TWIN WALL POLYCARBONATE SHEET R-VALUE PERFORMANCE

The polycarbonate sheets play a crucial role in the agricultural market place. Their ability to allow abundant light into the interior spaces, light weight and easy to install properties have been the key pillars for their popularity.

There quite a number of polycarbonate profiles available in the market, however, when it comes to the insulation value of polycarbonates, a twin wall polycarbonate sheet is preferred.

What is a twin wall polycarbonate sheet R-value?

The R-value of a twin wall polycarbonate sheet is the measure of resistance to heat flow between the two walls of the polycarbonate sheets (the two PC walls with an air space in between them).

Theoretically, a higher R-value will imply higher thermal resistance. This is one of the numerous factors manufacturers consider during the products life cycle.

When people talk about the twin wall polycarbonate sheet R-value, they mainly tend to focus on the movement of heat across the polycarbonate layer where heat is transferred through conduction (across the PC wall).

The degree of insulation based on R-value does not put much emphasis on air infiltration, convection and radiation yet; heat can be transferred via these mechanisms.

To calculate the twin wall polycarbonate sheet R-value, you need to consider the following key factors: amount of heat loss, temperature difference, cross-sectional area and time.

You can determine this value only if you are in a position to measure these key elements. In most cases, this process is carried out in an industrial setup. It is calculated using the following formula:

Thus, it is quite evident that a change in any of these parameters will ultimately affect the twin wall polycarbonate sheet R-value.

For instance, a 4mm thick twin wall polycarbonate sheet will have an R-value of about 1.43 while a 10mm thick twin wall polycarbonate sheet will have an R-value of about 1.89.

This can translate to about 15% energy efficiency.

Therefore, there are higher chances that the sheet will pay for itself within two years since the cost of energy shall have been reduced.