Article
Thermal insulation impact on overheating vulnerability reduction in Mediterranean dwellings
Author/s | Calama-González, Carmen María
Escandón Ramírez, Rocío Alonso Carrillo, Alicia Suárez, Rafael León-Rodríguez, Ángel Luis Sánchez-Ostiz Gutiérrez, Ana Arriazu Ramos, Ainhoa Monge Barrio, Aurora |
Department | Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Construcciones Arquitectónicas I (ETSA) |
Publication Date | 2023-05 |
Deposit Date | 2023-06-06 |
Published in |
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Abstract | Heat waves are expected to increase the use of air conditioning (AC), deriving in higher energy consumption. This research aims to determine whether thermal insulation is an effective retrofit strategy for tackling ... Heat waves are expected to increase the use of air conditioning (AC), deriving in higher energy consumption. This research aims to determine whether thermal insulation is an effective retrofit strategy for tackling overheating. Four occupied dwellings in southern Spain were monitored: two houses built prior to any thermal criteria and two with current thermal standards. Thermal comfort is assessed considering adaptive models and user patterns for the operation of AC and natural ventilation. Results show that a high level of insulation combined with a proper use of night-time natural ventilation can increase thermal comfort hours under heat waves, lasting 2–5 times longer than in poorly-insulated houses and with up to 2 °C temperature difference at nights. Long-term effectiveness of insulation under extreme heat presents a better thermal performance, especially in intermediate floors. Yet, the activation of AC usually occurs with indoor temperatures of 27–31 °C, regardless of the envelope’s solution. |
Funding agencies | Junta de Andalucía Gobierno de España European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) |
Project ID. | US-1380835
US.22-06 PID2019-109008RB-C21 |
Citation | Calama-González, C.M., Escandón Ramírez, R., Alonso Carrillo, A., Suárez Medina, R.C., León Rodríguez, Á.L., Sánchez-Ostiz Gutiérrez, A.,...,Monge Barrio, A. (2023). Thermal insulation impact on overheating vulnerability reduction in Mediterranean dwellings. Heliyon, 9 (5), e16102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16102. |
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