Project 1.3.4- Renewable Insulation
Introduction
The largest amount of energy consumed within the average home is related to maintaining adequate climate control through heating and cooling systems. To conserve energy and decrease expenses associated with climate control, proper home insulation techniques are required. Insulation technologies relating to materials and application have advanced throughout the home building industry with time. The home building industry once relied on straw and newspaper for insulating material. The industry currently utilizes technology such as fiberglass and blown expandable foam. Insulation material advancement is driven by consumers demanding insulation material designed for high insulation value along with positive occupant health and environmental impact. Many homeowners today are designing new “green” homes. To meet the needs of green consumers, insulation manufacturers are developing insulating materials made from recycled products such as jeans, t-shirts, and other low volatile organic products that can be treated with boric acid. Manufacturers have found that many green materials have other benefits to the homeowner as well, such as cotton’s ability to provide excellent soundproofing.
The largest amount of energy consumed within the average home is related to maintaining adequate climate control through heating and cooling systems. To conserve energy and decrease expenses associated with climate control, proper home insulation techniques are required. Insulation technologies relating to materials and application have advanced throughout the home building industry with time. The home building industry once relied on straw and newspaper for insulating material. The industry currently utilizes technology such as fiberglass and blown expandable foam. Insulation material advancement is driven by consumers demanding insulation material designed for high insulation value along with positive occupant health and environmental impact. Many homeowners today are designing new “green” homes. To meet the needs of green consumers, insulation manufacturers are developing insulating materials made from recycled products such as jeans, t-shirts, and other low volatile organic products that can be treated with boric acid. Manufacturers have found that many green materials have other benefits to the homeowner as well, such as cotton’s ability to provide excellent soundproofing.
activity_1.3.4-_final_final.ng3 | |
File Size: | 37 kb |
File Type: | ng3 |
Conclusion
1. Explain how your house might lose energy through radiation, convection, and conduction.
My house may lose energy through convection and the glass of the house allowing cold air to enter the house easier.
2. What modifications could be made to your team’s insulation design that allow for more energy efficiency?
Covering the entire house in strategically place solar panels and adjusting its color can allow for a more energy efficient house.
3. Which beverage would be more beneficial for cooling you on a hot summer day—a cup of ice cold water or a cup of hot cocoa? Justify your choice.
A cup of ice cold water is more beneficial for cooling someone on a hot summer day as your body and the water use convection to reach thermal equilibrium.
4. How do birds insulate their bodies to prevent energy loss on the skin’s surface?
Birds insulate their bodies by working; or moving their body and causing their temperature to rise and heat their skin.
5. Suppose that you are sitting close to a campfire. You decide to clean your glasses and notice that your eyes feel warmer without your glasses. Explain this phenomenon.
Your glasses would act as an R-Value which provides heat resistance, thus eliminating the resistance from heat and making your eyes feel as they got hotter.
6. We wear winter coats and cover with blankets to stay warm in the winter. If the coats and blankets are not a source of energy, how do we stay warm?
The blankets and coats act as heat conductors and provide resistance to cold air as a result.
1. Explain how your house might lose energy through radiation, convection, and conduction.
My house may lose energy through convection and the glass of the house allowing cold air to enter the house easier.
2. What modifications could be made to your team’s insulation design that allow for more energy efficiency?
Covering the entire house in strategically place solar panels and adjusting its color can allow for a more energy efficient house.
3. Which beverage would be more beneficial for cooling you on a hot summer day—a cup of ice cold water or a cup of hot cocoa? Justify your choice.
A cup of ice cold water is more beneficial for cooling someone on a hot summer day as your body and the water use convection to reach thermal equilibrium.
4. How do birds insulate their bodies to prevent energy loss on the skin’s surface?
Birds insulate their bodies by working; or moving their body and causing their temperature to rise and heat their skin.
5. Suppose that you are sitting close to a campfire. You decide to clean your glasses and notice that your eyes feel warmer without your glasses. Explain this phenomenon.
Your glasses would act as an R-Value which provides heat resistance, thus eliminating the resistance from heat and making your eyes feel as they got hotter.
6. We wear winter coats and cover with blankets to stay warm in the winter. If the coats and blankets are not a source of energy, how do we stay warm?
The blankets and coats act as heat conductors and provide resistance to cold air as a result.