Thermal Energy

Efficiency in a Building

AHMAD RESHAD 12342

SAYED MOHAMMAD 12313
TANWEER HUSAIN 12310
QUDRATULLAH 12297
MEHDI 11850
1
Audit steps
1. pre audit data collection (introduction)
2. Audit detailed measurement
3. Data analysis
4. Suggestion for implementation

2
Introduction
• this report includes a case study of a building and the measures and
step to increase the thermal energy efficiency in the winter season in
an existing building.
• In this report we consider a retrofit project of a 6 story building
located in Kabul city, the first floor is not residential and is used for
keeping goods. All windows in the building are PVC and the doors
inside the apartments are timber.
• We want to keep the internal temperature at 20C and the outside
temperature in the winter season reaches up to -10C.

3
 Detailed measurement

# Item Name Height of Length of item Area m2 Area m2 for

item for one for one floor for one entire
floor (m) floor building
(m)
1 Windows 1.5, 0.5 27,5, 2.6 42.55 255.3

2 Doors 2.5 3.1 7.75 46.5

3 Walls 2.8 91.5 91.5 549

4 Columns 2.8 7 19.6 117.6

5 Façade 2.8 6.36 17.8 89

6 Ceiling 18.35x12.7+6.43 239.5 239.5

7 Floor 18.35 x 12.7 233 233

4
DATA ANALYSIS
• Prior to suggesting any solution, we Initially analyze the building envelope in its
initial condition before we suggest
• our set of solutions, which includes external walls, windows, doors, floor, façade
and top ceiling of the building.
U= 1/Rsi + ∑Ri +Rse Ri = di/ λi λi di Structure
(w/(m .k))
2
((m .k)/w)
2
(w/(m.k)) (m)

0.019 1.02 0.020 Internal plaster + paint

0.400 0.86 0.340 Bricks

0.017 1.16 0.020 Outside plaster + paint

1.66 Total
Rsi: constant resistance against heat transfer in the interior of building in winter 0.13 ((m 2.k)/w).
Rse: constant resistance against heat transfer outside the building in winter 0.04 ((m 2.k)/w).

5
Data analysis (ceiling)

U= 1/Rsi + ∑Ri +Rse Ri = di/ λi λi di Structure

(w/(m .k))
2
((m .k)/w)
2
(w/(m.k)) (m)

0.019 1.02 0.020 Internal Plaster

0.050 1.16 0.060 Cement mortar

0.090 1.58 0.150 RCC Slab

0.010 0.21 0.003 Damp proof layer

3.24 Total

Rsi: constant resistance against heat transfer in the interior of building in winter 0.10 ((m2.k)/w).
Rse: constant resistance against heat transfer outside the building in winter 0.04 ((m2.k)/w).

6
Data analysis (windows)
• The PVC windows in the building with double glazing
have a U value of 1.5 w/m2. k.
•

7
Data Analysis (timber doors)

Exterior doors U (w/(m2.k))

The gate is completely made up of timber and no
glass in it, the U value is 2.3 w/m2. k. 1 Completely timber gate with no glass 2.3

2 timber gate with glass 4

3 Metallic gate with glass 5.65

8
 Data analysis (columns)

Next we find the U value for columns which found to be 2.20.

U= 1/Rsi + ∑Ri +Rse Ri = di/ λi λi di Structure

(w/(m .k))
2
((m .k)/w)
2
(w/(m.k)) (m)

0.019 1.02 0.020 Internal Plaster

0.250 1.58 0.40 Iron and concrete column

0.017 1.16 0.02 External plaster

2.20 Total

Rsi: constant resistance against heat transfer in the interior of building in winter 0.13 ((m2. k)/w).
Rse: constant resistance against heat transfer outside the building in winter 0.04 ((m2.k)/w).

