Comparison of Laboratory and Computational Models of Selected Thermal-Technical Properties of Constructions Systems Based on Wood

Abstract

Energy-efficient buildings, sustainable buildings, smart buildings, nearly zero-energy buildings, passive and active buildings are construction concepts widely recognised as setting the latest trends. The purpose of their design is to create an optimal thermal microclimate by means of heat flows that are either formed within it or enter into it. This research paper presents an analysis of the measurements of the density of heat flows, their spread in building constructions, all of which is examined in laboratory conditions and confronted with calculation models. The hypothesis of this research is to confirm or refute whether the computational models match the laboratory simulations in terms of thermal-technical parameters. The research uses a methodology designed for examining building constructions under virtually stable conditions. Two variants of external sandwich walls based on prefab cross laminated timber panels (variant A) and structural insulated panel (variant B) were proposed as the subject of the study. Both variants were subjected to research in laboratory conditions and computational simulations. For the sake of comparison, the calculation simulations that manufacturers of wood construction systems typically declare were also performed. The results of the analyses show significant differences between the theoretical or declared parameters and the values measured in laboratory conditions (7.5–32.6%). The deviations of the experimental measurements from the calculated or declared parameters were not as significant for variant A as they were for variant B. These findings show that for these analysed sandwich structures based on wood, it is not always possible to reliably declare calculated values of thermal-technical parameters. The publication is also a contribution to the current needs in the field of heating technology in terms of sustainability and the quality of internal environments.

A Passive Wood-Based Building in Slovakia: Exploring the Life Cycle Impact

“…Energy-efficient buildings, sustainable buildings, smart buildings, nearly zero-energy buildings, and passive and active buildings are construction concepts widely recognized as the latest trends. The purpose of their design is to create an optimal thermal microclimate by means of heat flows that are either formed within the building or enter it [21]. High-performance building envelopes are designed to achieve target reductions in operational energy.…”