Title: A new model for exergetic optimum insulation thickness

Authors: Mustafa Erturk

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, Balikesir University, Balikesir, 10110, Turkey

Abstract: A new approach is presented to predict the exergetic optimum insulation thickness and the payback period. The calculation method consists of four innovations, namely, heating/cooling degree-hour figures for any given time interval in a day depending on the building working conditions instead of the annual total of degree-hours; the effect of concrete columns on external wall surfaces; the costs of labour and auxiliary equipment utilisation are incorporated into the total insulation cost and finally, the method also determines the optimum insulation thickness depending on whether the purchase of insulation material is financed with cash or bank credit. A concept on "energetic and exergetic saving start and end insulation thickness" is also introduced into the literature.

Keywords: optimum insulation thickness; energy saving; payback period; degree-hours; energy analysis; dimensionless temperature variation coefficient.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2017.083945

International Journal of Exergy, 2017 Vol.22 No.4, pp.309 - 330

Received: 21 Jul 2016
Accepted: 10 Nov 2016

Published online: 26 Apr 2017 *

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