Fabric Temperature Gradients If we look at the simple wall, the temperature gradient across the wall is as shown. It is simply a straight line joining the two temperatures at the surface. Temperature gradient at aL However, when looking at building, we know te; and ta, and between these two temperatures is a series of resistances. We know that in steady state condition :~ ts ty Y(Ry + Ry Mtg ~ boo) Similarly etcSo let's examine the temperature gradient through the composite wall shown on ‘Gon’ 1. 22 7 Tw = =e 6 Raic= 0.180 m°K/w 14 Ry = 0.123 m’K/w 2 R,, = 0.055 m’K/w ce dor = 0. 50. wink 8 da 19 wimK 7 Aar = 0. 83w/mK 2 0 2 12 50 Plaster gq Cavily 449 Biock Brick ‘Add so we obtain a temperature gradient across the structure. When considering the problems of condensation in building, we have two aspects for consideration:- 1) Surface condensation 2) Interstitial condensation 1) Surface condensation In order to predict whether surface condensation will occur, we need to estimate the state of the internal air ie temperature and moisture content. If the surface temperature of the wall is below the dew point temperature of the air, condensation will occur. Remember: the dew point of the air is reached when the DB temp is equal to the WB temp. As the DB temp falls below this point, water will condense out the air so that DB temp continues to equal the WB temp.100% RH WB Temp Dew point —~ Moisture content DB temperature °c Air with a moisture content of 0.010 keke is contained in a room, At what wall surface femperature will surface condensation occur? 2) Interstitial condensation Interstitial condensation is the term applied to that condensation which occurs in the structure and not on the surface. The principle is exactly the same as surface condensation. If the temperature of any part of the structure is below the dew point of the air in that part of the structure condensation will oceur. Therefore we need to determine the air condition through the wall. As we saw the temperature gradient through the wall can be calculated using thermal resistance. The dew point temperature gradient through the wall depends on the vapour resistance. When examining heat flow through a wall the driving force is temperature difference, (If you are uncertain about the relationship between vapour pressure and air moisture content refer to ‘Con’ Data sheet 2). The unit of resistance are MNs/g, symbol Rv. Vapour resistivity, ry = Ry/T. (MNs/gm) and DRV= Ra # Rat Rt cece Ina similar manner to that adopted in the estimation of temperature gradients P, ~ P, ete Where P denotes vapour pressure, and so APry_ _ AP. xR, OR Subscript e denotes element or layer