Exterior Wall Thermal Insulation Research Articles

Technical Suitability of Energy Saving Scheme for Optimizing the Thermal Insulation Layer Thickness of Residential Building Exterior Wall

From the perspective of technical suitability, this paper comparatively analyzed the economical thickness and suitable thickness of exterior wall thermal insulation material with the highest energy saving rate of building envelop, and attained the relationship, curves, and model of the economical thickness and suitable thickness of the insulation material. The purpose of this paper is to provide useful evidences for the energy saving of residential buildings and the optimization of the design of exterior wall, so that architectural designers could be inspired to consider the energy-saving issue of buildings from multiple angles such as economy and environment, and the optimal design scheme that is most beneficial to the environment could be created. This paper lays a theoretical basis for making investment decisions of energy saving buildings and avoiding unwise investment.

Combustion characteristics and fire hazard of polystyrene exterior wall thermal insulation materials

AbstractTo study the combustion characteristics and fire hazard of polystyrene building exterior wall thermal insulation materials, the combustion, fire, and pyrolysis characteristics of thermosetting polystyrene (TPS) insulation, graphite polystyrene (GEPS), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are compared and analyzed using a cone calorimeter and a thermo‐gravimetric analyzer. From the structure and flame retardant components of thermal insulation board, their flame retardant mechanisms are described. Results show that in a nitrogen atmosphere, the pyrolysis range is 30–600°C. Only one weight loss stage in EPS and GEPS and two weight loss stages in TPS are observed. Comparison of the combustion characteristics of the three demonstrates that TPS has short ignition time, low fire performance index. This result indicates that TPS has the characteristics of good flammability and easy to explode. The smoke generation rate, total smoke production, time heat release index and total heat release of TPS are lower than those of EPS and GEPS. This result indicates that the fire thermal hazard and fire smoke risk of TPS are relatively small. Comparison of various indexes presents that the flammability and fire risk of TPS are evidently better than those of EPS and GEPS.

Research on Decorative and Integrated Thermal Insulation Board for External Wall

With the acceleration of globalization, industrialization and informatization, the consumption of energy resources is increasing, and the building energy consumption accounts for about 30%, so the building energy conservation has become an important part of energy conservation and emission reduction. At the same time of economic development, we should reduce building energy consumption and do a good job in building energy conservation [1], and put forward the following ways: the improvement of building’s own heat preservation and insulation performance; the improvement of energy utilization system efficiency such as electricity and heating; the development and utilization of new energy; and the proper management of energy utilization equipment system. Among them, the most effective way is to improve the thermal insulation performance of the building itself. The thermal insulation of enclosure and the air tightness of doors and windows are two important parts of thermal insulation. According to the relevant data [2], the heat loss of enclosure structure accounts for 40-50% of the building energy consumption, and the heat loss of wall structure accounts for about 70%. Therefore, the improvement of the thermal insulation requirements of the wall structure plays a huge role in building energy conservation In this paper, the experimental research on the exterior wall thermal insulation board of decoration and heat preservation integration is carried out. The influence of fly ash content, asbestos fiber content, composite active activator, waterproof agent and other additives on the physical properties of fiber-reinforced fly ash / cement board is discussed. The optimal content of various factors is determined and its mechanism is analyzed. The optimum proportion of fiber reinforced fly ash / cement board was determined by orthogonal test.

The effect of air-conditioner operation modes on the energy-saving capacity of external wall insulation in residential buildings

In this study, subjective questionnaires and a building energy simulation were utilized to investigate the impact of air conditioner operation on the energy consumption/savings of a model building with different types of exterior wall thermal insulation. The results indicate that an intermittent energy usage mode is generally used in residential buildings in hot summer and cold winter areas. Air conditioner operation behavior is affected by the human thermal experience. The greater the indoor temperature deviates from the human comfort range, the higher the air conditioner operation frequency. Under continuous energy usage mode, the annual heating and cooling effect of the exterior thermal insulation was found to be better than that of interior thermal insulation. Under the intermittent energy usage mode without considering residents’ temperature tolerance, the annual heating and cooling effect of the interior thermal insulation was better than that of the exterior insulation. Under the intermittent energy usage mode considering tolerance levels, the energy-saving effect of the interior and exterior thermal insulation of the exterior wall was different. In the case of low and medium temperature tolerance, the annual heating and cooling energy-saving effect of the interior thermal insulation was better than the exterior thermal insulation; in the case of high tolerance, the heating and cooling energy saving effect of the exterior thermal insulation was better.

