A series of tests were performed in a test chamber to investigate the parameters and the rate of the simultaneous heat and moisture transfer between the building envelope and space air during the operating period and the off-period. Prior to the tests, many preliminary tests had been performed to determine the characteristics of the test chamber as well as the repeatability of the thermocouples. Simulation of the simultaneous heat and moisture transfer in the same test chamber by using the finite difference method was performed and analysed with the aid of a microcomputer. The mathematical models of heat and moisture balance at various nodes of the building structure were introduced and discussed. Finally, the simulated values were compared against the actual measured values of the tests. The operating characteristics of the test chamber were analysed and the influence of the variation of the convective heat transfer coefficient, the coefficient of structural characteristics, and the radiative energy was discussed.

KEYWORDS: calculating, heat flow, moisture, testing, climate chambers, buildings, microcomputers, comparing, measuring, heat transfer coefficient.