Thermal analysis of wood–cement panels: Heat flux and indoor temperature measurements in test cells

The aim of the present paper is to characterize the physical and mechanical properties and to evaluate the thermal performance of wood–cement panels using wood flour originated from lumber industries rejects. The research comprised of several steps: (1) physical and mechanical analysis; (2) heat flux measurements using small-scale test cells of 1 m3 of internal volume and (3) indoor temperature measurements under summer and winter climatic conditions in Curitiba, Brazil (latitude 25.5°S, elevation 917 m above sea level). Reference material for indoor temperature comparisons was a prototype made with ordinary ceramic bricks, plastered on both sides. Air temperature measurements were carried out with data loggers, heat flux plates were attached to an exposed north facade of each test cell, while incoming solar radiation was measured with an experimental solarimeter.