Evaluation and improvement of thermal insulation systems in residential buildings through thermal modeling

• Autorzy: Mohammed Areej Sabr , Atiyah Intesar K. , Mohammed Alaa Kadhim , Al-Abbas Audai Husseni

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.12913/22998624/207605

• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

This study aims to examine northern Iraq (Dohuk Governorate), with a particular emphasis on optimizing energy consumption. The research focused on evaluating the effectiveness of polystyrene insulation in reducing thermal loads through energy modeling. To carry out the simulations, Design Builder software was utilized, incorporating the region’s specific climatic conditions into the analysis. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of existing thermal insulation systems in residential buildings and propose targeted improvements to enhance energy efficiency and indoor thermal comfort. The objective is to reduce energy consumption for space heating and cooling by optimizing the thermal performance of building envelopes using advanced modeling techniques. A thermal modeling approach was employed using simulation tools such as EnergyPlus and Therm to analyze heat transfer through walls, roofs, floors, windows, and thermal bridges. Key parameters—including U-values, R-values, thermal conductivity, and local climate data—were used to develop accurate models of residential structures. Baseline scenarios were compared with proposed retrofitting measures to assess their impact on energy demand and thermal stability. The simulation results revealed significant heat loss through poorly insulated walls and windows, with thermal bridges accounting for up to 15% of total heat loss. Implementing advanced insulation materials and breaking thermal bridges led to a 25–40% reduction in annual heating and cooling loads. Improved insulation also resulted in more stable indoor temperatures and better alignment with energy efficiency standards. The study introduces a comprehensive modeling-based framework that not only identifies weak insulation areas but also quantifies the benefits of specific improvements before implementation. Unlike traditional assessment methods, the approach integrates both envelope and thermal bridge analysis, enabling precision-driven retrofitting strategies. This work contributes to the development of sustainable building practices and supports informed decision-making in residential energy upgrades.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

efficiency of energy insulation; heat residential structure; energy simulation; building envelope; humidity; thermal insulation

• Wydawca: Lublin University of Technology ; Polish Society of Ecological Engineering (PTIE), Branch of PTIE in Lublin
• Czasopismo: Advances in Science and Technology. Research Journal
• Rocznik: 2025
• Tom: Vol. 19, no. 9
• Strony: 266--280
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 38 poz., tab., fig.

Twórcy

autor

Mohammed Areej Sabr

• Power Mechanics Techniques Engineering Department, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University (ATU), Kufa, Iraq

autor

Atiyah Intesar K.

• Power Mechanics Techniques Engineering Department, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University (ATU), Kufa, Iraq

autor

Mohammed Alaa Kadhim

• Power Mechanics Techniques Engineering Department, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University (ATU), Kufa, Iraq

autor

Al-Abbas Audai Husseni

• Power Mechanics Techniques Engineering Department, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University (ATU), Kufa, Iraq