Comparative assessment of external and internal thermal insulation for energy conservation of intermittently air-conditioned buildings

A comparative assessment of external and internal thermal insulation for an intermittently air-conditioned building was performed numerically. The energy consumed for cooling was used to evaluate the exterior wall thermal insulation configurations. This study examined the effect of the building occupancy, the air conditioner operation mode, and the lumped indoor heat gain. The results showed that the external thermal insulation configuration provides better thermal performance than the internal insulation configuration when the building was occupied during the day. When the building was occupied during the night, the internal thermal insulation configuration showed better thermal performance if the air conditioner runs continuously during occupied hours. When the air conditioner runs intermittently by applying building thermal storage, the suitable thermal insulation configuration depended on the lumped indoor heat gain. The determination of the exterior wall insulation configuration should consider three factors: the building occupancy, the air conditioner operation mode, and the lumped indoor heat gain.

Preparation and thermal performance of polyurethane/PEG as novel form-stable phase change materials for thermal energy storage

In this study, a series of the cross-linked polyurethane (PU)/PEG4000 blend was synthesized as novel form-stable phase change materials (FSPCMs) for thermal energy storage through a facile and solvent-free synthetic strategy. In the obtained FSPCM, the PU functioned not only as supporting materials but as phase change substance. The PEG in FSPCM acted as phase change substance. The influence of PEG4000 content on the crystalline properties, phase change properties, thermal reliability and stability was extensively studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal cycling test and thermogravimetric analysis (TG), respectively. Moreover, the chemical and crystalline structure of obtained PU and FSPCM was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and polarizing microscope (POM). XRD and POM results indicated that the obtained FSPCM has similar crystalline structure to PEG. DSC results showed that FSPCM appears superior phase change properties with the phase change temperature and the latent heat in the range of 27.73–48.94 °C and 72.19–113.4 J g−1, respectively. The thermal cycling test and TG verified the excellent thermal reliability and stability of FSPCM. The obtained FSPCM exhibited great potential in the field of TES such as the solar energy collection system, exterior wall thermal insulation systems and hot water circulation system.

Development of adiabatic foam using sodium silicate modified by boric acid

Adiabatic foam has been successfully prepared through sintering sodium silicate which is modified by boric acid. The effect of the sintering temperature, boric acid content and modulus of sodium silicate on the thermal conductivity, density, compression strength and microstructure of the adiabatic foam was studied in detail. In the sintering process, B3+ ion can take the place of the Si4+ ion by incorporating into the Si–O–Si structure via Si–O–B bridges, increasing the chemical stability of the adiabatic foam. High temperature, low boric acid content and low modulus of sodium silicate can reduce the thermal conductivity, density and compression strength. In order to meet the application of exterior wall thermal insulation, 450–500 °C of the sintering temperature, 18–24 g boric acid per 600 g sodium silicate solution, and 2.5–2.8 modulus of sodium silicate are chosen. The samples with thermal conductivity less than 0.044 W/m·K, density less than 100 kg/m3 and compression strength more than 0.7 MPa are obtained.

