Determination of optimum insulation thickness using life cycle cost analysis

Abstract

A systematic approach for optimization of insulation material thickness is developed in this paper and then applied to province of Bursa as a sample city in Turkey. The optimization model is based on the life cycle cost analysis using present worth method. The heat losses and the heating energy requirement of a prototype building are calculated by using degree-day method utilizing long-term meteorological temperature data. The total cost, including heating cost, insulation material cost and installation of insulation cost, is calculated, and the cost curves are obtained for different fuel types. From these curves, the optimum insulation thickness and the most suitable fuel type are determined. The results show that the optimum insulation thickness varies between 5.3 and 12.4 cm, the saving of total cost between 10% and 23%, and the payback period between 4.32 and 9.86 years for the prototype building depending on fuel types. Moreover, at different climate zones in Turkey, the optimum insulation thickness varies more dramatically between 2.3 and 22 cm. © Sila Science.