Study Concerning the Thermal Insulation Panels with Double-Side Anti-Condensation Foil on the Exterior and Polyurethane Foam or Polyisocyanurate on the Interior

The paper aims to assess the energy performance of a thermal rehabilitated ground floor building by using new thermal insulation panels with double-side anti-condensation foil on the exterior and polyurethane foam or polyisocyanurate on the interior (PUR or PIR) in various ways. The study also wants to emphasize the benefits of using these insulating materials encouraging their further use. Therefore, five scenarios are carried out, four thermal rehabilitation scenarios and the reference building scenario, without thermal insulation. The obtained results are evaluated by comparison. The results point out the energy performance of PUR and PIR used as thermal insulation panels for the building envelope but also the economic impact and the economic efficiency that involves using such panels. This work is based on the energy efficiency requirements targeting the building envelope and takes into account mainly the behavior of the envelope elements while the heating system is treated in a simplified manner, considering its usual efficiency. The conclusions highlight the main advantages of using these panels for buildings thermal rehabilitation compared to other common materials, such as polystyrene or mineral wool.

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Hygrothermal modelling of masonry blocks filled with thermal insulation

MATEC Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/matecconf/201816308006 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 163 ◽

pp. 08006 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Balázs Nagy

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Polyurethane Foam ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Mineral Wool ◽

Filling Material ◽

Physical Simulations ◽

Heat And Moisture Transport ◽

Heat And Moisture ◽

Thermal Insulations

Ceramic brick as building material has been used for thousands of years. Nowadays, the energy performance of new products has to meet rigorous requirements; therefore, in the design of new ceramic masonry blocks, building physical simulations are essential. The aim of this research is to evaluate existing masonry block shapes filled with different thermal insulation using conjugated heat and moisture transport finite element simulations with material properties measured in laboratory. The research compared four different internal structures: trapezoidal, triangular, rectangular, and with mixed shaped gaps according to existing masonry blocks. In the gaps, different thermal insulations were considered, such as mineral wool, expanded perlite and polyurethane foam. The research demonstrated that the perlite as filling material does not have a great effect on thermal conductivity comparing to unfilled blocks; however, polyurethane foam with an optimal internal structure can improve the thermal performance. Manufacturing inaccuracies in the materials’ hygrothermal properties influences their performance, since a little difference in thermal conductivity has a noticeable impact on thermal transmittance, and it may result in underperformance according to regulations.

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The determination of the thermal reliability criterion for building envelope structures

Tehnički glasnik ◽

10.31803/tg-20181123111226 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 129-133

Author(s):

Gennadiy Farenyuk

Keyword(s):

Thermal Insulation ◽

Building Energy ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Time Analysis ◽

Thermal Reliability ◽

Thermal Failure ◽

Reliability Criterion ◽

Building Operation

The paper presents the basic methodical principles for the time analysis of the variations of envelope structures’ thermal insulation properties and for the substantiation of the thermal reliability criterion, which should allow the analysis of the actual parameters of heat losses during the operation of buildings. In the paper, the state of the envelope structures thermal failure, the concept of building thermal envelope thermal reliability and the principles of its rating are defined. The physical meaning and basic criterion of the envelope structure thermal reliability are formulated. The application of the thermal reliability criterion allows determining the probable variations in the thermal insulation properties during the building operation and, accordingly, the changes of the building energy performance over time.

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Application of Urban Scale Energy Modelling and Multi-Objective Optimization Techniques for Building Energy Renovation at District Scale

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su132011554 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (20) ◽

pp. 11554

Author(s):

Fahad Haneef ◽

Giovanni Pernigotto ◽

Andrea Gasparella ◽

Jérôme Henri Kämpf

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Building Energy ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Optimization Techniques ◽

Multi Objective Optimization ◽

Building Stock ◽

Energy Efficiency Measures ◽

Multi Objective ◽

Efficiency Measures

Nearly-zero energy buildings are now a standard for new constructions. However, the real challenge for a decarbonized society relies in the renovation of the existing building stock, selecting energy efficiency measures considering not only the energy performance but also the economic and sustainability ones. Even if the literature is full of examples coupling building energy simulation with multi-objective optimization for the identification of the best measures, the adoption of such approaches is still limited for district and urban scale simulation, often because of lack of complete data inputs and high computational requirements. In this research, a new methodology is proposed, combining the detailed geometric characterization of urban simulation tools with the simplification provided by “building archetype” modeling, in order to ensure the development of robust models for the multi-objective optimization of retrofit interventions at district scale. Using CitySim as an urban scale energy modeling tool, a residential district built in the 1990s in Bolzano, Italy, was studied. Different sets of renovation measures for the building envelope and three objectives —i.e., energy, economic and sustainability performances, were compared. Despite energy savings from 29 to 46%, energy efficiency measures applied just to the building envelope were found insufficient to meet the carbon neutrality goals without interventions to the system, in particular considering mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Furthermore, public subsidization has been revealed to be necessary, since none of the proposed measures is able to pay back the initial investment for this case study.