9
Data analysis (floor)
Next we find the U value for the floor,
Ri = di/ λi λi di Structure
((m .k)/w)
2
(w/ (m)
(m.k))

0.07 0.065 0.005 Carpet

For finding the u value for floor we use the 0.04 1.02 0.050 Cement mortar
following relations, 0.08 1.16 0.100 Cement mortar down
layer

B = A/p 0.19 Total

Rsi: constant resistance against heat transfer in the interior of building in winter 0.17 ((m2. k)/w).
dt = w + λ (Rsi + Rf + RSe) Rse: constant resistance against heat transfer outside the building in winter 0.04 ((m2.k)/w).

U = ln[/ dt +1]

10
Data analysis ( floor) continued…
B = A/p
B = 233 m2/64 m
B = 3.63m

dt = w + λ (Rsi + Rf + RSe)
dt = 0.38 + 2 (0.17 + 0.19 + 0.04) = 1.18 m

U = ln[/ dt +1]
U = ln[(3.14 (3.63)/1.18)+1]
U = 1.25 w/ (m2. k)

11
Data analysis (fascade)
• And finally for the façade of the building which is made up of single glass and
metal frame we have the U value of 5.65.

Metallic frame windows U (w/(m2.k))

Single glass window not air tight 5.65

Double glazing window not air tight 3.9

Double glazing with foam sprayed in frame not air tight 3.2

12
Calculation of heat transmittance
• After finding the area and thermal transmittance, we are ready to calculate the
heat transfer through different mediums as follows:
Q = U x A x (T2 – T1)
• Where Q is the rate of heat flow, A is the area of the medium, T2 is the internal
temperature and its value is 20C and T1 is environment temperature and its value
is -10C. We find the Q value for each medium separately and then the sum of all
mediums will give us total heat transfer rate.

13
Continued…

For walls, For façade,

Qw = Uw x Aw x (T2 – T1) Qf = Uf x Af x (T2 – T1)
Qf = 5.65 x 17.8m2 x 5 x (20 – (-10))
Qw = 1.66 x 91.5m2 x 6 x (20 – (-10))
Qf = 15085.5 W
Qw = 27340 W
For columns,
For windows, Qc= Uc x Ac x (T2 – T1)
Qwi = Uw x Aw x (T2 – T1) Qc = 2.20 x 19.6m2 x 6 x (20 – (-10))
Qc = 7760 W
Qwi = 1.5 x 42.55m2 x 6 x (20 – (-10))
Qwi = 11488 W Qce= Uce x Ace x (T2 – T1)
Qce = 3.24 x 239.5m2 x (20 – (-10))
For doors, Qce = 23279.4 W
Qd = Ud x Ad x (T2 – T1)
Qd = 2.3 x 7.75m2 x 6 x (20 – (-10))
Qd = 3208 W
14
Continued…
And finally for the floor, we find the heat transfer rate as follows,
Qfloor = Uw x Aw x (T2 – T1)
Qfloor = 1.25 x 233m2 x (20 – (-10))
Qfloor = 8738 W

Now we sum up all the heat transfer rates,

Qw + Qwi + Qd + Qf + Qc + Qce + Qfloor = 27340 W+11488 W+3208 W+15085 W+7760 W+23279.4 W + 8738 W
= 96898 W

15
SUGESSIONS FOR
IMPLEMENTATION
1. Applying polystyrene to the walls, floor and the ceiling of the 6th floor;
• About polystyrene: Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is a versatile material that has
gained popularity in the construction industry due to its excellent insulation properties. When
used in buildings, polystyrene can significantly contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat loss
and improving thermal performance.
• One of the key benefits of using polystyrene in buildings is its high thermal resistance, which helps
to create a barrier against heat transfer. This means that buildings insulated with polystyrene can
maintain a more stable indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems. As
a result, energy consumption is lowered, leading to cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

• Furthermore, polystyrene is lightweight and easy to install, making it a practical choice for both
new construction and retrofit projects. Its durability and resistance to moisture also make it a long-
lasting solution for improving energy efficiency in buildings.

16
Continued…
• In conclusion, the application of polystyrene in buildings plays a crucial role in enhancing energy
efficiency and sustainability. Its insulation properties help to create a more comfortable indoor
environment while reducing energy costs and environmental impact. As the construction industry
continues to prioritize energy-efficient building practices, polystyrene will undoubtedly remain a
valuable material for achieving these goals.

• We will calculate again the heat transmittance after applying polystyrene and at the end the heat
transfer rate to compare it with initial condition.

17
Continued…
• First the walls, the new U value would be;

U= 1/Rsi + ∑Ri +Rse Ri = di/ λi λi di Structure

(w/(m .k))
2
((m .k)/w)
2
(w/(m.k)) (m)
0.019 1.02 0.020 Internal plaster
0.400 0.86 0.340 Bricks
2.500 0.04 0.100 Polystyrene
0.0025 1.16 0.003 Glue + plaster + paint coating
0.32 Total
Rsi: constant resistance against heat transfer in the interior of building in winter 0.13 ((m 2. k)/w).
Rse: constant resistance against heat transfer outside the building in winter 0.04 ((m 2. k)/w).

18
Continued…
• Secondly the columns, we find the new U value as follows;

U= 1/Rsi + ∑Ri +Rse Ri = di/ λi λi di Structure

(w/(m .k))
2
((m .k)/w)
2
(w/(m.k)) (m)

0.019 1.02 0.020 Internal Plaster

0.250 1.58 0.40 Iron and concrete column
2500 0.04 0.100 Polystyrene EPS 100
0.0025 1.16 0.03 Glue + External plaster
0.34 Total
Rsi: constant resistance against heat transfer in the interior of building in winter 0.13 ((m 2. k)/w).
Rse: constant resistance against heat transfer outside the building in winter 0.04 ((m 2.k)/w).

19
 Continued…
• for the ceiling, we find the new U value;

U= 1/Rsi + ∑Ri +Rse Ri = di/ λi λi di Structure

(w/(m2.k)) ((m2.k)/w) (w/(m.k)) (m)

0.019 1.02 0.020 Internal Plaster

0.050 1.16 0.060 Cement mortar
2.630 0.038 0.200 Polystyrene
0.090 1.58 0.150 RCC Slab
0.010 0.21 0.003 Damp proof layer
0.18 Total
Rsi: constant resistance against heat transfer in the interior of building in winter 0.10 ((m 2.k)/w).
Rse: constant resistance against heat transfer outside the building in winter 0.04 ((m 2.k)/w).

20
 Continued…
• For the floor, the new U value would be;

B = A/p Ri = di/ λi λi di Structure

((m .k)/w)
2
(w/(m.k)) (m)
B = 233 m2/64 m
0.07 0.065 0.005 Carpet
B = 3.63m 0.04 1.02 0.050 Cement mortar
1.31 0.038 0.050 Polystyrene EPS 100
0.08 1.16 0.100 Cement mortar down
dt = w + λ (Rsi + Rf + RSe) layer

1.5 Total
dt = 0.38 + 2 (0.17 + 1.5 + 0.04) = 3.8 m w/ (m2. k)

U = = = 0.35 w/(m .k)2

Rsi: constant resistance against heat transfer in the interior of building in winter 0.17 ((m 2. k)/w).
Rse: constant resistance against heat transfer outside the building in winter 0.04 ((m 2.k)/w).

21
 Continued…
Now after applying polystyrene lets calculate again the heat transfer rates;

For the walls,

Qw = Uw x Aw x (T2 – T1)

Qw = 0.32 x 91.5m2 x 6 x (20 – (-10)) For the floor,

Qw = 5270 W Qfloor = Uw x Aw x (T2 – T1)
Qfloor = 0.35 x 233m2 x (20 – (-10))
Qfloor = 2446 W
For ceiling,

Qce= Uce x Ace x (T2 – T1)

Qce = 0.18 x 239.5m2 x (20 – (-10))

Qce = 1293 W

For columns,

Qc= Uc x Ac x (T2 – T1)

