A multi-functional hot box-cold box for heat, air and moisture studies on full-scale building components: feature overview and onset to validation

Experimental studies on the heat, air and moisture (HAM) performance of building components can offer extremely valuable knowledge for the construction of energy efficient buildings as well as for the renovation of existing buildings. To this aim, within the HAMSTER (acronym for “Heat, Air and Moisture Specialised Test facility for building Elements of Real size”) project a unique hot box-cold box has been designed and built in Brussels, Belgium. The test facility enables well-controlled experimental studies on the HAM performance of real scale building components and nodes, and is hence highly valuable for future research projects. This work presents the features of the HAMSTER test setup and the main validation tests the facility is subjected to prior to commissioning.