A heat transfer computer simulation for predicting the temperature response in the interior and within the insulated structure of a residential room space has been developed. The model is a major expansion of an earlier model and includes improved radiation exchange processes and convection influences present in trapped air-spaces within the wall structure. Analytical development and simulation results are presented and compared to experimental data showing the high degree of accuracy the model achieves. Specific sensitivities are shown with comments on the relative importance of parameters involved. The simulation is applied to a residential space configured with reflective insulation of new technology and reflective exterior coatings and highlights the beneficial qualities of these technologies. Such modelling is useful in previewing the effects of innovative products and coatings, singly or in combination, and can provide information about a single structure that can be replicated and used in large-scale predictions for city or regional energy studies.

KEYWORDS: year 1995, calculating, heat flow, domestic, laboratory testing, rooms, thermal insulation, foils, coating, external walls, comparing, accuracy