COMPARISON OF THREE CALCULATION METHODS OF ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES IN SLOVENIA

In order to get the authorization for issuing energy performance certificates in Slovenia, the expert candidate has to attend the prescribed course and pass the exam. The simplified method for heat losses calculation that is taught at this course neglects the thermal bridges, raising concerns whether the calculation results are reliable. In this paper we have compared three methods for calculation of thermal losses for a “typical” family house. The first is the above mentioned simplified calculation using a correctional factor; the second takes into account the thermal bridges, using linear thermal transmittances obtained by numerical calculation, and the third takes into account the thermal bridges, using default values for linear thermal transmittances. Noting that the second method returns the most exact values, we have found that the first method results are too large, yet still smaller than the third method results

The Influences of Moisture on the Mechanical, Morphological and Thermogravimetric Properties of Mineral Wool Made from Basalt Glass Fibers

Mineral wool made from basalt fibers is frequently used as an insulating material in construction systems. In this study, both unused mineral wool and wool obtained from the softened roofing area were comprehensively analyzed in a laboratory using different characterization techniques. Firstly, the initial water content and compressive strength at 10% deformation were determined. Secondly, microstructure and surface chemical composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). To study heterogeneities near the fiber surface and to examine cross-sectional composition, a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) was used. Finally, to verify possible reasons for resin degradation, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning colometry (TGA-DSC) were simultaneously carried out. The results show that natural aging under high humidity and thermal fluctuations greatly affected the surface morphology and chemical composition of the fibrous composite. Phenol-formaldehyde and other hydrophobic compounds that protect fibers against moisture and give compressive resistance were found to be degraded