Exergetic approach to determine optimum insulation thickness for cooling applications with life cycle integrated economic analysis

Abstract

Optimum insulation thickness for building walls is investigated using a new method called as combined economic and environmental method (CEEM). In this method, environmental costs are integrated in the fuel cost and insulation material cost. In this way, it is possible to consider both of economic and environmental aspects together. Environmental cost of carbon dioxide, electricity and insulation materials are added to their cost. In this paper, optimum insulation thickness with life cycle integrated economic analysis in terms of exergy approach is defined. Total annual cost for the system is calculated and results are investigated according to insulation thickness. Rockwool and glasswool are chosen as insulation materials and calculations were made for Bilecik located in Marmara Region in Turkey. Optimum points are found for CEEM, economic approach and environmental approach and they are compared with each other.