Heat exchange in an attic space

Thermal effects in building attics are extremely important in regions where temperature extremes occur regularly. In particular, in the northern regions of North America, cold winters can lead to a dangerous build-up of ice on roofs, as well as preventing heat being distributed efficiently through the building. This paper examines heat transfer within attics and looks at an inexpensive solution technique involving ceiling fans. The computer model developed accurately reproduces the results of previous investigations, presents solutions for realistic Grashof numbers, and demonstrates the effects of installing ceiling fans in the ceilings of top storey rooms in affected buildings. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.