Optimum insulation thickness of walls for energy-saving in hot regions of India

• Published in: International journal of sustainable energy Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 213 - 226
• Main Authors: Shanmuga Sundaram, A., Bhaskaran, Anirudh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 02-01-2014; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: base temperature; cooling degree days; Energy conservation; Energy consumption; Energy efficiency; heating degree days; Insulation; life cycle cost; life cycle savings; optimum insulation thickness; payback period; Thermal energy; India
• ISSN: 1478-6451; 1478-646X
• DOI: 10.1080/14786451.2012.759573

In India, the energy consumption in the building sector is rapidly increasing due to improvement in living standards. Effective thermal insulation of building walls is one of the most effective energy conservation measures for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications in buildings. In this study, the thermoeconomic optimisation of insulation thickness on walls of buildings is analysed based on degree days. Thermoeconomic parameters such as optimum insulation thickness, annual electrical energy consumption, annual energy cost and payback period is determined for three different insulation materials for the cities located in India. Database on insulation materials for five cities of India are provided.