Optimizing insulation thickness for buildings using life cycle cost

A systematic approach for optimization of insulation material thickness is Adeveloped in this paper and then applied to Palestine. The optimization is Abased on the life cycle cost analysis. Generalized charts for selecting the optimum insulation thickness as a function Aof degree days and wall thermal resistance are prepared. Life cycle savings of Athe insulated buildings are computed for Palestine. Savings up to 21 $/m^2 of Awall area are possible for rock wool and polystyrene insulation. Payback Aperiods between I and 1.7 years are possible for rock wool and payback periods Abetween 1.3 and 2.3 years for polystyrene insulation, depending on the type of Awall structure. (c) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.