A computation of U-Factor for an entire vented attic assembly using a 2D model

Tariku, Fitsum (Fitsum Tariku (Fitsum_Tariku)) (author)
Iffa, Emishaw (author)
(editor)
(translator)

© 2015 The Authors. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license.

The overall U-factor values for an attic assembly are usually computed with the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES based R-value (thermal resistance) conversion. In the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 (2010), the effects of attic air resistance, roof pitch and attic width are not taken into account while calculating the U-Factor values. In addition, the R-value is estimated using a one dimensional thermal resistance model. In ventilated attics, where the insulation near the roof sheathing is tapered, it is difficult to find the correct R-value of the attic system as the heat transfer becomes two dimensional. In this paper, a 2-dimensional CFD model is developed for various insulation R-values and insulation taper angles near roof decks. COMSOL Multiphysics 4.4 is used to model and analyse the attic structure. Results show that a discrepancy in overall U-factor for entire attic assembly between the developed model and the existing standard estimation. These results are pronounced for lower slope roofs with high insulation thickness.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610215025126