The Influence of the Initial Condition in the Transient Thermal Field Simulation Inside a Wall

Abstract

The envelope structures of buildings are exposed to heat-humidity conditions. The heat and humidity flow through these structures depends on the boundary conditions of the indoor and outdoor environments. This paper shows different initial conditions for the determination of temperature spread. The aim is to bring certain results of temperature calculated considering the initial conditions. When temperature changes, heat flow also rapidly changes. In certain specific cases, it is necessary to consider the initial conditions of temperature—for example; when transient energy simulations of real buildings are carried out. The reasons as to why it is necessary to consider the initial conditions, are shown in the examples of one-layer assemblies. The test walls exposed to the transient hygrothermal conditions are placed in the outdoor test cell. The cell has a stable temperature and relative humidity, and outdoor weather conditions change. The measured data on these walls and the calculated values of the temperatures in the wall structure, according to the different initial conditions, are compared. The average difference of the mean by the simulation and the measured values is significant. For a simulation time of about five days, the initial condition for calculating the temperature in the center of the masonry is necessary.