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Refurbishment of a house in a historical building: energy saving, electrification and flexibility

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202019702010 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 197 ◽

pp. 02010

Author(s):

Giada Romano ◽

Elisa Pennacchia ◽

Sofia Agostinelli

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Energy Saving ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Energy Sources ◽

Automation Systems ◽

Architectural Constraints ◽

Current Energy

Buildings with architectural constraints and recognized historical values require a careful design process, aiming to combine the needs of conservation and the adaptation of the buildings to the modern use and its accessibility. The feasible interventions consist in improving the energy performance of the building envelope, in inserting efficient technological systems and using renewable energy sources where possible. The compatibility between the architectural constraints of the building and its more sustainable future use represents a crucial challenge. This work presents the interventions designed and realized on a small villa located in the Prati district, in Rome. Starting from the requests of the client, the primary objective was to create a comfortable house both in the winter and in the summer season, with widespread use of automation systems for managing the utilities. In line with the current energy scenario, the interventions were oriented to energy efficiency, the reduction of polluting emissions, the electrification of utilities and the use of renewable energy sources. The proposed solutions showed high gains in terms of energy saving even if the changes to the building envelope were limited by the desire to preserve the values of the cultural heritage. Therefore, a virtuous refurbishment can effectively respond to current energy efficiency goals.

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Ensuring energy efficiency of refrigeration piping

10.33920/vne-03-2110-07 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 45-52

Author(s):

G.I. Petrov ◽

V.N. Kornienko ◽

A.G. Donetskikh

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Comparative Analysis ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Thermal Characteristics ◽

Operational Reliability ◽

Insulating Materials ◽

Insulation Materials ◽

Synthetic Rubber ◽

Materials Used

Improving energy efficiency and energy saving in refrigeration technology depends largely on the use of modern thermal insulation materials in the thermal insulation structures of refrigeration pipelines. The article presents a comparative analysis of the thermal characteristics and operational properties of heat-insulating materials used in refrigeration. The features of RUFLEX thermal insulation materials based on foamed synthetic rubber produced from domestic raw materials and their compliance with the requirements of energy efficiency, durability, operational reliability and safety are considered.

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PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY RETROFITTING IN MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Journal of Green Building ◽

10.3992/1943-4618.14.2.109 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 109-136

Author(s):

Chaitali Basu ◽

Virendra Kumar Paul ◽

M.G. Matt Syal

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Performance Assessment ◽

Performance Indicators ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Building Energy ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Assessment Process ◽

Second Phase ◽

A Priority

The energy performance of an existing building is the amount of energy consumed to meet various needs associated with the standardized use of a building and is reflected in one or more indicators known as Building Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs). These indicators are distributed amongst six main factors influencing energy consumption: climate, building envelope, building services and energy systems, building operation and maintenance, occupants' activities and behaviour, and indoor environmental quality. Any improvement made to either the existing structure or the physical and operational upgrade of a building system that enhances energy performance is considered an energy efficiency retrofit. The main goal of this research is to support the implementation of multifamily residential building energy retrofits through expert knowledge consensus on EnPIs for energy efficiency retrofit planning. The research methodology consists of a comprehensive literature review which has identified 35 EnPIs for assessing performance of existing residential buildings, followed by a ranking questionnaire survey of experts in the built-environment to arrive at a priority listing of indicators based on mean rank. This was followed by concordance analysis and measure of standard deviation. A total of 280 experts were contacted globally for the survey, and 106 completed responses were received resulting in a 37.85% response rate. The respondents were divided into two groups for analysis: academician/researchers and industry practitioners. The primary outcome of the research is a priority listing of EnPIs based on the quantitative data from the knowledge-base of experts from these two groups. It is the outcome of their perceptions of retrofitting factors and corresponding indicators. A retrofit strategy consists of five phases for retrofitting planning in which the second phase comprises an energy audit and performance assessment and diagnostics. This research substantiates the performance assessment process through the identification of EnPIs.

