Factors Affecting Thermal Performance of Buildings

FACTORS AFFECTING THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS

There are a number of factors which affects the thermal alvani edi performance of buildings.

(i) The main factor is the insulation value of the materials used in the building (i.e., floors, walls roof). This value is known as the U- value of the material. If the material has low U - value, then the building will have good thermal performance.

(ii) Design variables (geometrical dimensions of building elements such as walls, roof and windows, orientation, shading devices, etc.)

(iii) Material properties (density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, transmissivity, etc.)

(iv) Climate data (solar radiation, ambient lamp, wind speed, humidity, etc.)

(v) A building's usage data (internal gains due to Iliw dead occupants lighting and equipment, etc.)

A block diagram showing various factors affecting the heat balance of a building is given in fig. 1.17.

Note:

-U - values are a true reflection of the thermal performance only when the insulation is fitted correctly.

If it isn't fitted correctly and an air gap is formed then the performance of the structure is drastically affected.