Optimum insulation thickness and exergy savings of building walls in Bamenda: a comparative analysis

Abstract

The goal of this study is to examine the energetic, entransy, and exergetic methodologies employed to estimate the ideal insulation thickness for construction walls in terms of cost and ecological impact. To achieve these goals, the life cycle cost analysis-based insulating thicknesses of the various methods are evaluated along with the overall costs, yearly cost reductions, and total expenses. The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and ecological effects are then compared using an environmental analysis based on the three methodologies. The savings of hollow concrete brick (HCB), compressed stabilized earth brick (CSEB), and sundried earth brick (SEB) walls are evaluated along with the insulation thicknesses in terms of cost and ecological impact. As a result, it is determined that the exergetic technique is better suited for optimizing insulating thickness. For CSEB, SEB, and HCB walls, the economic ideal insulation thicknesses are 0.01 m, 0.016 m, and 0.02 m, with yearly financial savings of 5 $·m−2, 7.5 $·m−2, and 9 $·m−2. For CSEB, SEB, and HCB walls, accordingly, the ecological optimal insulation thicknesses are 0.023 m, 0.032 m, and 0.040 m, with net savings of exergetic ecological impact equal to 59 mPts·m−2, 55 mPts·m−2, and 51 mPts·m−2.