This paper assesses nine types of dynamic and equivalent U-factors for their ability to predict the relative
energy performance of different types of external walls, with varying levels of insulation, thermal mass
and solar absorptance,when used in housing.Asimulation analysis is undertaken to determine the energy
performance of different wall designs at eight cities, and to determine the dynamic and equivalent Ufactors of those walls. The results show that there is a strong correlation (R
2
> 0.7) between wall energy
performance and the equivalent U-factor at all but the coldest of the locations. The equivalent U-factor
shows promise as a wall energy performance indicator for global housing.
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