Study on Fire Prevention of Wall Insulation Organic Materials

This article described the technical progress of the wall insulation organic materials and analyzed other relevant factors in recent years about the insulation materials policies changes and market changes. Through the above description and analysis, we presented new ideas of the future direction of development of organic insulation materials. Background In recent years, big fire moments remind the importance of fire safety all the time. The CCTV Building Fire in 2009, Shanghai Jiaozhou Road Fire in 2010 and Shijingshan Fire in 2013, let the public turn pale at the mention of a word about fire. These fires are all related to the wall insulation organic materials. In fact, it should be said that unqualified exterior wall thermal insulation materials and the lack of supervision measures led to a variety of fire accidents which can be avoided. Therefore, good flame retardant wall insulation organic materials and thermal insulation system are very important to reduce and prevent fire, and they are also fundamentally important ways to block and reduce the fire risk. At present, there are three kinds of wall insulation materials. The first type are the inorganic heat preservation materials, such as rock wool, glass wool, mineral slurry, etc., These materials belong to no combustible materials (class A fire), and there is no fire safety problems. The second type of wall insulation materials are composite materials, such as phenolic foam insulation materials, reaching flame retardant materials B1 level (fire). The third kind are the organic polymer insulation materials, such as molding benzene board (EPS), foaming benzene board (XPS), polyurethane (PU) . They belong to the combustible materials (B2 fire). This kind of material have the danger of fire. In our country the most widely used of wall insulation materials are the third class. Especially the EPS and XPS have good heat preservation performance, low price. And They are light and durable. But, this kind of materials have obvious disadvantages that they are so easy to burn, and release diffuse toxic or harmful gas in the combustion. Therefore, we should focus on hot spots about organic fire situation of wall insulation organic materials. Fire prevention progress of common wall insulation organic materials Polyurethane (PU) :

Analyses the New Building Wall Materials and Exterior Wall Thermal Insulation Technology

New building wall materials is a kind of material which is not at the price of consuming cultivated land, destruction of ecology and environmental pollution, adapting to the construction industrialization, construction mechanization, reducing wet construction operations at the site, improving the function of modern building construction. Presently, as for our country stage, new building wall materials is including all building wall materials except for clay solid brick building wall materials. In our country, the production of new type wall materials has been increasing rapidly and its quality and product has been improved obviously, what’s more, the technology and equipment level also rises fast which created very convenient advantages for the development of exterior wall thermal insulation technology. Presently, there are mainly three kinds which are the out-cell heat preservation, a polystyrene board and wall body casting molding at a time and polystyrene particles insulation pulp outer wall heat preservation.

Energy efficiency approaches in archives and library buildings in China

This article focuses on the recent development of energy efficiency strategies in Chinese archives and library buildings. Since architectural design and construction have a significant impact on interior temperature and humidity, many approaches have been used to meet temperature and humidity standards and to increase energy efficiency. These approaches include, but are not limited to, the use of thermal insulation and heat preservation composite materials, and the strategic design of doors and windows. This article describes the application of energy-efficient techniques including exterior wall thermal insulation systems, energy efficiency doors and windows, the double-pane windows technique, house thermal insulation and heat preservation techniques, solar energy systems, as well as air-conditioning systems with ground or water source heat pumps. This article also discusses comprehensive ways to increase energy efficiency in archives and library buildings, such as ventilation, greenhouse techniques, and the utilization of the surrounding environment.

Study on Spread of Fire Overflow on Building Facades with Insulation Materials

Fire overflow on exterior wall with thermal insulation system has been studied by numerical simulation. The spread laws of fire overflow are analyzed through the temperature distribution near the window. The computational results are compared with those of test in the Exterior Insulation Fire Barrier Technical Guidelines (EIFBTG). It has been found that the calculated maximum temperature points is closed to the test on the first floor, the first ceiling, and the points near the above two windows. However, there are differences between two kinds of results above two floors and ceilings, and the points near the first window. It has also shown that when the HHR is 7.5KW, the scope of damage of exterior thermal insulation layer is about 15 square meters near the window. The research would provide reference for fire protection design of exterior wall thermal insulation in the high-rise buildings.

