Determining the heat flow through building walls under simulated actual weather patterns

Abstract

We present a methodology for determining the transient heat flow through building walls. The methodology involves the use of a guarded hot box operating under a set of simulated conditions representative of actual weather patterns. Results validate the use of the guarded hot box for the measurement of heat flow through building constructions operating under different characteristic weather patterns. Outdoor heat flow measurements are made using an isothermal-heat-flux measuring plate and the same outdoor air temperature and solar radiation effects are simulated in a guarded hot box using the sol-air temperature. Finally, these heat flow values are compared with predictions made using the DOE-2 computer code. This comparison provides a means for validating computer predicted heat flows through building walls.