermal resistance of the attic floor due to attic ventilation.