The largest amount of energy consumed within the average home is related to maintaining adequate climate control through heating and cooling systems. To conserve energy and decrease expenses associated with climate control, proper home insulation techniques are required. Insulation technologies relating to materials and application have advanced throughout the home building industry with time. The home building industry once relied on straw and newspaper for insulating material. The industry currently utilizes technology such as fiberglass and blown expandable foam. Insulation material advancement is driven by consumers demanding insulation material designed for high insulation value along with positive occupant health and environmental impact. Many homeowners today are designing new “green” homes. To meet the needs of green consumers, insulation manufacturers are developing insulating materials made from recycled products such as jeans, t-shirts, and other low volatile organic products that can be treated with boric acid. Manufacturers have found that going green has other benefits to the homeowner as well, such as cotton’s ability to provide excellent soundproofing.
Criteria:
• Design a renewable composite insulation material.
• Achieve the highest R value in the class with your design.
Design Constraints:
• Composite insulation material must have overall uniform thickness less than or equal to one inch.
• Composite insulation material must have consistent internal composition.
• Individual insulation material(s) must be environmentally friendly.
• Individual insulation material(s) must be recyclable.
• Individual insulation material(s) must be economical.
• Composite insulation material dimensions must not exceed the overall dimensions of Heat box apparatus top.
Measurements and Calculations
See class handout
Conclusion Questions
1. Explain how your house might lose energy through radiation.
2. What modifications could be made to your team’s insulation design that allow for more energy efficiency?
3. Which beverage would be more beneficial for cooling you on a hot summer day – a cup of ice cold water or a cup of hot cocoa? Justify your choice.
4. How do birds insulate their bodies to prevent energy loss on the skin’s surface?
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