The Improved Measurement of Building Thermal Transmittance in Zagreb Using a Temperature-Based Method

Theoretical <i>U</i>-values, which measure thermal transmittance, can be calculated based on the thermal parameters of an opaque element’s layers. However, practical measurements are essential to validate these theoretical values. The heat flux meter (HFM) method, is a widely accepted st...

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Main Authors: Igor Štambuk, Roman Malarić, Ivica Bakota, Zvonko Trzun
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Sensors
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/3456
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author Igor Štambuk
Roman Malarić
Ivica Bakota
Zvonko Trzun
author_facet Igor Štambuk
Roman Malarić
Ivica Bakota
Zvonko Trzun
author_sort Igor Štambuk
collection DOAJ
description Theoretical <i>U</i>-values, which measure thermal transmittance, can be calculated based on the thermal parameters of an opaque element’s layers. However, practical measurements are essential to validate these theoretical values. The heat flux meter (HFM) method, is a widely accepted standard for such measurements. Despite its prevalence, the HFM method faces challenges, including wall surface roughness, ensuring proper contact between measurement devices and surfaces, and weather-related fluctuations. This study introduces a prototype system that employs a modified temperature-based method (TBM) to address these challenges. The paper provides a detailed comparison of thermal transmittance measurements obtained using both the modified TBM and the HFM method. The results showed <i>U</i>-value differences between the two methods. Additionally, these experimental findings were compared with theoretical calculations, highlighting the efficacy and potential of the modified TBM as an alternative approach for accurate <i>U</i>-value determination.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1424-8220
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publisher MDPI AG
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series Sensors
spelling doaj-art-5198fcd0b9314db794fc97bedd6367d22025-08-20T03:46:45ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-05-012511345610.3390/s25113456The Improved Measurement of Building Thermal Transmittance in Zagreb Using a Temperature-Based MethodIgor Štambuk0Roman Malarić1Ivica Bakota2Zvonko Trzun3University of Defense and Security, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaVIB Buildings, 21300 Makarska, CroatiaUniversity of Defense and Security, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaTheoretical <i>U</i>-values, which measure thermal transmittance, can be calculated based on the thermal parameters of an opaque element’s layers. However, practical measurements are essential to validate these theoretical values. The heat flux meter (HFM) method, is a widely accepted standard for such measurements. Despite its prevalence, the HFM method faces challenges, including wall surface roughness, ensuring proper contact between measurement devices and surfaces, and weather-related fluctuations. This study introduces a prototype system that employs a modified temperature-based method (TBM) to address these challenges. The paper provides a detailed comparison of thermal transmittance measurements obtained using both the modified TBM and the HFM method. The results showed <i>U</i>-value differences between the two methods. Additionally, these experimental findings were compared with theoretical calculations, highlighting the efficacy and potential of the modified TBM as an alternative approach for accurate <i>U</i>-value determination.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/3456thermal transmittanceheat flow meteropaque elementbuildings
spellingShingle Igor Štambuk
Roman Malarić
Ivica Bakota
Zvonko Trzun
The Improved Measurement of Building Thermal Transmittance in Zagreb Using a Temperature-Based Method
Sensors
thermal transmittance
heat flow meter
opaque element
buildings
title The Improved Measurement of Building Thermal Transmittance in Zagreb Using a Temperature-Based Method
title_full The Improved Measurement of Building Thermal Transmittance in Zagreb Using a Temperature-Based Method
title_fullStr The Improved Measurement of Building Thermal Transmittance in Zagreb Using a Temperature-Based Method
title_full_unstemmed The Improved Measurement of Building Thermal Transmittance in Zagreb Using a Temperature-Based Method
title_short The Improved Measurement of Building Thermal Transmittance in Zagreb Using a Temperature-Based Method
title_sort improved measurement of building thermal transmittance in zagreb using a temperature based method
topic thermal transmittance
heat flow meter
opaque element
buildings
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/11/3456
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