Radiant Barrier Chips Being Installed
The RBS Chips were to be tested side by side at FSEC against two other types of radiant barriers and a comparison cell with R-19 insulation and no radiant barrier. The main purpose of this test was to measure degradation due to dust accumulation over time, a significant problem with previous radiant barrier products placed above the insulation. The many layers of our RBS Chip overcome the dust problem and continue to offer performance and energy savings.
The testing showed our RBS Chips returned a 42% percent reduction after the
introduction of dust. As can be seen below, the tests were performed in 1989.
The chips tested during this evaluation were a hand made, prototype product
which has since been replaced by a higher performing design which offers better
coverage, increased protection from dust. It is not uncommon to see a 25%
to 40% decrease in total monthly energy costs
and increased comfort after the
application of RBS Chips. These savings are both for cooling costs and
heating costs in colder climates.
Further, not only is the multiple
layers of RBS used to overcome the dust issue (that's the main claim in the
patent), more than one layer of a reflective surface facing other reflective
surfaces further benefits the performance. This is what gives a thermos
bottle such outstanding performance. Hot coffee or ice tea, works great
for both. We now manufacture a new multi-layered RBS membrane product
called "Thermal
Control Membrane" (TCM), which, in simple terms, can be
described as a flexible Thermos Bottle.
This sheet form can be used in attics
without being affected by dust accumulation due to the multiple layers
sandwiched together with air spaces in between. New homes that have TCM in
the walls and ceiling must have the HVAC sizing reduced by 50%.
TESTING OF RBS
CHIPS
Three types of floor mounted radiant barriers were tested. The
purpose of this test was to gauge the degradation of performance after the
accumulation of dust.
Powdered gypsum drywall (emissivity .95), was
blown into each test cell completely covering the radiant barriers. Only
RBS Chips continued working. Once completely covered, the single layer
radiant barrier ceased performing. Not difficult to comprehend given the fact
that infrared energy is an electromagnetive wave form and bounces off reflective
surfaces.
More dust was then blown in and a small percentage of
performance loss occurred. When asked "how much more dust added", it
became known that 1/2" of dust was blown in over the
chips.
Unfortunately, as can be seen below, the test has been marked "CONFIDENTIAL" (since 1989) and cannot be reprinted (see cover page of test below).
These tests were performed using four identical, unoccupied homes for data collection and measurement of power usage. All power was shut off in these homes except for the heat pump.
The tests ran for several months as APS collected data. The graph below
illustrates a typical day of electricity consumed by all of the RBS products as
tested against the control home without RBS (the dark black line). Notice the
RBS Chip outperformed all other types of radiant barrier tested.
Please note the statement printed across the face
of the graph above stating: "test results are
inconsistent with Engineering calculations and must be verified before being
accepted as being factual". This is a true statement. However, the results of
this test were compiled from real houses (just like
yours), with real electricity while "Engineering calculations" are
based on test boxes and computer models.
2)
Plywood laminated with radiant barrier has a similar effect though not as
drastic as the rafter application.
The explanation for this is simple once emissivity and convection are
understood. The plywood roof deck, with a lowered emissivity due to the
placement of radiant barrier, raises the temperature of the wood (much like a
chrome car bumper on a sunny day). This in turn increases the convective
currents in the attic which in turn superheats the insulation to a temperature
higher than at home without radiant barrier! Manufacturers of this
product claim lower attic temperatures at noon which can be seen in the graph
above. It is not until 4-5pm that the trapped heat becomes apparent and
raises the need for electricity higher than that of a home without a
radiant barrier. Notice only the RBS Chip was below the control home all
day. Keep in mind this is one day. Truth is, RBS Chips
keep you home more comfortable and energy efficient
everyday.
3) As can be seen in the graph, a radiant barrier placed directly over the insulation significantly reduces energy costs by keeping the insulation cooler. Our patented Radiant Barrier Chip product overcomes the anomalies once associated with this placement: performance degradation due to dust accumulation, labor intensive installations and moisture condensation in colder climates.
Web page design and maintained by B Rad
Design Group
Copyright 1997-2011 all images, text and HTML copyrighted by Horizon
Energy Systems.
All
rights reserved and violators will be prosecuted.
Information
in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other
products and companies referred to herein are
trademarks
or registered
trademarks
of their
respective
companies or mark holders.