The impact of thermal mass and insulation of building structure on energy efficiency

E. Zilberberg; P. Trapper; I. A. Meir; S. Isaac

doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110954

The impact of thermal mass and insulation of building structure on energy efficiency

E. Zilberberg
, P. Trapper
, I. A. Meir
, S. Isaac

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

61 Scopus citations

Abstract

A methodology is developed that allows an optimization of the dimensions of a building's structural components at the initial design stage, aimed to minimize operational and embodied energy consumption. The methodology includes a parametric, iterative and interactive process of incremental alterations in structural design and thermal performance in search for an optimal solution. The results of the application of the methodology in a case study indicate that structural components with a higher thermal mass can reduce operational energy consumption by up to 3%. The addition of insulation results in a significant reduction in operational energy consumption, while reducing the relative impact of non-insulated thermal mass in the building envelope.

Original language	English
Article number	110954
Journal	Energy and Buildings
Volume	241
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110954
State	Published - 15 Jun 2021

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Keywords

Building design
Energy efficiency
LCEA
Operational energy
Optimization methodology
Parametric analysis
Simulation
Structural design
Thermal insulation
Thermal mass
Thermal performance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Civil and Structural Engineering
Building and Construction
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110954

Cite this

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title = "The impact of thermal mass and insulation of building structure on energy efficiency",

abstract = "A methodology is developed that allows an optimization of the dimensions of a building's structural components at the initial design stage, aimed to minimize operational and embodied energy consumption. The methodology includes a parametric, iterative and interactive process of incremental alterations in structural design and thermal performance in search for an optimal solution. The results of the application of the methodology in a case study indicate that structural components with a higher thermal mass can reduce operational energy consumption by up to 3\%. The addition of insulation results in a significant reduction in operational energy consumption, while reducing the relative impact of non-insulated thermal mass in the building envelope.",

keywords = "Building design, Energy efficiency, LCEA, Operational energy, Optimization methodology, Parametric analysis, Simulation, Structural design, Thermal insulation, Thermal mass, Thermal performance",

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doi = "10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110954",

language = "English",

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T1 - The impact of thermal mass and insulation of building structure on energy efficiency

AU - Zilberberg, E.

AU - Trapper, P.

AU - Meir, I. A.

AU - Isaac, S.

PY - 2021/6/15

Y1 - 2021/6/15

N2 - A methodology is developed that allows an optimization of the dimensions of a building's structural components at the initial design stage, aimed to minimize operational and embodied energy consumption. The methodology includes a parametric, iterative and interactive process of incremental alterations in structural design and thermal performance in search for an optimal solution. The results of the application of the methodology in a case study indicate that structural components with a higher thermal mass can reduce operational energy consumption by up to 3%. The addition of insulation results in a significant reduction in operational energy consumption, while reducing the relative impact of non-insulated thermal mass in the building envelope.

AB - A methodology is developed that allows an optimization of the dimensions of a building's structural components at the initial design stage, aimed to minimize operational and embodied energy consumption. The methodology includes a parametric, iterative and interactive process of incremental alterations in structural design and thermal performance in search for an optimal solution. The results of the application of the methodology in a case study indicate that structural components with a higher thermal mass can reduce operational energy consumption by up to 3%. The addition of insulation results in a significant reduction in operational energy consumption, while reducing the relative impact of non-insulated thermal mass in the building envelope.

KW - Building design

KW - Energy efficiency

KW - LCEA

KW - Operational energy

KW - Optimization methodology

KW - Parametric analysis

KW - Simulation

KW - Structural design

KW - Thermal insulation

KW - Thermal mass

KW - Thermal performance

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85103618232

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DO - 10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110954

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85103618232

SN - 0378-7788

VL - 241

JO - Energy and Buildings

JF - Energy and Buildings

M1 - 110954

ER -

The impact of thermal mass and insulation of building structure on energy efficiency

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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