Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 10(3), pp. 937 - 962
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2022.100315
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Reducing Buildings Operating Economics by Selecting the Optimal Nano Insulation Thickness in External Walls: Two Case Studies in Germany and USA

Asmaa Mohammed Ali ^1,2,*, Akram Farouk ¹, Mohamed Ezzeldin ^1
1 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University (ASU), Abbasseya, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
² Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Higher Technological Institute (HTI), 6th of October City, 12596, Giza, Egypt

ABSTRACT

As is well known, the cost of insulation riser linearly with thickness, obtaining the optimal thickness would result in a reduction in energy costs, lowering the building life cycle costs. Therefore, this study offers an excellent road map on the determination of the most economical nano-insulation material and its thickness. This study was applied in two existing buildings case studies located in Germany and the USA by using different nano insulation materials. Firstly, validate the degree-day approach by comparing actual and estimated energy consumption, then select the optimum thickness of used nano insulation, after that select the optimal nano insulation type and its thickness. Finally, calculate the payback periods. Results show that the nano insulation optimum point for the Seitzstraße building is 0.006 m of used nano insulation (VIP). The optimal nano insulation is expanded polystyrene with graphite with a thickness of 0.12 m. The Pentagon building is 0.007 m of used nano insulation (Aerogel Blankets), and the optimal nano insulation is expanded polystyrene with graphite with the thickness of 0.065 m. Furthermore, the optimal insulation and its thickness were estimated in the condition of considering the effects of space savings by comparing nano insulation materials to traditional insulation materials (PUR) and accounting for the expenses of renting the saved spaces.

KEYWORDS
Nano Insulation Materials, Optimal Insulation Thickness, Heating& Cooling Degree-Days, Life Cycle Cost, Payback Period

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Asmaa Mohammed Ali , Akram Farouk , Mohamed Ezzeldin , "Reducing Buildings Operating Economics by Selecting the Optimal Nano Insulation Thickness in External Walls: Two Case Studies in Germany and USA," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 937 - 962, 2022. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2022.100315.

(b). APA Format:
Asmaa Mohammed Ali , Akram Farouk , Mohamed Ezzeldin (2022). Reducing Buildings Operating Economics by Selecting the Optimal Nano Insulation Thickness in External Walls: Two Case Studies in Germany and USA. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 10(3), 937 - 962. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2022.100315.