Evaluation of the Thermal and Structural Performance of Potential Energy Efficient Wall Systems for Mid-Rise Wood-Frame Buildings

摘要

Approximately 30% of energy use in Canada is consumed in buildings. The largest component of this energy consumption in multi-family residential buildings is space heating. One of the primary functions of building enclosure is reducing space-heating energy. Although heat flow cannot be completely prevented, it can be controlled to reduce energy consumption, create a sustainable environment, and implement indoor human comfort. However, this can be achieved by constructing a thermally resistant building enclosure. This study aims at developing and evaluating some innovative potential energy efficient wall systems for mid-rise wood frame buildings in terms of their thermal and structural performances. Regarding the thermal resistance performance, four wall systems were developed, installed in a full-scale testing house, and examined on a long-term period along with a baseline wall system. The selection of the wall systems was based on specific considerations; current practice, preliminary structural analysis, prefabricability, and expected energy efficiency. Several sensors were installed at each wall system; heat flux, thermocouple and humidity sensors. The results from the thermal analysis and the structural tests provide useful directions toward future development of energy efficient wall systems.