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Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Heat Loss in Structures Saanvi Kunisetty

 Heat Loss in Structures

Saanvi Kunisetty



What Causes Heat Loss?

Heat can transfer (and be lost) in 3 scientifically defined ways:

  • Conduction: heat transfer through direct contact, where the heat moves from the hot object to the cold object

  • Convection: heat transfer through a fluid (which can be a gas or liquid), where hotter regions of the fluid rise (because they are less dense), while cooler regions sink, and this occurs in a circular fashion

  • Radiation: heat transfer by the means of electromagnetic waves through space (ex: sunlight traveling through space to Earth)


How Can Heat Loss in Structures Occur?

Air Infiltration/Leakage: unintentionally bringing outside air into a building

Ventilation: Warm air escaping out of building being replaced by cold air from outside

Radiation Transmission: Heat loss through infrared rays

Practical Applications:

  • A structure with greater surface area and smaller volume

  • A structure that uses materials which conduct heat (conductors)

How Do You Prevent Heat Loss in Structures?

  • Use materials that are good insulatorsLarger buildings with more volume compared to surface area (less surfaces for heat to escape from)

  • Less windows, doors, etc

  • Add carpets, rugs, curtains, and mats

  • Add vegetation around the structure to prevent wind from entering

  • Floor Insulation

  • Cavity Walls

Resources:

https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/digests/bsd-011-thermal-control-in-buildings

https://inhabitat.com/7-eco-friendly-insulation-alternatives-for-a-green-home/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zttrd2p/revision/4

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee102/node/2053


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