Computer simulation of moisture transfer in walls : impacts on the thermal performance of buildings.
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Date
2021
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Abstract
In order to reduce electricity consumption in buildings, it is imperative to
improve their thermal performance. Due to the many variables involved in
thermal processes computer simulation is a consolidated method for
thermal analysis. However, in many energy efficiency analyses calculus
of heat conduction through the dwelling envelope does not consider
moisture transportation and storage. The objective of this work was to
evaluate the impacts of moisture transfer in walls on the thermal
performance of naturally ventilated and artificially conditioned buildings
using EnergyPlus computer simulation. This research contributed to the
literature by showing the difference in thermal zone air humidity,
temperature and annual energy demand (i.e. electricity consumption)
when moisture effects are considered in walls. Buildings were
composed of masonry and solid concrete envelopes and three
numerical models were simulated: Conduction Transfer Function Model
(CTF), Effective Moisture Penetration Depth Model (EMPD) and
Combined Heat and Moisture Transfer Model (HAMT). The CTF model
does not consider moisture effects. Results found a higher relative air
humidity for the studied thermal zone by applying the HAMT model in
the numerical simulation, and the envelope porosity was proven to
affect HAMT humidity results. Comparing the HAMT and EMPD models
with the CTF model, the annual energy demanded for cooling
presented a 21% reduction for the EMPD model in the masonry and 9%
increase for the HAMT model in the solid concrete. This article shows
the importance of an accurate EnergyPlus heat transfer model for
simulating a whole building to check edification attendance of
minimum comfort parameters and select envelope materials aiming the
reduction of electricity consumption.
Description
Keywords
Thermal performance, Thermal load, Envelopes, Moisture, Hygrothermal simulation models
Citation
ARAÚJO, M. T. de; SOUZA, H. A. de; GOMES, A. P. Computer simulation of moisture transfer in walls: impacts on the thermal performance of buildings. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, v. 18, n. 4, p. 453-472, abr. 2021. Disponível em: <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17452007.2021.1916426>. Acesso em: 03 maio 2023.