Determination of Effective Thermal Conductivity of Stipa ichu: Numerical Shape Factor Calibration in a Reduced-Scale Hot Box (#1705)

Authors

Quispe Esperilla, Yamil

Ramos Yapo, Aquiles Taylor

Mayta Lampa, Steven Alex

Cruz Cabrera, Armando Tito

Chura Acero, Julio Fredy

Chura Yaresi, Michael Farwest

Yana Benito, Erick Carlos

Abstract

Energy vulnerability in High-Andean dwellings necessitates the development of efficient, indigenous thermal insulation solutions. This study characterizes the thermal conductivity of Stipa Ichu fiber using a geometrically corrected, reduced-scale Hot Box method. To mitigate the metrological uncertainty inherent to low-cost devices, a hybrid experimental-numerical (CFD) methodology was implemented. Analysis using the SST k- turbulence model revealed that scale reduction induces significant multidimensional heat fluxes at the edges; consequently, a shape efficiency factor of 𝜂 = 0.47 was established. Upon applying this systematic correction, an effective thermal conductivity of was determined for a compaction density of 150 kg/m³. These results validate Stipa Ichu fiber as a competitive alternative to conventional insulators, providing a viable technical solution for mitigating extreme cold conditions