Instrumented UAV-based Non-Intrusive Measurements of Building Envelope Insulation Properties

Determines the Insulation Performance of Exterior Building Envelope Components such as Windows, Walls, and Roofing Systems

This instrumented unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based system aids in the non-intrusive measurement of insulation properties of building envelope components such as windows, walls, and roofing systems. This system can be used to evaluate envelope components of multistory buildings including skyscrapers, enabling a citywide evaluation of energy wastage for improving efficiency. The U-value is a quantifiable measurement of a structure’s ability to transfer heat. The lower the U-value, the less heat or energy is lost through insulating materials or structures such as windows on a building. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30 percent of heating and cooling energy is lost through windows in residential buildings. Studies have shown that replacing single-pane windows with less heat-transferring windows, such as double-pane windows, can save homeowners 20-31 percent in heating and cooling expenses. Technologies for measuring the U-values of non-operable windows or roofing components commonly installed in high-rise buildings are not readily available, leading to energy wastage due to outdated or damaged windows. Similar energy wastage is common for walls and roofing systems as well, owing to the lack of technology for rapid measurements of insulation properties.

Researchers at the University of Florida and WinBuild Inc. have developed an instrumented UAV that uses infrared thermography temperature sensor and anemometry to assess window, wall, and roofing systems’ heat transfer on the exterior of buildings. This integrated system can measure insulation properties to determine if windows or roofing components need replacement or repair to reduce energy wastage.

Application

UAV system estimates heat gain or loss on the exterior façade of buildings remotely and in a non-intrusive manner.

Advantages

• Rapidly measures data required for analyzing the heat gain or loss of high-rise windows, walls, and roofing systems, thereby producing actionable data on the energy efficiency of buildings
• Identifies degradation of windows’ insulating property, insulating glass unit (IGU) failure, frame due to exterior caulking, seal leakages, etc., providing a cost-effective solution to energy wastage
• Identifies degradation of walls and roofing systems’ insulating property
• Drone can be programmed through Building Information Modeling (BIM)-integrated system, allowing it to automatically navigate, take measurements, and send data wirelessly in real time

Technology

The UAV measures window exterior airflow and temperature in real-time using a hot wire anemometer and temperature using an infrared sensor. For wall and roofing thermal performance applications, the UAV employs infrared thermography (IRT) and hyperspectral cameras to conduct exterior measurements. Utilizing custom-built software, the UAV system calculates the heat gain or loss of windows, walls, and roofing components due to material deterioration. The drone can conduct rapid field measurements to facilitate community-wide mapping of energy wastage. Preliminary tests have been conducted to estimate window heat loss, using spot measurements of UF Rinker Hall’s building envelope.