Evaluation of round-robin testing using the PASLINK test facilities

The IQ-TEST Thematic Network has carried out round-robin tests at ten of the PASLINK outdoor test cell facilities. A round-robin test generally produces a clear picture of the overall quality of certain test procedures carried out by the participating organisations. For practical considerations, each organisation constructed its own components according to strict instructions regarding the selection of materials, manufacture and instrumentation. Two components of different levels of complexity were designed: (1) an opaque, homogeneous wall with a removable central section, and (2) a window, which is used to replace the central section of the first component. Using recommended dynamic test procedures and appropriate identification methods, each participant determined the thermal performance of the components. Good agreement between sites was achieved for the U-value of the opaque wall. A range of U-values was obtained for the window; however, the variation can be largely accounted for by variations in the boundary conditions between sites, e.g. wind speed and ambient temperature. For future components the test sequence and analysis methods should account for such non-linear behaviour, in order to estimate thermal and solar performance characteristics for appropriate standardised boundary conditions.