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Influence of Attic Radiant Barrier Systems on Air Conditioning Demand in an Utility Pilot Project
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Date
2002
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)
Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu)
Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu)
Abstract
A utility monitoring project has evaluated radiant
barrier systems (RBS) as a new potential demand site
management (DSM) program. The study examined
how the retrofit of attic radiant barriers can be
expected to alter utility residential space conditioning
loads. An RBS consists of a layer of aluminum foil
fastened to roof decking or roof trusses to block
radiant heat transfer between the hot roof surface and
the attic below. The radiant barrier can significantly
lower summer heat transfer to the attic insulation and
to the cooling duct system. Both of these mechanisms
have strong potential impacts on cooling energy use
as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
The pilot project involved installation of RBS in
nine homes that had been extensively monitored over
the preceding year. The houses varied in conditioned
floor area from 939 to 2,440 square feet; attic
insulation varied from R-9 to R-30. The homes had
shingle roofs with varying degrees of attic
ventilation. The radiant barriers were installed during
the summer of 2000. Data analysis on the pre and
post cooling and heating consumption was used to
determine impacts on energy use and peak demand
for the utility.
The average cooling energy savings from the
RBS retrofit was 3.6 kWh/day, or about 9%. The
average reduction in summer afternoon peak demand
was 420 watts (or about 16%).