C068 — Performance of Relative Humidity-Controlled Ventilation in Buildings with Moisture Buffering Finishing Materials

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The dynamics of the combination of active moisture control through relative humidity-controlled ventilation (RHCV) and passive moisture control through moisture buffering was investigated through whole-building HAM modelling. Whole building hygrothermal simulations were conducted for three case studies with increasing moisture buffering capacities: a vapour-tight enclosure, a conventional painted gypsum board enclosure and a hempcrete enclosure. The performance of RHCV was compared to constant ventilation with respect to indoor humidity control and ventilation heat loss. Findings showed that both moisture buffering and RHCV were successful in improving the indoor relative humidity levels. The combination of moisture buffering properties of the hempcrete enclosure with the RHCV system provided the most stable indoor relative humidity levels largely within the optimal relative humidity range. However, the RHCV system was relatively less effective when applied to the hempcrete enclosure compared to the conventional enclosure due to the residual moisture released by the moisture buffering effect. As moisture buffering potential increases, potential moisture release increases correspondingly. Therefore, for the most efficient use of RHCV, low moisture buffering potential finishing materials are preferred. However, if stable humidity levels are required, the utilization of moisture buffering materials may be an effective option.

Product Details

Published:

2022

Number of Pages:

9

Units of Measure:

Dual

Product Code(s):

DBldgsXV-C068