A COMPUTER SIMULATION OF THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF EARTH COVERED ROOFS

ABSTRACT A comprehensive computer model of the transient one dimensional heat flow through earth covered roofs has been developed and utilized to study thermal performance for both winter heating and summer cooling periods. This model couples a proven conduction transfer function calculation scheme with current models of surface convection, radiation and evapotranspiration to generate the capability for evaluating the influence on roof heat transfer corresponding to changes in the following roof characteristics: (1) thermal mass, (2) insulation, (3) evapotranspiration, and (4) convective and radiative heat exchange. The details of the model are described. Results of applying the computer simulation to the assessment of heat flow through simple roof structures and more complicated earth covered roofs during summer cooling periods are presented.