Effects of Ambient Relative Humidity and Temperature on the Performance of Rock Wool Insulation Material

Abstract

Insulation is a quite common application used in residential. Also rock wool material is one of the preferred insulation materials in insulation applications due to its many advantages. In this study, the performance of rock wool insulation material has been investigated experimentally under ambient conditions kept at different relative humidity and temperature values. As an experimental setup, a control volume kept at constant relative humidity and temperature and a cone-shaped tank with ice in it were used. Thus, the ice melted together with the heat transferred into the funnel, and drip amounts were measured with a precision weighing. Relative humidity values were selected between 33-90% and temperature values between 25-35 degrees C as ambient conditions. The results were compared in terms of heat transfer, insulation thickness, and thermal conductivity. When the results are examined, it was seen that the maximum heat transfer amount to the insulation material increased by 70% depending on the relative humidity change, 34% depending on the temperature, and it was seen that the maximum thermal conductivity of the insulation material increased by 90% depending on the relative humidity change, 30% depending on the temperature. Finally, when the insulation thickness was examined, it was determined that when the insulation thickness was doubled depending on the relative humidity and temperature, it gives the same insulation performance.