Study on moisture condensation on the interior surface of buildings in high humidity climate

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:Building and Environment, Volume 125
Author(s): Shijun You, Wenqingping Li, Tianzhen Ye, Fan Hu, Wandong Zheng
Hot and humid air infiltration would lead to moisture condensation on the interior surface of buildings in high humidity climate, which has a negative influence on the indoor environment and building life. This study aims to expound the transient property of moisture condensation on the interior surface of buildings in high humidity climate, and find the typical places where moisture condensation often occurs by numerical and experimental methods. A numerical model of a test chamber is established, which is used to predict the distribution of heat and humidity due to air infiltration. Simulation results from the application of FLUENT software are compared with the experimental data, and a validation procedure is presented. The effect of outdoor air temperature, humidity ratio and wind speed on the moisture condensation state is investigated. The results prove that these parameters have a significant impact on the start time, duration and magnitude of moisture condensation. Two regression equations are developed from the experimental results, which describe the relationship between the indoor air temperature, humidity and the factors of infiltrated air. Meanwhile, two kinds of dew-proof solutions are proposed.