A full-scale experimental study concerning the moisture condensation on building glazing surface

Abstract

Superficial condensation phenomena often occur on the glazed elements of buildings. As a result, the aim of this study is to put forward an experimental approach to assess the condensation rate on building glazing surface for full-scale room tests under realistic conditions. The proposed method for condensation quantification is applied in this work for surface condensation on a cold glazing (2.90 m x 2.30 m) within a ventilated test room (6.20 m x 3.10 m x 2.50 m). We first describe the full-scale test cell, focusing then on the experimental apparatus employed for the condensation study. This is followed by the description of the methodology for the condensation rate quantification. The approach is based on image processing techniques, using condensation pictures. This allows also to reveal the mechanisms behind the condensation appearance and growth. On the other hand, the experimental data achieved by this method are compared with theoretical results based on condensation rate and heat transfer coefficient correlations available in the literature. An overall difference of up to 18% between the measured results and the theoretical results was found for the condensation rate. Consequently, the method proposed in this work leads to promising results concerning the condensation rate quantification on cold glazing within full-scale enclosures.

Influence of Superabsorbent Polymers on Moisture Control in Building Interiors

“…Considering the durability of building materials, the excessive level of relative humidity may result in accelerated deterioration as stated by [8] who listed several possible damages driven by moisture. Undesired moisture content in masonry structures poses a serious risk associated with the disintegration of inorganic plasters, biological and chemical corrosion, frost damage and salt efflorescence [9,10]. Concurrently, the moisture content may induce an adverse effect on the thermal performance of applied insulation materials in building envelopes as a result of a higher thermal conductivity of water compared to dry air [11][12][13].…”

Influence of the Water Vapour Permeability of Airtight Sheets on the Behaviour of Facade

“…The appearance of condensation in the different layers of the building envelope (in the thermal insulation, in the cladding, in the structural components or in the construction joints [21]) depends on the climate, the indoor environment, the characteristics of the materials and the order in which the different layers are laid [22].…”

“…If the drying is not fast enough (the maximum accumulated condensation in a year should not exceed the amount evaporated in the same period [15]), high moisture content on the surfaces and inside the components leads to deterioration of the building materials [23], reduces their life and durability [24], leads to excessive maintenance and renovation costs [25], and to additional heat loss [24] due to reduced effectiveness of insulation materials [25]. In addition, the occurrence of condensation and mould growth is harmful to human health [21], so it must be regulated to ensure the health and comfort of the occupants [24].…”

Methods for Determining Mold Development and Condensation on the Surface of Building Barriers

“…To reduce the formation of condensation, additional shading elements on the windows directed towards the sky have been proposed, which would limit the condensation of water vapor on the external surface of the glazing in the morning. In the article [19], the authors attempted to determine the rate of surface condensation on cold glazed surfaces of building elements. The tests were carried out in a full-sized test chamber, using imaging techniques to analyze the appearance and increase of surface condensation on glazed surfaces.…”

“…To analyze the above problem, various methods can now be used, such as computational [18], experimental [8,19], and computer simulations [21][22][23].…”