Computer simulation of moisture transfer in walls: Impacts on the thermal performance of buildings

In order to reduce electricity consumption in buildings, it is imperative to improve their thermal performance. Due to the many variables involved in thermal processes computer simulation is a consolidated method for thermal analysis. However, in many energy efficiency analyses calculus of heat conduction through the dwelling envelope does not consider moisture transportation and storage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the impacts of moisture transfer in walls on the thermal performance of naturally ventilated and artificially conditioned buildings using EnergyPlus computer simulation. This research contributed to the literature by showing the difference in thermal zone air humidity, temperature and annual energy demand (i.e. electricity consumption) when moisture effects are considered in walls. Buildings were composed of masonry and solid concrete envelopes and three numerical models were simulated: Conduction Transfer Function Model (CTF), Effective Moisture Penetration Depth Model (EMPD) and Combined Heat and Moisture Transfer Model (HAMT). The CTF model does not consider moisture effects. Results found a higher relative air humidity for the studied thermal zone by applying the HAMT model in the numerical simulation, and the envelope porosity was proven to affect HAMT humidity results. Comparing the HAMT and EMPD models with the CTF model, the annual energy demanded for cooling presented a 21% reduction for the EMPD model in the masonry and 9% increase for the HAMT model in the solid concrete. This article shows the importance of an accurate EnergyPlus heat transfer model for simulating a whole building to check edification attendance of minimum comfort parameters and select envelope materials aiming the reduction of electricity consumption. Highlights Hygrothermal models are compared for EnergyPlus energy demand simulations. Higher humidity is achieved when the HAMT model is chosen for numerical simulation. Annual energy for cooling may present a 21% reduction for EMPD model in masonry. Annual energy for cooling may present a 9% increase for HAMT model in concrete. Sensitivity analysis showed brick had higher sensitivity to properties variation.