Heat flux measurement in residential buildings: A method for enhancement of thermopile sensitivity.

Thermal performance analysis of residential buildings often includes monitoring of heat flux through its elements, such as walls, windows, roof, floors etc. Such measurement is seriously affected by the sensitivity of applied heat flow gauges which determines the accuracy of both measurement and outcomes of the subsequent analysis and data processing procedures. Since each measurement is characteristic by unique conditions and experimental environment, the default factory calibration may not be suitable. Therefore, a custom calibration may be needed, which usually requires extra sources or additional efforts that often do not corresponds with initial plans and intentions. Therefore, a new approach is proposed in this paper to address the drawbacks of default calibration values of heat flux gauges. The proposed approach can be easily done without interfering with the ongoing experiment as well as requiring a technological break for sensor manipulation, dismounting or replacement. The presented approach is described in detail and demonstrated in a case study based on the measurement under real time and conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]