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A comparison of empirical indoor relative humidity models with measured data

Cornick, S. M., Kumaran, M. K.
2008
Journal of Building Physics, Vol. 31, No. 3, 243-268

Cornick, S. M., Kumaran, M. K., (2008), "A comparison of empirical indoor relative humidity models with measured data", Journal of Building Physics, Vol. 31, No. 3, 243-268.
Abstract:
The focus of this study is to examine the reliability of models that are available in the open literature for simulating the interior moisture conditions, comparing the predicted interior relative humidity (RH) to measured data. Four models, for predicting the indoor RH in houses are tested against measured RH data for 25 houses. The models considered are primarily developed as design tools. The models tested are the European Indoor Class Model, the BRE model, and the ASHRAE 160P simple and intermediate models. The RH in each house is measured in two different locations producing 50 data sets. The ASHRAE intermediate model seemed to be the most robust exhibiting lower errors when compared to measured data. The European Indoor Class also performed well and can be used when data regarding moisture generation and/or air change rates is not available. As a design tool, however, it is not universally conservative in estimating the indoor RH. The BRE is problematic and generally exhibits large positive errors for most of the houses surveyed. It is found to be not reliable for the North American houses investigated in the comparisons. The ASHRAE simple model also exhibited large positive errors and does not trend well with the measured conditions. Models that greatly overestimate the design loads should be used with caution as they may lead to complicated inefficient designs.

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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Cornick, S. M.
  1. A methodology to develop moisture management strategies for wood-frame walls in North America: application to stucco-clad walls
  2. A moisture index to characterize climates for building envelope design
  3. Climate loads and their effect on building envelopes - an overview
  4. Defining climate regions as a basis for specifying requirements for precipitation protection for walls
  5. Final Report from Task 8 of MEWS Project (T8-03) - Hygrothermal Response of Exterior Wall Systems to Climate Loading: Methodology and Interpretation of Results for Stucco, EIFS, Masonry and Siding Clad Wood-Frame Walls
  6. MEWS methodology for developing moisture management strategies: application to stucco-clad wood-frame walls in North America
  7. Report from Task 4 of MEWS Project - Environmental Conditions, Final Report
  8. Report from Task 8 of MEWS Project - MEWS Methodology for Developing Moisture Management Strategies - Application to Stucco Clad Wood-Frame Walls in North America  
Kumaran, M. K.
Building Performance Laboratory, Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada
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  24. Report from Task 8 of MEWS Project - MEWS Methodology for Developing Moisture Management Strategies - Application to Stucco Clad Wood-Frame Walls in North America
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