Calibration of Thin Heat Flux Sensors for Building Applications Using ASTM C 1130

Published

May 1, 2001

Author(s)

Robert R. Zarr, V Martinez-Fuentes, James J. Filliben, Brian P. Dougherty

Abstract

Calibration measurements of thin heat flux sensors for building applications are presented. The findings support the continued development of precision and bias statements for ASTM Practice C 1130. Measurements have been conducted using a 1016 mm diameter guarded hot plate apparatus (Test Method C 177) from 10 C to 50 C and for a heat flux range of 13 W/M². The option of using a 610 mm heat flow meter apparatus (Test Method C 518) to calibrate the heat flux sensors is also explored. Experimental designs are presented to compare test methods, evaluate which parameters affect the sensor output, and determine the functional relationship between the sensor output and applied heat flux. The study investigates two sizes of sensors fabricated by one manufacturer. Sensor equivalency, grouped by size is evaluated to determine whether a calibration based on a subset of sensors will suffice or if extensive individual calibrations are needed.

Citation

Journal of Testing and Evaluation

Volume

29

Issue

No. 3

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

building technology, calibration, guarded hot plate, heat flow meter, heat flux sensor, repeatability, thermal conductance, thermal insulation

Citation

Zarr, R. , Martinez-Fuentes, V. , Filliben, J. and Dougherty, B. (2001), Calibration of Thin Heat Flux Sensors for Building Applications Using ASTM C 1130, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=860815 (Accessed October 14, 2025)