TESTING OF RBS CHIPS
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which has since been replaced by a higher performing design which offers better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%.
DETAILS OF
TEST
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).
We
were contacted on 6/29/98 by the Florida utility who ordered the test and was
told in writing by their senior attorney to "cease and desist in all respects
from representing to the public in any manner, or by any means any information
on the said report. In addition (name withheld), demands that you immediately
remove the portion of the Web Page dealing with the "1989 Florida (name
withheld) Test. If the Web Page article is not deleted within 48 hours of
receipt of this letter, then (name withheld) will seek whatever legal remedies
are available without any further notice to you."
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 1997-2010 Horizon Energy Systems. All rights
reserved.
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.