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Grade 12th passThermal Physics

What is the thermal resistance of a 60 cm thick natural stone
wall(X=2.3 WI mK), the inside with a 3 cm thick clay plaster X=
0.8 W/mK is provided?
a) Does it meet the minimum thermal protection requirements?
b) What is the inner surface temperature for
Oi=20°C and Oa=-10°C?
c) How high may the relative humidity in the room be, if the rela•
tive air humidity on the surface must not exceed 80%?7

Profile image of Faiza Kashif
5 Years agoGrade 12th pass
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1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To determine the thermal resistance of the wall system you've described, we need to analyze each layer's contribution to the overall thermal resistance. This will help us answer your questions about thermal protection requirements, inner surface temperature, and humidity levels. Let's break this down step by step.

Calculating Thermal Resistance

The thermal resistance (R) of a material is calculated using the formula:

R = d / λ

Where:

  • d = thickness of the material (in meters)
  • λ = thermal conductivity (in W/mK)

Step 1: Calculate the Thermal Resistance of Each Layer

We have two layers to consider: the natural stone wall and the clay plaster.

Natural Stone Wall

For the 60 cm thick natural stone wall:

  • Thickness (d) = 0.6 m
  • Thermal conductivity (λ) = 2.3 W/mK

Calculating the thermal resistance:

R_stone = 0.6 m / 2.3 W/mK ≈ 0.261 m²K/W

Clay Plaster

For the 3 cm thick clay plaster:

  • Thickness (d) = 0.03 m
  • Thermal conductivity (λ) = 0.8 W/mK

Calculating the thermal resistance:

R_plaster = 0.03 m / 0.8 W/mK ≈ 0.0375 m²K/W

Step 2: Total Thermal Resistance

The total thermal resistance (R_total) of the wall system is the sum of the thermal resistances of each layer:

R_total = R_stone + R_plaster ≈ 0.261 m²K/W + 0.0375 m²K/W ≈ 0.2985 m²K/W

Minimum Thermal Protection Requirements

To determine if this meets the minimum thermal protection requirements, we need to compare the total thermal resistance with the required value for your specific climate zone. Generally, higher thermal resistance is preferred for colder climates to minimize heat loss.

If the required thermal resistance is lower than 0.2985 m²K/W, then it meets the requirements; otherwise, it may not.

Inner Surface Temperature Calculation

Next, we can calculate the inner surface temperature (T_inner) using the formula:

T_inner = T_outside + (T_inside - T_outside) * (R_total / R_total)

Given:

  • Outside temperature (T_outside) = -10°C
  • Inside temperature (T_inside) = 20°C

Using the total thermal resistance:

T_inner = -10°C + (20°C - (-10°C)) * (R_total / R_total)

Since R_total cancels out, we find:

T_inner = 20°C - 10°C = 10°C

Relative Humidity Considerations

Finally, to determine how high the relative humidity can be in the room without exceeding 80% on the surface, we can use the concept of dew point. The dew point temperature can be calculated using the formula:

RH = 100 * (e_s / e)

Where:

  • e_s = saturation vapor pressure at T_inner
  • e = actual vapor pressure

For this calculation, we would typically refer to tables or formulas for vapor pressure at specific temperatures. Assuming you have access to these values, you can find the saturation vapor pressure at 10°C and then calculate the maximum allowable actual vapor pressure to maintain 80% relative humidity.

In summary, we calculated the thermal resistance of the wall system, assessed its compliance with thermal protection requirements, determined the inner surface temperature, and outlined how to evaluate relative humidity levels. Each of these steps is crucial for ensuring energy efficiency and comfort in building design.