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Study and Analysis of Polymer / Composite Thermal Insulation Material and Comfort Based Building Simulation with Applicability of Evaporative Cooling

Nitin S. Aher, Anurag Hamilton

Abstract


In India, about 35% of India's electrical energy is absorbed by buildings. Of this, the significant consumption is for the cooling purpose in building. Passive cooling systems, by comparison consume considerably less energy than mechanical cooling systems. Therefore, it is very important to understand the applicability of the passive cooling system by conducting comfort-based simulation of building as well as an examination of the influence of thermal insulation composed of polymers and composites. In this article, live case study of hospital building located in eastern region of Karnataka is taken for comfort based simulation and energy usage analysis for cooling purpose using design builder software tool also done analysis of effect of thermal insulation on heat transfer through wall for same building using design builder software. Findings of design builder software are verified using analytical approach. It has been found from simulation results that the cooling load in the summer season is around 35% higher than in the winter season and from June it begins to decrease. On the other hand, during night time, outdoor air temperature found to be quiet more than comfort temperature, but it can be easily meet by evaporative cooling system. In the same span, during day time, applicability of evaporative cooling system is properly analyzed and found that it is able to provide comfort conditions. Especially in the winter season, air temperature in the eastern region of Karnataka is near or lower than comfort temperature (25oC) during the night time, so comfort conditions can be met without cooling or heating requirements. In short, there is scope for replacing the active air conditioning system with alterative passive cooling systems such as the indirect evaporative cooling system throughout the year, to provide comfort in the eastern region of Karnataka. It has been observed that, Heat transmission from outside to inner side through the external wall with insulation is significantly reduced throughout the afternoon and evening hours as compared to the outside wall without insulation. Performance of thermal insulation made of mineral wool is lies between the thermal insulation made of glass fiber and polyurethane foam. During the day time, heat transfer from the inner to the outer side of the wall with polyurethane foam insulation was found to be 2.16%, 1.27% and 63.82% more than the wall with glass fiber insulation, mineral wool insulation, and no insulation respectively. In case, thermal insulation used on both sides of the wall, net heat transfer is negligible.


Keywords


Polymers, Composites, Thermal Insulation, Building Simulation, Evaporative Cooling, Design Builder

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