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"Comparing the Impact of Wall Materials on Occupants' Thermal Comfort and Selecting Optimal Materials in a Cold Mountainous Climate (Case Study: Tabriz City)"
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Saber Javani *   , Farhad Ahmadnejad |
| Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Art University of Tabriz , sabercr72@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (16 Views) |
Problem Statement:
The high energy consumption in human settlements has led to increased environmental pollution. Over 40% of the country's total energy is consumed by buildings, with a significant portion used for heating, cooling, and lighting indoor spaces. This trend can be reduced by implementing measures such as optimizing the thermal insulation of building envelopes. In residential buildings located in cold climates—characterized by wide temperature fluctuations—this issue becomes even more critical.
Research Question:
How does the use of different wall materials (AAC blocks, LECA blocks, clay blocks, and traditional fired bricks) in internal and external walls affect the reduction of energy consumption for heating and cooling, as well as the thermal comfort of occupants in residential buildings?
Research Objectives:
To quantify the impact of using AAC blocks, LECA blocks, clay blocks, and fired bricks in internal and external walls on reducing energy consumption (heating and cooling loads) and to identify the most optimal material in terms of providing thermal comfort for occupants in residential buildings located in cold mountainous climates.
Methodology:
In this study, using the energy modeling software OpenStudio in combination with EnergyPlus, a four-story residential building with southern orientation (in accordance with Group C of the national building regulations) was simulated. The thermal behavior of four wall types made of the mentioned materials was analyzed, and their annual energy consumption was compared.
Key Findings and Conclusion:
According to the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) thermal comfort index and the dominant heating demand in the cold mountainous climate of Tabriz, it can be concluded that walls constructed with AAC blocks perform best, with an annual energy consumption of 24,250.04 kWh for heating and cooling. Walls built with LECA blocks (27,253.87 kWh) rank second, followed by clay blocks (34,638.48 kWh), and fired bricks (46,037.74 kWh), respectively, in terms of achieving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption |
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| Keywords: Thermal Comfort, Building Energy Consumption, Wall Materials, Cold Mountainous Climate, Energy Simulation |
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Full-Text [PDF 514 kb]
(6 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Energy Management, Conservation and Rational Use of Energy
Received: 2025/12/4 | Accepted: 2026/02/18 | Published: 2025/09/1
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