• https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0127-4356

Bibliografia

• 1. Amani, N. Energy simulation and management of the main building component materials using comparative analysis in a mild climate zone, J. Renew. Energy Environ. 2020; 7: 29–46.
• 2. Amani, N., Sabamehr, A., Palmero Iglesias, L.M. Review on energy efficiency using the ecotect simulation software for residential building sector, Int. J. Energy Environ. 2022; 13: 284–294.
• 3. Sun, M., Han, C., Nie, Q., et al. Understanding building energy efficiency with administrative and emerging urban big data by deep learning in Glasgow, Energy Build. 2022; 273: 112331.
• 4. Maaouane, M., Chennaif, M., Zouggar, S. et al. Using neural network modelling for estimation and forecasting of transport sector energy demand in developing countries, Energy Convers. Manage. 2022; 258: 115556.
• 5. Amani, N., Kiaee, E. Developing a two-criteria framework to rank thermal insulation materials in nearly zero energy buildings using multi-objective optimization approach, J. Cleaner Prod. 2020; 276: 122592.
• 6. Zhang, L., Liu, Z., Hou, C. et al. Optimization analysis of thermal insulation layer attributes of building envelope exterior wall based on DeST and life cycle economic evaluation, Case Stud. Therm. Eng. 2019; 14: 100410.
• 7. Torres-Rivas, A., Palumbo, M., Haddad, A. et al. Multi-objective optimisation of bio-based thermal insulation materials in building envelopes considering condensation risk, Appl. Energy 2018; 224: 602–614.
• 8. Yang, W., Wang, Y., Liu, J. Optimization of the thermal conductivity test for building insulation materials under multifactor impact, Constr. Build. Mater. 2022; 332: 127380.
• 9. Lian, R., Ou, M., Guan, H. et al. Facile fabrication of multifunctional energy-saving building materials with excellent thermal insulation, robust mechanical property and ultrahigh flame retardancy, Energy 2023; 277: 127773.
• 10. Amani, N., Tirgar Fakheri, F., Safarzadeh, K. Prioritization of the effective factors in reducing energy consumption in a residential building using computer simulation, Global J. Environ. Sci. Manag. 2021; 7: 171–184.
• 11. Sahyoun, S., Ge, H., Lacasse, M.A. Selection of moisture reference year for freeze-thaw damage assessment of historic masonry walls under future climate: a simulation-based approach, Build. Environ. 2024; 253: 111308.
• 12. Joo, N.Y., Song, S.Y. Improvement of thermal insulation performance of precast concrete curtain walls for apartment buildings, Energy Build. 2023; 296: 113350.
• 13. Ye, Q., Gong, Y., Ren, H. et al. Theoretical, numerical and experimental studies on thermal insulation performance of different cross laminated timber walls, J. Build. Eng. 2023; 72: 106640.
• 14. Pittau, F., Krause, F., Lumia, G. et al. Fast-growing bio-based materials as an opportunity for storing carbon in exterior walls, Build. Environ. 2018; 129: 117–129.
• 15. Rodrigues, C., Freire, F. Adaptive reuse of buildings: eco-efficiency assessment of retrofit strategies for alternative uses of an historic building, J. Cleaner Prod. 2017; 157: 94–105.
• 16. Heracleous, C., Michael, A., Savvides, A. et al. Climate change resilience of school premises in Cyprus: an examination of retrofit approaches and their implications on thermal and energy performance, J. Build. Eng. 2021; 44: 103358.
• 17. Rosas-Flores, J.A., Rosas-Flores, D. Potential energy savings and mitigation of emissions by insulation for residential buildings in Mexico, Energy Build. 2020; 209: 109698.
• 18. Park, B., Srubar III, W.V., Krarti, M. Energy performance analysis of variable thermal resistance envelopes in residential buildings, Energy Build. 2015; 103: 317–325.
• 19. Abuseif, M., Jamei, E., Chau, H.W. Simulation-based study on the role of green roof settings on energy demand reduction in seven Australian climate zones, Energy Build. 2023; 286: 112938.
• 20. Hu, J., Yu, X. Adaptive building roof by coupling thermochromic material and phase change material: energy performance under different climate conditions, Constr. Build. Mater. 2020; 262: 120481.
• 21. Zahedi, R., Daneshgar, S., Farahani, O.N. et al. Thermal analysis model of a building equipped with green roof and its energy optimization, Nat. Based Solutions 2023; 3: 100053.
• 22. Gomes, M.G., Flores-Colen, I., Silva, F. et al. Thermal conductivity measurement of thermal insulating mortars with EPS and silica aerogel by steady-state and transient methods, Constr. Build. Mater. 2018; 172: 696–705.
• 23. Jiao, W., Sha, A., Liu, Z. et al. Analytic investigations of snow melting efficiency and temperature field of thermal conductive asphalt concrete combined with electrical-thermal system, J. Cleaner Prod. 2023; 399: 136622.
• 24. Kumar, R., Verma, S.K., Sharma, V.K. Performance enhancement analysis of triangular solar air heater coated with nanomaterial embedded in black paint, Mater. Today Proc. (Part 2) 2020; 26: 2528–2532.
• 25. Lakatos, A. Investigation of the thermal insulation performance of fibrous aerogel samples under various hygrothermal environment: laboratory tests completed with calculations and theory, Energy Build. 2020; 214: 109902.
• 26. Ming, Y., Sun, Y., Liu, X. et al. Thermal performance of an advanced smart fenestration systems for low-energy buildings, Appl. Therm. Eng. 2024; 244: 122610.
• 27. Rakhsh Mahpour, A., Sadrolodabaee, P., Ardanuy, M. et al. Serviceability parameters and social sustainability assessment of flax fabric reinforced lime-based drywall interior panels, J. Build. Eng. 2023; 76: 107406.
• 28. Rostami, S., Ahmadi Nadooshan, A., Raisi, A. et al. Modeling the thermal conductivity ratio of an antifreeze-based hybrid nanofluid containing graphene oxide and copper oxide for using in thermal systems, J. Mater. Res. Technol. 2021; 11: 2294–2304.
• 29. Tayari, N., Nikpour, M. Effect of different proportions of courtyard buildings in hot-dry climate on energy consumption (case study: traditional courtyard houses of Kerman, Iran), Iran. J. Energy Environ. 2022; 13(1): 39–45.
• 30. Atashbar, H., Noorzai, E. Optimization of exterior wall cladding materials for residential buildings using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGAII) based on the integration of building information modeling (BIM) and life cycle assessment (LCA) for energy consumption: a case study, Sustainability 2023; 15: 15647.
• 31. Tavakoli, E., Nikkhah, A., Zomorodian, Z.S. et al. Estimating the impact of occupants’ behaviour on energy consumption by Pls-SEM: a case study of pakdel residential complex in Isfahan, Iran. Fron. Sustain. Cities 2022; 4: 700090.
• 32. Bargh News. 2024. Iranians record electricity consumption. https://barghnews.com/en. (Accessed 1 January 2024).
• 33. NCR, National Construction Regulations of Iran, Topic 19: Energy saving, Iran Development Publishing, Tehran, 2011 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://inbr.ir/wpcontent/uploads/2016/08/mabhas-19.pdf (Accessed 1.01.2024).
• 34. Cliamte Data, Data and graphs for weather & climate in chˆ alus, 2024. https://en.climate-data.org/europe/france/limousin/chalus-294459/. (Accessed 1 January 2024).
• 35. DesignBuilder EnergyPlus, Simulation documentation for DesignBuilder v5. v4-a4-pages/file, (2018). https://designbuilder.co.uk/software/product-overview.
• 36. Tayefeh, A., Aslani, A., Zahedi, R. et al. Reducing energy consumption in a factory and providing an upgraded energy system to improve energy performance, Cleaner Energy Syst. 2024; 8: 100124.
• 37. Kapoor, G., Singhal, M. Impact of innovative thermal insulation materials in the building envelope on energy efficiency of residential buildings, Mater. Today Proc. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2024.04.041.
• 38. Sadati, S.E., Rahbar, N., Kargarsharifabad, H. Energy assessment, economic analysis, and environmental study of an Iranian building: the effect of wall materials and climatic conditions, Sustain. Energy Technol. Assess. 2023; 56: 103093.