Some aspects of energy efficient building envelope in high latitude countries

Nowadays, energy conservation in buildings is especially important for countries where high energy consumption in residential and tertiary sectors causes the high energy intensity of the whole economy. This paper presents some idea of creating energy efficient building envelope. The focus is put on reduction of heat transfer through it. Different structures of external walls are analyzed. In high latitude countries walls should be characterized by high thermal resistance and high thermal capacity (good storage ability). In the paper traditional multilayer wall structures with specific paints on external wall surfaces are analyzed. Paints are characterized by different solar absorptivity. Also modern structures with the Phase Change Materials are analyzed. In simulation study it was assumed that PCMs are applied in a form of the light thermal mass panels that are integrated with the external wall structure. Mathematical model of dynamics of a building has been developed. In the paper stress has been put on energy transfer through walls of different structures. The model takes into account the influence of solar radiation on energy balance, including availability of solar radiation on walls of different location (inclination and orientation). On a base of the model developed the simulation studies have been performed. Selected results of thermal behavior of some multilayer structures of external walls of a building have been analyzed. Through comparative studies some recommendations for creating building wall structures have been formulated. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.