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Effect of Thermal Bridges in Insulated Walls on Air-Conditioning Loads Using Whole Building Energy Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Mohamed F. Zedan

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia)

  • Sami Al-Sanea

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia)

  • Abdulaziz Al-Mujahid

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia)

  • Zeyad Al-Suhaibani

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Thermal bridges in building walls are usually caused by mortar joints between insulated building blocks and by the presence of concrete columns and beams within the building envelope. These bridges create an easy path for heat transmission and therefore increase air-conditioning loads. In this study, the effects of mortar joints only on cooling and heating loads in a typical two-story villa in Riyadh are investigated using whole building energy analysis. All loads found in the villa, which broadly include ventilation, transmission, solar and internal loads, are considered with schedules based on local lifestyles. The thermal bridging effect of mortar joints is simulated by reducing wall thermal resistance by a percentage that depends on the bridges to wall area ratio (TB area ratio or A mj /A tot ) and the nominal thermal insulation thickness (L ins ). These percentage reductions are obtained from a correlation developed by using a rigorous 2D dynamic model of heat transmission through walls with mortar joints. The reduction in thermal resistance is achieved through minor reductions in insulation thickness, thereby keeping the thermal mass of the wall essentially unchanged. Results indicate that yearly and monthly cooling loads increase almost linearly with the thermal bridge to wall area ratio. The increase in the villa’s yearly loads varies from about 3% for A mj /A tot = 0.02 to about 11% for A mj /A tot = 0.08. The monthly increase is not uniform over the year and reaches a maximum in August, where it ranges from 5% for A mj /A tot = 0.02 to 15% for A mj /A tot = 0.08. In winter, results show that yearly heating loads are generally very small compared to cooling loads and that heating is only needed in December, January and February, starting from late night to late morning. Monthly heating loads increase with the thermal bridge area ratio; however, the variation is not as linear as observed in cooling loads. The present results highlight the importance of reducing or eliminating thermal bridging effects resulting from mortar joints in walls by maintaining the continuity of the insulation layer in order to reduce energy consumption in air-conditioned buildings.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamed F. Zedan & Sami Al-Sanea & Abdulaziz Al-Mujahid & Zeyad Al-Suhaibani, 2016. "Effect of Thermal Bridges in Insulated Walls on Air-Conditioning Loads Using Whole Building Energy Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:6:p:560-:d:72165
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    1. Mi-Su Shin & Kyu-Nam Rhee & Ji-Yong Yu & Gun-Joo Jung, 2017. "Determination of Equivalent Thermal Conductivity of Window Spacers in Consideration of Condensation Prevention and Energy Saving Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-21, May.
    2. Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul & Rahma Hagi & Rahma Abdelghani & Monaya Syam & Boshra Akhozheya, 2021. "Building Envelope Thermal Defects in Existing and Under-Construction Housing in the UAE; Infrared Thermography Diagnosis and Qualitative Impacts Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-23, February.
    3. David Bienvenido-Huertas & Juan Antonio Fernández Quiñones & Juan Moyano & Carlos E. Rodríguez-Jiménez, 2018. "Patents Analysis of Thermal Bridges in Slab Fronts and Their Effect on Energy Demand," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-18, August.
    4. Tiziana Basiricò & Antonio Cottone & Daniele Enea, 2020. "Analytical Mathematical Modeling of the Thermal Bridge between Reinforced Concrete Wall and Inter-Floor Slab," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-21, November.

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