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Abstract
The effectiveness of attic radiant barrier systems in reducing heat loss through the ceiling was evaluated by theoretical and experimental approaches under designated winter conditions. Both approaches gave very low reductions in heating load due to a radiant barrier system. For the theoretical calculations, assuming no ventilation, the placement of a radiant barrier caused the natural convective heat transfer to increase by an amount almost equal to the radiative heat flux reduction. The heat flux reduction decreased witn an increase in the R-value of ceiling insulation and outside temperature. for the experimental results, where ventilation did exist, there was no statistically significant reduction in heat flux with the radiant barier either on top of the ceiling insulatin or attached to the underside of the attic roof. Frost developed on the underside of the horizontal perforated radiant barrier when the exterior temperature was 10F or less.
The effectiveness of attic radiant barrier systems in reducing heat loss through the ceiling was evaluated by theoretical and experimental approaches under designated winter conditions. Both approaches gave very low reductions in heating load due to a radiant barrier system. For the theoretical calculations, assuming no ventilation, the placement of a radiant barrier caused the natural convective heat transfer to increase by an amount almost equal to the radiative heat flux reduction. The heat flux reduction decreased witn an increase in the R-value of ceiling insulation and outside temperature. for the experimental results, where ventilation did exist, there was no statistically significant reduction in heat flux with the radiant barier either on top of the ceiling insulatin or attached to the underside of the attic roof. Frost developed on the underside of the horizontal perforated radiant barrier when the exterior temperature was 10F or less.
Date
12/1992
12/1992
Author(s)
H Chen; T Larson; R Erickson
H Chen; T Larson; R Erickson
Page(s)
114-122
114-122
Keyword(s)
radiant barrier; attic; heat loss; ventilation; heat flux; insulation;
radiant barrier; attic; heat loss; ventilation; heat flux; insulation;