Investigating the Dynamic Thermal Behavior of Building Envelope in Summer Conditions By Means of in-Field Continuous Monitoring

Abstract

The effect of dynamic properties of building opaque envelope in summer conditions is investigated by means of an extensive continuous monitoring of a dedicated experimental field. Two test-buildings, a weather station and two microclimate stations positioned in each test-building represent the experimental field. The prototype buildings have been specifically designed to present the same stationary envelope properties, but different construction techniques and materials, therefore behaving differently in real dynamic conditions. Building upon a previous study by the authors, also in summer conditions, the main results of this research show a non-negligible difference of the dynamic hygro-thermal behavior of the two Test-Rooms. Significant differences in terms of indoor air temperature, envelope surface indoor/outdoor temperatures and indoor air humidity are detected, due to the difference in the dynamic envelope properties of the two Test-Rooms, i.e., thermal mass, solar reflectance of the external skin and transpiration capability. Also, the overall discrepancy is detected to be higher in summer than in winter conditions, given the higher influence of the outdoor weather forcing boundaries such as solar radiation.