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A Sustainable Solution for Energy Efficiency in Italian Climatic Contexts

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13112817 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 2817

Author(s):

Valeria Annibaldi ◽

Federica Cucchiella ◽

Marianna Rotilio

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Life Cycle Cost ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Building Envelope ◽

Reference Scenario ◽

Life Cycle Cost Analysis ◽

The European Union ◽

Optimal Thickness ◽

Hemp Fiber ◽

Sustainable Solutions

In the European Union, about 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions come from buildings; therefore, the improvement of their energy performance is a strongly focused issue. In particular, the energy efficiency of the building envelope is a very important element to pay attention to. Many studies have been conducted on this field of research, and the study illustrated in this paper also belongs to this topic. In particular, this article presents a multidisciplinary method to find sustainable solutions for energy efficiency in Italian climatic contexts using the Life Cycle Cost Analysis approach. In detail, this paper defines the reference scenario and then deepens the methodology used to determine the economically optimal thickness of a specific insulating material—hemp fiber—applied to a specific type of wall—uninsulated cavity walls made of hollow bricks, which are very widespread in Italy. The analysis is developed in relation to three different regions—Piedmont, Abruzzo, and Campania. The results show that the economically optimal thickness is different for each region analyzed and demonstrates how energy efficiency strategies must be carefully weighed according to the specific conditions of the site.

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Experimental Investigation and Energy Performance Simulation of Mongolian Ger with ETS Heater and Solar PV in Ulaanbaatar City

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13215840 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (21) ◽

pp. 5840

Author(s):

Bat-Erdene Bayandelger ◽

Yuzuru Ueda ◽

Amarbayar Adiyabat

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Heating System ◽

Energy System ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Comfort Level ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Pv System ◽

Performance Simulation ◽

Central Energy ◽

Indoor Comfort

There are approximately 200,000 households living in detached houses and gers (yurts) with small coal stoves that burn raw coal in Ulaanbaatar city. A proper heating system and improvement of the energy efficiency of residential dwellings are vitally important for Ulaanbaatar city to reduce air pollution as well as for the operation of the current central energy system. This study shows the experimental results for two gers with two different heating systems and different thermal insulation, for investigating the merits of each. The technical feasibility of the system consisting of an electric thermal storage (ETS) heater with a daytime charging schedule and areal photovoltaic (PV) system was also examined by using a simulation with software developed in MATLAB (R2020a, MathWorks, USA). As a result of the experiment, the indoor comfort level and energy efficiency of the ger with added insulation and an ETS heater with nighttime charging were shown to be enhanced compared with those of the reference ger. The ger with added insulation and the ETS heater consumed 3169 kWh for electric appliances and 5989 kWh for the heating season. The simulation showed that the PV self-consumption rate is 76% for the Ger 2 with the ETS heater because of the daytime charging schedule of the ETS heater. The PV system supplied 31% of the total energy consumed, with the remaining 69% from the main grid.

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In Situ Measurements of Energy Consumption and Indoor Environmental Quality of a Pre-Retrofitted Student Dormitory in Athens

Energies ◽

10.3390/en12112210 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 2210 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nikolaos Barmparesos ◽

Dimitra Papadaki ◽

Michalis Karalis ◽

Kyriaki Fameliari ◽

Margarita Niki Assimakopoulos

Keyword(s):

Thermal Insulation ◽

Social Impact ◽

Ventilation System ◽

Thermal Conditions ◽

Heating System ◽

Energy Performance ◽

In Situ Measurements ◽

Indoor Environmental Quality ◽

Electrical Consumption

In the following years all European Union member states should bring into force national laws on the energy performance of buildings. Moreover, university campus dormitories are buildings of great importance, due to their architectural characteristics and their social impact. In this study, the energy performance along with the indoor environmental conditions of a dormitory of a university has been analysed. The in situ measurements included temperature, relative humidity, concentrations of carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds, and electrical consumption; lastly, the energy signature of the whole building was investigated. The study focused on the summer months, during which significantly increased thermal needs of the building were identified. The ground floor was found to be the floor with the highest percentage of thermal conditions within the comfort range, and the third floor the lowest. Lastly, a significant correlation between electrical consumption and the outdoor temperature was presented, highlighting the lack of thermal insulation. Overall, it was clear that a redesign of the cooling and heating system, the installation of a ventilation system, and thermal insulation are essential for improving the energy efficiency of this building.

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