The Research on Seismic Performance of the Insulation Material on the External Wall of a Building

It is a problem on building energy efficiency of how to improve the heat insulation performance of building envelope, to make the building outer wall has good heat preservation effect, and to keep the necessary seismic performance. Exterior wall thermal insulation engineering, which is a key part on building energy conservation engineering construction quality acceptance and on building energy efficiency design, is an important part in building energy efficiency projects. Therefore, it is necessary to study the seismic performance based on the fact that the building is building energy efficiency. By the research on exterior insulation materials, the analysis on the performance of external thermal insulation materials currently used, and the research on the factors affecting the seismic performance of external thermal insulation material, It provides a guidance on evaluating the external wall thermal insulation material performance and quality, ensuring the quality of external thermal insulation material, and it is expected to achieve the effect of building energy efficiency.

Correlations of air humidity and carbon dioxide concentration in the kindergarten

The education process often begins in kindergarten. Because children spend there between 5 and 10h a day, the quality of air inside the building is of crucial importance.Kindergartens most often use stack ventilation, which is frequently aided by airing. Exterior wall thermal insulation influences the quality of the natural ventilation system. Insulation reduces air infiltration, and thus disrupts the effectiveness of the natural ventilation system.The research presented in this study was conducted in three kindergartens which varied in terms of their exterior wall insulation. The three considered objects were localized in eastern Europe, in the temperate zone.Relying on the obtained measurement results, analysis of correlation between humidity and CO2 concentration could be conducted. Nearly complete correlation was observed in 61% of the measurements. This fact may constitute a solid basis for the control of natural ventilation.

Energy-efficient envelope design for high-rise residential buildings in Malaysia

With the development of the economy in recent years, Malaysia has been maintaining high economic growth and therefore, its energy consumption has increased dramatically. Air conditioning for cooling accounts for more than 45% of the total electricity used in the residential sector. This article uses Ecotect software to analyse building envelope design on energy cooling load for a residential building in Penang, Malaysia, which includes the area ratio of window to wall, exterior wall thermal insulation, different categories of glazing and several kinds of shading system. This article describes an integrated passive design approach to reduce the cooling requirement for high-rise apartments through an improved building envelope design. Compared with the other passive strategies investigated in this article, the results indicate that exterior wall thermal insulation is the best strategy to reduce both cooling energy load and peak cooling load that achieve a reduction of 10.2 and 26.3%, respectively. However, all the other passive strategies applied also have marginal effects on decreasing the cooling load.

Application of Phenolic Foam Plate in the Exterior Wall Thermal Insulation

With the deep reform of national policy of building energy conservation and the increasing requirements of building fire protection, building insulation industry appeared a hitherto unknown development opportunity and challenge. This paper introduces the research and application of phenolic foam plate, modified phenolic foam plate with thermal insulation, fire prevention, environmental protection and other excellent properties, puts forward in the field of building energy conservation should be vigorously promoted the application of phenolic foam.

Crack Analysis and Node Design Improvements for Polystyrene Outer Insulation System

As a new composite wall system, because of advanced structure, excellent polystyrene insulation board, insulation effect, light weight, the simple and flexible construction method and well adaptability, polystyrene insulation board thin coating of exterior wall thermal insulation technology is widely used in China. In practical applications, thermal bridges and the board surface cracks that caused by improper handling of deformation joints and detailed structure are the main problem of the technology. In this paper, many problems are analyzed such as the crack causes, the plates overlap and the node structure treatment, and also corresponding solutions are proposed.

Low-energy envelope design of residential building in hot summer and cold winter zone in China

With the development of the economy, the demand for energy in hot summer and cold winter zone in China is increasing very fast while the energy supply is going short. Air conditioning both for cooling and heating accounts for more than 50% of the total electricity used in the residential sector. This paper used eQUEST software to analyze envelope design on energy saving of air conditioner (AC) and the effects of energy saving strategies on AC electric consumption of different orientation rooms in hot summer and cold winter zone in China, which included exterior wall thermal insulation, solar radiation absorptance of exterior wall, area ratio of window to wall, categories of glazing and kinds of shading system, and two combined strategies. The results indicate that envelope shading and exterior wall thermal insulation are the best strategies to decrease the AC electric consumption which achieved a saving of 11.31 and 11.55%. The optimization of different strategies can decrease the annual electric consumption of AC by 25.92%, and cooling and heating electric consumption is decreased by 21.08 and 34.77%, respectively.