Calculated MRT vs. measured MRT in experimental buildings

Abstract

Three room-sized building chambers were constructed in Elhasa, Saudi Arabia during the summer of 1988. These test chambers were identical except for the manner in which they were insulated. One was uninsulated (U), another had insulation on the exterior surface of the envelope (E), and a third had insulation on the inside surface (I) of the envelope. Hypotheses were developed and tested based upon an equation expressing the anticipated relationship of surface-weighted calculated mean radiant temperature (CMRT) and measured mean radiant temperature (MMRT). Floating temperatures were used in these calculations and measurements. Keywords: Mean radiant temperature, black globe temperature, external insulation, internal insulation.