HAMT Extension for EnergyPlus Encompasses Moisture Sources due to Air Leakage.

HEAT storage; HYGROTHERMOELASTICITY; INDOOR air quality; MOISTURE; LEAKAGE; AIR flow; MASS transfer

As building envelopes become more energy efficient, new buildings are more prone to hygrothermal failure. The combined Heat and Moisture Transfer (HAMT) model in EnergyPlus is able to provide moisture profiles through multiple material layers of an envelope assembly using a coupled, onedimensional, finite element model simulating the movement and storage of heat and moisture. However, HAMT is currently unable to properly assess the effects of moisture sources inside an assembly to determine impacts on durability, indoor air quality, and energy performance. This paper reviews existing tools for modeling moisture sources due to air leakage and the HAMT model equations in EnergyPlus. A sub-model is then developed that enables air leakage to be applied to a moisture sink/source at an arbitrary location by extending the existing mass transfer equation with a source term that includes water vapor deposit from air flow through an assembly. We demonstrate use of this model, discuss limitations, and make the source code publicly available for external use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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