Analysis of Thermotechnical Calculation Method and Air conditioning Load for Lightweight Timber Frame Envelopes

Abstract:

Based on the common thermotechnical calculation methods for lightweight timber frame wall，an improved method was presented with an accurate result which agreed well with the experimental data. The cooling and heating loads of a bedroom during typical days in Chongqing were calculated by building energy simulation program, EnergyPlus. Results show that the air conditioning load per unit of lightweight timber frame wall is the least in comparison with the loads of 50% and 65% energy efficient brick concrete walls. The daily average cooling and heating loads caused by lightweight timber frame wall are about 55% of the 65% energy efficient brick concrete wall. But the lightweight timber frame is of the poorer thermal insulation property and larger fluctuation of loads than brick concrete wall of 65% energy saving. Improving thermal insulation in summer is the key to optimize the thermotechnical performance for lightweight timber frame wall.

Key words:lightweight timber frame; thermotechnical calculation method; air conditioning load