Quantitative analysis identifies polystyrene as the most effective thermal insulation for retrofitting structures, suggesting significant energy reductions.
This research presents a detailed computational analysis to evaluate various thermal insulation materials and identify the most effective options for retrofitting existing structures. This study addresses a key literature gap by systematically investigating air, mineral wool, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, cellulose, and fiberglass. Simulations were performed using the enthalpy-porosity method in ANSYS FLUENT 16, with heat transfer through a multilayer wall modeled in 2D steady-state mode. Among six tested insulators, polystyrene showed the highest resistance, reducing heat flux by over 82% compared to air. Fiberglass and mineral wool followed, achieving reductions of 74–77%. Its use in buildings reduces cooling energy demands and supports environmental sustainability.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Jasim et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: