Building physical research equipment for wall and roof structures

The following things can be studied with the research equipment for wall and roof structures:

• The structure's heat transfer coefficient (U-value) and thermal resistance
• Water vapor permeability coefficient and water vapor resistance of the structure
• Air permeability coefficient and air permeability resistance of the structure
• Changes in temperature and relative humidity in structures
• Moisture content of wood materials
• Drying rate of wetted structure
• The effects of periodic condition adjustments
• Changes in temperature and humidity conditions caused by air leaks
• Changes in temperature and humidity conditions caused by internal convection in the structure
• The intensity of moisture condensation at the interfaces of the structure
• Risk of mold in different parts of the structure

Equipment characteristics:

• Dimensions of the structure to be examined with the wall structure equipment:
  • surface area: 1200 mmx1200 mm, i.e. 1.4 m²
  • thickness: ≤ 400 mm
• Dimensions of the structure to be examined with the roof structure equipment:
  • surface area: 2730 mmx1840 mm, i.e. 5.0 m²
  • thickness: ≤ 800 mm
• Modifiable conditions:
  • temperature inside and outside
  • relative humidity inside and outside
  • pressure difference across the structure
  • air flow rate near the outer surface of the structure
  • thermal radiation on the outer surface of the structure (so far only wall structure equipment)
• Warm chamber temperature: +10…+30 °C
• Cold chamber temperature: +20...–30 °C
• U-value measurement uncertainty: ±5%