Pipe Insulation Model for Energy Conservation in Buildings

Abstract

Piping insulation as an energy conservation measure was studied for a commercial facility. A model with a flowchart for steam piping insulation was developed. By applying a simplified method and energy data for the facility, the methodology calculates the current energy consumption and future operating costs, savings, and simple payback for an upgrade of the piping system with recommended fiberglass insulation. It was determined that using the strategy would result in significant energy savings, with an appreciable payback for the investments made. The approach developed here can serve as a relatively less expensive framework for evaluating and improving energy conservation in old and new building systems.