Energy and hygrothermal performance of builtin mineral wool thermal insulations

Abstract

The paper analyses the monitoring measurement results on energy performance and hygrothermal behaviour of built-in rock and glass mineral wool thermal insulations in an energy efficiently refurbished typical single-family dwelling house in Hungary. The experimental monitoring measurements included an external weather station; internal air condition measurements; temperature, relative humidity and heat flux sensors in the layers of the facade and attic. An energy meter was installed into the heating systems. Apart from the insulated one, the energy consumption of an uninsulated but identical family house close by to the refurbished one was monitored as control. In the paper, apart from comparing the energy performance of the monitored buildings, the conjugated heat and moisture behaviour of the built-in mineral wool insulations were examined and compared to their design values and conditions. The temperature and moisture correction factors were evaluated. The paper presents laboratory measurements on the thermal conductivity of built-in and etalon mineral wool insulation samples also. The circumstances were set according to the experienced built-in conditions in the monitored buildings and compares the energy and hygrothermal performance of new and aged insulations.