The impact of increasing the building envelope insulation upon the risk of overheating in summer and an increased energy consumption

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Karin Maria Soares Chvatal (Author) FEUP; Helena Corvacho (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Building Performance Simulation

Vol. 2 No. 4

Pages: 267-282

ISSN: 1940-1493

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 21 Citations

Scopus - 39 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-QTP

DOI: 10.1080/19401490903095865

Abstract (EN): This work describes a study aiming to establish the impact of the increase of the building envelope insulation upon the thermal performance of buildings. A particular emphasis is placed upon the consequences in terms of higher temperatures in summer, potentially leading to increased needs for installation of air-conditioning. This study also describes the coupled influence of other parameters that can reduce overheating, like solar shading and ventilation. The methodology is based on parametric studies obtained through simulations. The comfort analysis methodology is based on the adaptive approach. The results show that, with added insulation, it is necessary to control solar and internal gains more closely to avoid overheating in summer. Results also include the requirements to avoid air-conditioning, in terms of window shading for each level of insulation and internal gains.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16