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Cost benefits analysis and emission reductions of optimum thickness and air gaps for selected insulation materials for building walls in Maldives

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  • Mahlia, T.M.I.
  • Iqbal, A.

Abstract

The demand for electricity in the Maldives continues to increase by more than 11% in recent years. This is mainly due to the growing number of high-rise air-conditioned buildings and the increasing use of electrical appliances in the residential and commercial sector. This paper investigates potential cost savings and emission reductions achieved by installing different insulation materials of optimum thickness in building's walls. The paper also investigates the effect when air gaps are introduced in the wall. The optimum insulation thickness is based on the cost benefits of each insulation material over its lifetime. This study found that by introducing optimal thickness of different insulation materials and by having air gaps of 2 cm, 4 cm and 6 cm, energy consumption and emissions can be reduced by 65–77%, in comparison to a wall without insulation or air gaps. And, hence have considerable cost savings.

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  • Mahlia, T.M.I. & Iqbal, A., 2010. "Cost benefits analysis and emission reductions of optimum thickness and air gaps for selected insulation materials for building walls in Maldives," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(5), pages 2242-2250.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:35:y:2010:i:5:p:2242-2250
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2010.02.011
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    6. Axaopoulos, Ioannis & Axaopoulos, Petros & Gelegenis, John, 2014. "Optimum insulation thickness for external walls on different orientations considering the speed and direction of the wind," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 167-175.
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    10. Omer Kaynakli, 2011. "Parametric Investigation of Optimum Thermal Insulation Thickness for External Walls," Energies, MDPI, vol. 4(6), pages 1-15, June.
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