Numerical analysis on thermal performance of trailer house composite envelope using vacuum insulation panels.

Due to distinguished thermal performance of vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), i.e. the thermal conductivity is approximately 5-10 times lower than that of traditional thermal insulation material, it has been widely applied for energy conservation purpose, especially as building envelope. To research the thermal characteristic of VIPs composite envelope for trailer house, the VIPs are employed, based on the climate characteristics of the cold zone, and three typical models, namely, the interior adiabatic, sandwich and exterior adiabatic models are constructed. The physical and mathematic models are developed and the numerical comparative analysis of the thermal performance is made under the lager temperature difference condition. Compared among those constructions with the same continuous temperature waves, the damping factor, the delay time, the temperature vibration of interior wall surface, heat transfer flux and the thermal bridge are theoretically analyzed. The results of the simulation imply that, interior adiabatic model of the VIPs composite envelope is the best for the energy conservation, especially in thermal bridge region, reduction the range of the interior temperature fluctuation, radiation thermal cool sensation and improvement thermal comfort index. The research work provides the theoretical foundation for the VIPs development and application in building contracture.