Qc = 0.34 x 19.6m2 x 6 x (20 – (-10))

Qc = 1200 W

22
Continued…
2. double glazing in façade and spraying foam in metal frame:
The building façade is built from metal frame and single glass, the composition of metal in façade is
about 25%.
By double glazing and spraying foam inside the metal frame the heat transfer rate will decrease.
Qf = Uf x Af x (T2 – T1)
Qf = 3.2 x 17.8m2 x 5 x (20 – (-10))
Qf = 8544 W

23
Continued…
• Table below shows the difference before and after applying polystyrene to outer walls, columns
and the ceiling of the last floor, also the double glazing and spraying foam to façade.

The difference in heat transfer rates before and after implementing set of suggestions

Element Name Hear transfer Heat transfer % of the heat % of the heat
rate before rate after lost before lost after

1 Walls 27340 W 5270 W 28.2% 5.4%

2 Columns 7760 W 1200 W 8% 1.2%

3 Ceiling 23279.4 W 1293 W 24% 1.33%

4 Floor 8738 W 2446 W 9% 2.5%

5 facade 15085.5 W 8544 W 15.5% 8.8%

6 Total 96898 W 18753 W 85% 19.2%

24
Continued…
• After implementing the above four measures the total heat transfer rate drops down from
96898W to 18753 W, which shows an 80.6 % decrease in heat transfer rate or an energy saving of
78145 W.

Before And After Retrofit (Insulation)

120000

100000

80000

60000

40000

20000

0
Before After

25
Economic analysis
Cost of insulating the building
Components name Area m2 Cost Total cost $
Walls 549 2.3 $/m2 1262 $
Columns 117.6 2.3 $/m2 270.5 $
Ceiling 239.5 10 $/m2 2395 $
floor 233 2.3 $/m2 536 $
Façade (glass) 69 0.5 $/ft2 370 $
Façade (metal frame) 20 40 $ 40 $
Façade labor cost 89 50 $ 50 $
Total 4924$

26
Payback time
• the residents of each apartment pay 30,000 Afghani or 410$ for the central heating system, which
runs for three months and 8 hours a day. They burn 15 tons of coal in this period of three months.
• After insulation they do not that much heating as they needed before due to lower heat transfer
rate escaping through its envelope and thus require lower heating of central heating system.
• As we calculated before, there was a decrease of 80.6% in heat escape, thus, approximately
equivalent to burning 80.6% lower fuel and saving 12 tons of coal.
• For 6 stories that are connected to central heating system, they pay 180,000 Afghani or 2500 $,
now they need to pay only 36000 Afghani or 500 $ annually, and a saving of 144000 Afghani or
2000 $ annually.
• Hence the payback time is 4924 $/2000 $ = 2.5 years.
•

27
Other suggestions
• Note: these suggestions include the ethics or energy use and overall energy savings, since we are
only concerned with thermal efficiency we did not calculate their effect.

1. NO HOME CAN BE EFFEICENT IF PEOPLE LIVING IN IT ARE NOT EFFICENT.

• Occupant’s behavior has a significant impact on the energy performance of
building. A good understanding of how occupants use a building provides a
possibility of promoting the building’s energy efficiency through changing
occupant’s behavior.
2.Thermostat for central heating system:
• This is to prevent overheating and considering thermal comfort by using thermostat
in each story so any individual can have the temperature they are comfortable in,
also it will significantly reduce the consumption of fuels due to overheating.
28
3.Use of solar water heaters:
• It will reduce energy cost used for heating water in boilers and a good way to harness the energy
that lies in the sun. Most importantly it’s a step towards a green future and no carbon footprints.
4.Upgrading electrical appliances:
• It’s important to have efficient appliances whether it be electrical ovens or washing machines or
fridge or lamps used for lighting. For instance, using microwave ovens instead of conventional
electrical ovens.

29
References
• The constant values for different materials used in this report are from a book “Energy efficiency
guide book for buildings” by Dr. Eng. Mohammad Omar Temori.

30
Thank you

31