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Effect of masonry material and surface absorptivity on critical thermal mass in insulated building walls

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  • Al-Sanea, Sami A.
  • Zedan, M.F.
  • Al-Hussain, S.N.

Abstract

Effects of type of masonry material and surface absorptivity to solar radiation on critical thermal mass thickness in insulated building walls are investigated for a fixed wall nominal thermal resistance (Rn-value). The concepts of “thermal-mass energy-savings potential” (Δ) and “critical thermal mass thickness” (Lmas,cr), developed in a previous study, are utilized to determine the thermal mass thickness required for a desired percentage energy savings. Transmission loads are calculated under the climatic data of Riyadh, assuming steady periodic conditions, by using a previously validated computer model. Effects of masonry materials are investigated by using solid and hollow concrete blocks, while surface absorptivity (λ) influence is studied for λ=0.4 and 0.2. Walls are considered where thermal mass is located on the inside or on the outside relative to insulation layer. Thermal mass thickness is varied between 0 and 50cm while keeping Rn-value constant. The results show that for a given critical thermal mass thickness, higher energy savings potential is obtained with: (i) walls with solid concrete blocks, (ii) walls with lower surface absorptivity, and (iii) walls with inside thermal mass. Charts are developed for Lmas,cr versus Δ under the different conditions for the benefit of building envelope designers.

Suggested Citation

  • Al-Sanea, Sami A. & Zedan, M.F. & Al-Hussain, S.N., 2013. "Effect of masonry material and surface absorptivity on critical thermal mass in insulated building walls," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 1063-1070.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:102:y:2013:i:c:p:1063-1070
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.06.016
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    1. Seth, S. P. & Bansal, N. K. & Nayak, J. K. & Seth, A. K., 1981. "Optimum distribution of insulation and concrete in a multilayered wall of roof," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 9(1), pages 49-54, September.
    2. Al-Sanea, Sami A. & Zedan, M.F., 2008. "Optimized monthly-fixed thermostat-setting scheme for maximum energy-savings and thermal comfort in air-conditioned spaces," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(5), pages 326-346, May.
    3. Al-Sanea, Sami A. & Zedan, M.F., 2011. "Improving thermal performance of building walls by optimizing insulation layer distribution and thickness for same thermal mass," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(9), pages 3113-3124.
    4. Al-Sanea, Sami A. & Zedan, M. F. & Al-Ajlan, Saleh A., 2004. "Adjustment factors for the ASHRAE clear-sky model based on solar-radiation measurements in Riyadh," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 79(2), pages 215-237, October.
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