Investigating the Impact of Insulation Thickness on Condensation Levels: A Case Study in Sivas, Türkiye

Abstract

This extensive research has resulted in the ingenious design of an intelligent composite wall, which incorporates internal and external thermal insulation to effectively deal with the cold climate conditions prevalent in Sivas, Türkiye. Outdoor temperatures in this region drop significantly at night, requiring effective thermal management solutions. The main focus of this research is to determine the minimum insulation thickness required to prevent surface condensation on the walls, which can cause potential problems. In particular, the study helps to identify the effect of thermal insulation on these variables through a series of elaborate and precise heat and mass transfer calculations, rigorously carried out over a range of different scenarios, including indoor and outdoor temperature conditions and variations in relative humidity. The results of such extensive analysis clearly show that the effectiveness and efficiency of thermal insulation becomes increasingly pronounced and evident as the indoor relative humidity exceeds the 70% threshold. In situations where the internal relative humidity is low, the need for increased insulation thickness approaches negligible or minimal levels. Significantly, the comprehensive analysis shows that when the outdoor relative humidity is increased significantly, from 50% to 80%, there is an inverse and measurable increase in the water vapour partial pressure in the external environment. An increase in the water vapour partial pressure results in a reduction in water vapour transmission and therefore reduces the possibility of condensation in that environment.

Keywords

• Condensation
• Thermal insulation
• Cold climate
• Relative humidity

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