Thermal response of temporary school buildings: I Heating

Abstract

Space heating requirements in thermally lightweight temporary school buildings with between 25 mm and 60 mm thermal insulation have been estimated using a simplified dynamic thermal response model. The results suggest that, compared with thermally heavyweight school buildings, lightweight temporary classrooms, even down to 25 mm insulation thickness, should be operable in a reasonably energy-efficient manner under the highly intermittent school occupation pattern. This is because lightweight construction confers a generic advantage for space heating provision under intermittent occupancy. However, this advantage will not be realised unless care is taken about heating plant control (start-up times, occupation and frost protection setpoint temperatures) and the ventilation regime. The penalties for poor performance in these areas are quantified in a practical fashion.