Ambient Hot Box: An Instrument for Thermal Characterization of Building Elements and Constructive Materials

Abstract

In assessing the energy performance of buildings, the thermal performance of the structural components and building materials is crucial. Although reference catalogs are used to determine the thermal properties of construction materials, the use of novel materials or non-homogeneous mixtures, particularly with biomaterials, demands the development of new instruments that are capable of performing rapid, accurate and cost-effective thermal characterization. This study introduces the ambient hot-box, a new tool for measuring the thermal properties of construction components and heterogeneous materials. The paper provides a methodology for measuring a sample’s benchmark and fresh materials using a streamlined hot-box-based instrument. Utilizing samples as a benchmark material, the new instrument is assessed, yielding transmittance values with errors below 4%. The electronic circuits, measurements techniques and instrument implementation are all described.