Thermal modelling of insulator for energy saving in existing residential building

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering 2018-09, Vol.19, p.62-68
• Main Authors: Jain, Megha, Pathak, K.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computational fluid dynamics; Energy consumption; Insulation; Residential buildings; Sustainability
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2018.04.012

The present work aims to check the energy consumption of typical household buildings located in hot and humid environment using passive energy conservation techniques. The primary tenet of sustainable development is energy conservation. The recent advance in construction technology gives seminal importance to minimisation of energy demand. However, the already built environment, consumes sustained amount of energy hampering sustainability. In this research, thermal simulation is carried out for observing reduction in energy consumption of three residential buildings in the Bhopal city of India. Ambient temperature, surface temperature and Heat transfer has been analyzed after using modern insulating techniques, namely ceramic tiles, high reflective coating, aluminum paint on roof, along with rock wool spread on opaque components of the building. The results of the investigation suggest that the use of reflective solar coating in roof and walls of buildings reduces heat gain by as much as 25%. Simulations are carried out using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools with fluent software. •The use of SRP and Thermal Insulation for ensuring energy efficiency of a sub-tropical residential building is studied.•The use of SRP on RCC roofs and Asbestos roofs leads to reduction of 4 °C and 3.5 °C, respectively, in indoor temperature.•Use of Rock Wool under roofs, leads to the highest reduction in indoor temperature (4.4 °C), but is relatively expensive.•Ceramic Tiles on walls with SRP on roof gives an optimal thermal performance, with highest return on investment.