Case study: U-Value: measurement vs. calculation

greenTEG AG: In our latest case study the theoretical U-value based on a calculation model is compared with a U-value based on a heat flux measurement with greenTEG’s gSKIN sensor.

An office wall at Technopark, a business and meeting center in Zürich, has been assessed. The building was built in 1990 according to the highest energy standards and therefore reached excellent thermal characteristics at that time.

The goal of this case study is to find out to what extent the U-value calculated with the construction data deviates from today’s measured value.

Buildings have not only become increasingly energy efficient over time but also the documentation of data on the construction details and materials has improved. For many buildings constructed in the last decades this data is available. Based on this data, precise theoretical calculations of the thermal properties such as the U-value are possible. The problem with these calculations is that the actual value might be way different.

Certain kinds of foam insulation, widely applied in the first insulated buildings, tend to deteriorate due to displacement of gas or infiltration of moisture. Also the U-value of newer buildings insulated with mineral wool might be worse in reality due to damage, increase of moisture or poor installation methods.

• Read the whole case study