Development of a Scale Model for Experimental Evaluation of Thermal End Effectors in Buildings

Kipp Bradford, Forrest Meggers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a low-cost, open-source, scale-model climate chamber that we developed to test and measure the performance of multiple different thermal end effectors. The apparatus includes a variety of sensors, including temperature measurement capabilities via a network of spatially distributed thermistors, thermal power and electrical power measurement, and radiant temperature measurement. The thermal conditions in the chamber are managed by a small-scale heat pump, configurable as an air-to-air or air-to-water system. In preliminary experiments, this heat pump was used to supply thermal energy to both radiant and forced-air end effectors. Unlike building simulation software, our experimental apparatus allows for direct measurements of the thermal conditions created by a variety of thermal end effectors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMultiphysics and Multiscale Building Physics - Proceedings of the 9th International Building Physics Conference IBPC 2024
Subtitle of host publicationIndoor Air Quality IAQ, Lighting and Acoustics
EditorsUmberto Berardi
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages239-244
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9789819783168
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025
Event9th International Building Physics Conference, IBPC 2024 - Toronto, Canada
Duration: Jul 25 2024Jul 27 2024

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Volume555 LNCE
ISSN (Print)2366-2557
ISSN (Electronic)2366-2565

Conference

Conference9th International Building Physics Conference, IBPC 2024
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period7/25/247/27/24

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

Keywords

  • Building Simulation
  • HVAC
  • Scale Modeling

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