SCHOOL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FLUIDS AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT PRACTICE - ASSIGNMENT 1 MULTI DIMENSIONAL HEAT

TRANSFER

1. OBJECTIVE: To determine the heat transfer rates and equivalent thermal resistance (R value) across typical ceiling constructions of Australian homes insulated with bulk insulation batts. The assignment investigates the effect of the wooden roof components (ceiling joists) on overall thermal resistance. This is achieved by using the finite difference numerical technique and comparing with one dimensional heat flow. 2. PROBLEM DEFINITION: The figure below shows typical construction of the roof an Australian dwelling. Bulk insulation batts are inserted above the ceiling gypsum board filling the spaces between the ceiling joists.

The heat transfer through the ceiling results in heat gain from the roof space to the house internal space in summer and heat loss to the roof space in winter. Thermal insulation batts are installed in the roof space to reduce heat transfer. The Figure below shows the geometry of a ceiling section which usually consists of a layer of gypsum board fixed on

wooden joists spaced 600mm apart with the space between adjacent joists filled with insulation. This wooden frame acts as a thermal bridge. Using two dimensional steady heat transfer analysis, determine the heat transfer rate across a 150m2 ceiling of a house (15mx10m).
Roof space Roof top surface Roof edge surface subjected to outside air

13mm

90mm

Ceiling level

Wooden joist
35mm

Internal space

Gypsum board Insulation

10.00m

3. PROCEDURE: Develop a 2 dimensional nodal mathematical model of the temperatures in the structure. Determine the total heat flow across the ceiling boundary, Q. Determine the total equivalent R value applying the following: R = (Tc Ta)/Q * A where A = ceiling area, Ta = air temperature at the roof space and Tc = indoor space temperature (25C) Carry out the analysis for both summer and winter conditions for the following cases: 1. No thermal insulation 2. Using R3 insulation batts, thickness 165mm Use the following parameters: Timber joists: thickness = 35 mm, height = 90 mm, thermal conductivity = 0.12 W/mK Roof space surface heat transfer coefficients, heat flow up: h = 9 W/m2K, heat flow down: h = 4 W/m2K Indoor space surface heat transfer coefficients, heat flow up: h = 3 W/m2K, heat flow down: h = 1.3 W/m2K.

565mm

The maximum roof space temperature in summer is approximately 60C, and the minimum temperature in winter is approximately 5C. The house is assumed to be built in Adelaide. 4. REQUIREMENTS: For each of the 2 cases specified above carry out steady heat transfer analysis in the vertical direction using the finite difference procedure on a selected segment of the roof and evaluate: 1. The total heat transfer rate through the ceiling (15mx10m area) 2. The equivalent R value for the ceiling section 3. The corresponding R value using one dimensional parallel heat flow in the wood and insulation sections. 4. Compare with the thermal resistance (R value) of the insulation.

5. REPORT CONTENT: A report of a professional standard is to be submitted by each group. In addition to standard sections, it must contain: 1. A brief description of the computational procedure. 2. The finite difference equations, temperature distribution and heat transfer rate from each surface for the 4 cases considered. 3. The following graphs: - The heat transfer rate variation with the insulation R value (summer and winter design conditions). - The equivalent thermal resistance obtained from step 2 versus the corresponding R value obtained from step 3 (summer and winter design conditions). 4. Discussion: In addition to comments on the trends of the results, include the following: - The likely impact of horizontal heat flow through the roof edges. - The likely impact of daily temperature variation in summer and winter on heat flow. - The effectiveness of insulation batts when super insulation of ceilings is required. - Alternative insulation materials and methods when super insulation is required. - A comment on the accuracy of this technique. 5. References. In addition, the computational procedure and results should be included electronically.

6. SUBMISSIONS AND DEADLINES: 1. 2. The group reports are to be submitted by 5.00 pm on Monday 27 August 2012. Each student must submit a 1 page reflection on the learning outcomes achieved through carrying out the project. The report comprises the following sections: Numerical technique used and the need to use multidimensional heat transfer analysis in buildings Thermal properties of building and insulation materials Available thermal insulation materials and proper installation techniques in roofs Impact of thermal insulation on heating and coolig requirements of dwellings Contribution to the UniSA graduate qualities. The reflection page must be submitted by 5.00 pm on Monday 3 September 2012.