CLIMATE-ADAPTED OPTIMIZATION OF THERMAL INSULATION THICKNESS FOR REDUCING HEAT LOSSES AND ENERGY USE IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

 Introduction. The paper considers a climate-adapted approach to selecting the thickness of thermal insulation for residential building envelopes in Uzbekistan in order to reduce heat losses and energy consumption. The study takes into account regional climatic differences, thermal protection requirements, and the effect of insulation thickness on energy savings. The results show that rational use of basalt-fiber insulation provides a significant energy-saving effect.

Methods and materials. The assessment is based on thermal protection requirements, heating degree-days, and a simplified steady-state heat-transfer model for external walls and roof assemblies. A typical residential building under Tashkent climatic conditions was analyzed using basalt-fiber insulation with a thermal conductivity of 0.040W/(m·°C): 6 cm for external walls and 10 cm for the roof. Seasonal heat losses, peak heating load, and equivalent natural gas consumption were used as the main evaluation indicators.

Results. The calculations showed that the selected insulation solution reduces annual heat losses through the considered envelope elements from 32.1 to 6.2MWh/year, i.e. by 80.6%. Final heat-energy savings amount to 25.9MWh/year, the reduction in primary energy reaches 28.7 MWh/year, and natural gas consumption decreases by about 3.0 thousand m³/year. In addition, the peak heating load is reduced by almost 13kW.

Conclusion. The study confirms that climate-adapted selection of insulation thickness is an important factor in improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Uzbekistan. The proposed calculation approach can be used for regionally adapted design solutions, reduction of operating costs, and lowering the load on heating systems.