DETERMINING THE HEAT-FLOW THROUGH BUILDING WALLS UNDER SIMULATED ACTUAL WEATHER PATTERNS

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