Angela Sasic Kalagasidis

Assessment method of numerical prediction models for combined heat, air and moisture transfer in building components: benchmarks for one-dimensional cases

The standardised Glaser method for calculation, prediction and evaluation of moisture performance is considered as rarely applicable. The present state of knowledge, analytical as well as experimental, concerning heat, air and moisture demands updating of standards. This paper presents five numerical benchmark cases for the quality assessment of simulation models for one-dimensional heat, air and moisture (HAM) transfer. In one case, the analytical solution is known and excellent agreement between several solutions from different universities and institutes is obtained. In the remaining four cases, consensus solutions have been found, with good agreement between different HAM models. The work presented here is an outcome of the EU-initiated project for standardisation of HAM calculation methods (HAMSTAD WP2).

A multi-level modelling and evaluation of thermal performance of phase-change materials in buildings

Integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes is a way to enhance heat storage capacity of buildings and thereby to rationalize the use of energy for heating and cooling of buildings. This work presents a numerical model of a building envelope with PCMs, verifications of the model according to a normative benchmark and measurements and a tentative case study that exemplifies the effects of such a building envelope on the thermal performance of a whole building. Simulations have been carried out using a modular environment of the International Building Physics Toolbox in Simulink®. As for the effects of PCMs in buildings, it is concluded that they are rather case sensitive; in the tentative case study, the annual savings of total energy for heating and cooling vary between 5% and 21%, depending mainly on the thermal comfort and the placement of PCM in the building envelope.Integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) in building envelopes is a way to enhance heat storage capacity of buildings and thereby to rationalize the use of energy for heating and cooling of buildings. This work presents a numerical model of a building envelope with PCMs, verifications of the model according to a normative benchmark and measurements and a tentative case study that exemplifies the effects of such a building envelope on the thermal performance of a whole building. Simulations have been carried out using a modular environment of the International Building Physics Toolbox in Simulink®. As for the effects of PCMs in buildings, it is concluded that they are rather case sensitive; in the tentative case study, the annual savings of total energy for heating and cooling vary between 5% and 21%, depending mainly on the thermal comfort and the placement of PCM in the building envelope.

Hygrothermal Conditions and Mould Growth Potential in Cold Attics: Impact of Weather, Building System and Construction Design Characteristics

Field surveys and experiences of cold attics show that these are risk constructions. Both old and new constructions are facing problems. For old constructions there is a clear correlation with improved attic floor insulations. In this chapter the hygrothermal condition of the attic is simulated both using simplified as well as more advanced models. These models are also used to generate probabilistic assessment of mould growth risk. Validation of the advanced HAM-model using field measurements is also demonstrated.