Maximization of Energy saving and Minimization of Insulation Cost in a Tropical Hospital: A Case Study in Malaysia

摘要

Equatorial region's climate urges people to use more air conditioners for making cool and dry weather. High consumption of energy by air conditions is the main barrier for reaching energy efficiency in these countries. In any building, most thermal transaction is between external walls and roof of the building. Of course, selection of insulation material and determination of its optimum thickness is one of the prime solutions in energy efficiency in retrofitting projects. The aim of this study is to analyse the energy performance of a hospital in equatorial regions which is working 24 hours per day and 7 days a week and 365 days a year. In this study, for calculating energy consumption, the proposed building was modeled in IESVE software and energy consumption for different insulation material and variety of their thickness was simulated. To find the optimum thickness and material, net saving cost over different lifetime periods was calculated. Polystyrene and mineral wool are two kinds of common and available insulations that were selected as the material options. According to the results, mineral wool is a better material than polystyrene for external walls insulation and also it is found that the optimum thicknesses of mineral wool over 5, 10 and 20 year life times are 4 cm, 8 cm and 10 cm respectively. It is hoped that the result of this research be extended to other hospitals and service buildings in tropical area.