Simulation of heat and moisture transfer with phase change and mobile condensates in fibrous insulation

Numerical simulation has been reported on this paper for an improved model of coupled heat and moisture transfer with phase change and mobile condensates in fibrous insulation. The new model considers the moisture movement induced by the partial water vapor pressure, a super saturation state in condensing region as well as the dynamic moisture absorption of fibrous materials and the movement of liquid condensates. Based on simulation results, it has been found that moisture movement induced by the partial water vapor pressure, moisture diffusion, condensation, evaporation, and liquid water movement are the most important factors influencing the distribution of water content and heat loss. The results of the new model have been compared and found in good agreement with the experimental ones. (C) 2003 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.