Abstract
Indoor air humidity behaviour within an enclosure has been mathematically modelled. A linear differential equation is used to describe the response of indoor air humidity to different moisture transport processes within the space. The modelled processes include: moisture absorption/desorption, surface condensation, air movement across enclosure boundaries, indoor evaporation, and indoor moisture generation. By using a discrete time step, nonlinear processes, such as surface condensation, can be assumed linear within the time interval. The differential equation is solved as part of a comprehensive numerical formulation through which the behaviour of moisture transport process and its contribution to indoor humidity dynamics are modelled. A theoretical study of indoor air humidity response to different moisture transport processes has revealed the importance of the involved processes in determining indoor air humidity behaviour. The relative influence of a particular process depends on its time constant, its interaction with other processes, and the continuity of the process. In addition, the impact of a given moisture transport process will also depend on the building physical and functional characteristics, as well as the prevailing outdoor environmental conditions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 61-73 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Energy and Buildings |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1992 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to express their appreciation of the financial support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, without which this research work would have not been possible.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering