Numerical and experimental determination of thermal insulation performance of a composite block with different insulation materials

Abstract Enhancing building energy efficiency, insulation materials should be evaluated considering not only their fire resistance and high mechanical strength but also their low thermal conductivity (λ). In this context, the aim of the paper is to investigate the influence of different insulation materials on the λ value of the hollow prototype. This research, a vertical hollow block (prototype) with dimensions of 300 × 296.5x100 mm was constructed. The λ value of this prototype was determined using the Heat Flux Meter (HFM) measurement method in the absence of any insulating material. Subsequently, various insulating materials were placed in the identified hollows of the prototype. Various fillers such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), Polyurethane (PUR), Glass Fiber (GW), Rock Wool (RW), Perlite (PLT), Mineral-Based Insulation Material (MLT), Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP) and Vermiculite (VMC) were used to fill the hollows of the prototype. The effect of these insulation materials on the λ of the prototype was determined by experimental methods. In addition, two different numerical analysis programs (COMSOL and Ansys) were used to calculate the λ of the prototype with different insulation materials. The calculated results and test data of the prototype filled with insulation material were compared with the results of the prototype without any insulation material. In conclusion, the VIP insulated prototype exhibited approximately 4.5 times higher thermal insulation performance compared to the uninsulated prototype. Additionally, in terms of thermal resistance and insulation thickness, the VIP insulated prototype was followed by the PUR insulated prototype.