Hygrothermal field testing of multi-functional wood fibre panels for residential buildings

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In recent years, energy efficiency and sustainability have drawn significant interest among authorities and researchers. The proposed study will use an analytical and experimental approach to investigate the hygrothermal performance of wall systems under different climate conditions. The wall systems to be investigated in this study are developed by FPInnovations, a Canadian non-profit organization working on energy-efficient and sustainable strategies for building envelopes. The University of Alberta and FPInnovations propose to investigate and evaluate the moisture content and hygrothermal performance of these multi-functional panels in a variety of wall assembly configurations. Analysis with real-time measurements will contribute to the development of multi-functional panels assembled from currently available components providing both structural and hygrothermal insulation properties. The general goal of this study is to evaluate the long term (~2 years) thermal and hygric (moisture-related) performance of proposed panel systems by conducting field tests in two different climates for the purpose of comparison, Edmonton and Vancouver. This encompasses such metrics as thermal resistance; temperature distribution; thermal bridging; thermal mass performance; moisture content; vapour control capacity; and drying capacity. A simulation model for hygrothermal analysis of the panels will also be developed and validated.The research will develop advanced modelling to simulate heat and moisture transfer in the multi-functional panels. The simulation of the complicated heat and moisture transfer process with the nonlinear material properties of wood fibre and other layers in moisture sorption isotherm will provide holistic understanding of performance under different climatic conditions. The proposed research will also result in practical guidelines for using wood fibre-which is environmentally-friendly and fully recyclable-in residential applications. The utilization of wood fibre is expected to help improve indoor air quality for occupants, and the research project will contribute to Canada's economy by introducing a new technology to the Canadian homebuilding market.