Calculation of optimum insulation thickness of external walls in residential buildings by using exergetic life cycle cost assessment method: Case study for Turkey

Abstract

Energy is one of the most fundamental event of the universe and it is impossible to imagine an area where energy is not used. The energy demand is also increasing with the ever-increasing population of the world. We also use energy to meet our heating and cooling needs. Heat loss from the exterior walls of buildings is important, so thermal insulation on the wall is very critical. In this study, optimum insulation thickness is determined for four provinces and two different insulation materials selected from four different climatic regions of Turkey. In order to calculate insulation thicknesses, the number of the degree-day and exergetic environmental impact factor have been used. Natural gas is used as fuel. By using exergetic life cycle cost assessment method for rock wool and glass wool as insulation materials, the changes of CO2 emission values, the environmental impact factor, and energy saving values are determined for optimum insulation thickness. The optimum insulation thickness, which are calculated by using the number of the degree-day and exergetic environmental impact factor for glass wool and rock wool is 0.1103 m and 0.04375 m for Antalya, 0.1667 m and 0.07292 m for Isparta, 0.1667 m and 0.0625 m for Bursa, and 0.2188 m and 0.1021 m for Erzurum, respectively. The reduction of carbon dioxide emission values for glass wool and rock wool 86% and 64% for Antalya, 90% and 76% for Isparta, 92% and 82% for Erzurum, and 90% and 73% for Bursa, respectively. Net exergetic environmental impact saving values for glass wool and rock wool: 589 mPts/m2-yr and 342 mPts/m2-yr for Antalya, 1,318 mPts/m2-yr and 642 mPts/m2-yr for Bursa, 1,315 mPts/m2-yr and 878 mPts/m2-yr for Erzurum, and 2,248 mPts/m2-yr and 1,687 mPts/m2-yr for Isparta, respectively. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers