To innovate is to challenge the conventional ways in which we work.
In 2017, the College of New Caledonia’s (CNC) Applied Research and Innovation (AR&I) challenged convention by exploring the energy saving potential of aluminum reflective foil when used as residential insulation.
Using two identical sheds at CNC’s Prince George campus, the AR&I research team conducted a controlled experiment. They wanted to compare energy saved by a traditional poly vapor barrier versus an aluminum reflective foil.
The results of were impressive, according to CNC’s AR&I Director Sorin Pasca. The shed lined in reflective foil saved five per cent more energy than the other with both using a grade of insulation standard for residential buildings in northern B.C., known as R-22.
“When aluminum reflective foil is retrofitted into older houses with an insulation grade of R-10 or lower, the energy saving potential is expected to be considerable higher,” Pasca said. “We estimate the energy saving potential to be between 10 to 20 per cent.”
This project was funded by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Engage grant for colleges and will benefit Twin Maple Group by expanding its market potential.
“It was a pleasure working with CNC on this project,” said Twin Maple manager Les Friesen. “CNC’s AR&I department truly understood radiant energy and the effect that reflective insulation has in saving energy.”
This project also offered AR&I a holistic approach to the way research is conducted at CNC.
Students and faculty from CNC’s carpentry program helped build the two sheds, while Facilities Services hosted the experiment in the residence parking lot and an international student played a part in the collection of energy data.
“This project was a great opportunity for AR&I to also test the collaboration between various CNC departments while conducting research,” Pasca said.
Now, with a BC Housing Building Excellence Research and Education grant, CNC is moving aluminum reflective foil research into a second phase. The project will expand to develop an observable method for calculating the total thermal resistance of a building.
During this second phase, CNC’s research team will also use a cost-effective technique to retrofit houses with aluminum reflective foil without disturbing existing structural parts of the building.
This method involves applying aluminum reflective foil directly on the existing gypsum wallboard, strapping it with one inch wooden slats, and then attaching new gypsum wallboard while the older drywall remains in place.
Meanwhile, CNC will be producing energy data that can be used to evaluate the effect of solar radiation, wind and humidity on the heat loss from residential buildings.
“By measuring the exact energy consumption at very small intervals we will be able to conduct a comparative study for heat loss under various external conditions,” Pasca said.