Numerical simulation of the thermal behavior of Silica Aerogel in a commercial building in Tunisia

Abstract

In order to ensure energy savings and improve occupant comfort in a building, it is necessary to explore passive approaches such as optimizing insulation, orientation and the choice of appropriate materials. Among these materials are Silica Aerogel, capable of playing an insulating role while maintaining energy performance. The objective of this study is to simulate the dynamic thermal behavior of an administrative office model with and without Silica Aerogel material using TRNSYS software. The office temperature is assumed to vary over time or imposed at the set temperature. The results show that the influence of different parameters (meteorological temperature, the composition of a wall, the solar flux density and the indoor air set temperature) and the nature of the walls (with insulation (Silica Aerogel) and without insulation) have a significant effect on the thermal behavior of a tertiary building and on energy consumption in heating or air conditioning mode.