- Modelling Interior Building Surface Temperatures
Current modelling methods assume a single uniform temperature throughout each surface within a space. This causes significant challenges when trying to model and design complex systems, including the integration of thermal storage systems like phase change materials (PCM) and thermal comfort of a space. Solar gains are typically the driving force of surface temperatures within a room, as well as temperature discrepancies throughout the space. As such, new and improved numerical building models providing local surface temperatures will help facilitate the design of PCM integrated walls and bring forth better designs based on exposure to direct solar radiation during different periods of the year. Most importantly, this approach will allow the overall impact on thermal comfort and energy consumption to be quantified accurately. Dr. Cruickshank is currently looking for a Ph.D. student to develop a numerical model of a space that can be integrated into existing building software (such as EnergyPlus), and be used to determine the surface temperature distribution within a building. This model will then be validated using data from temperature sensors, IR cameras and radiation sensors from CABER.