Exploring the Effectiveness of Coconut Husk on Reducing the Effect of Indoor
Temperature as an Insulator
Rationale
Finding environmentally acceptable and sustainable for traditional building
materials is the driving force behind the investigation of coconut husk’s potential as an
insulator to lessen interior temperature swings. The purpose of this study is to
determine if coconut husk can efficiently control indoor temperatures by building two
model homes, one with a regular ceiling and the other with a ceiling insulated with
sewed coconut husk. Although the fibrous structure of coconut husk, an agricultural
byproduct that is frequently thrown away as waste, may offer insulating qualities, its
usefulness in real-world application is still unknown. In order to advance knowledge of
natural materials in thermal insulation, this study aims to present empirical data via a
comparative analysis. If successful, coconut husk might provide an inexpensive,
sustainable way to increase building energy efficiency.
Theoretical Framework
Statement of the Problem
The intention of this study is to find out if coconut husk can help control indoor
temperatures better and be a greener option for insulation.
Specifically, this study aims to answer the following question:
1. Does coconut husk work better or just as well as regular insulation materials?
2. Is coconut husk cheaper and greener option for insulation?
3. How long does coconut husk last as an insulating material?
Significance of the Study
Residents. This study is important for residents because it offers a solution to
reduce indoor heat, making homes more comfortable to live in. It also provides a way to
lower energy costs by reducing the need for fans or air conditioning.
Environment. Using coconut husk as insulation helps reduce waste and
promotes sustainable practices by using renewable materials, making it an eco-friendly
alternative to traditional insulation.
Builders. For builders, this study introduces a cost-effective and locally available
material that can improve energy efficiency in homes while supporting sustainable
construction methods.
Scope and Limitation
This study looks at how effective coconut husk is at keeping homes cooler in
Sitio Angay-Angay. We will be using two models to mimic indoor spaces and measure
temperature changes with digital sensors to see how well these natural materials
reduce heat. However, this setup might not perfectly reflect real-life conditions, like
humidity or airflow, and the results could depend on the local climate and the quality of
the coconut materials we use. We also have limited time for long-term testing, and the
sensors we’re using might not be 100% accurate. Despite these challenges, the study
hopes to show how coconut-based insulation can be a useful and sustainable option.
Chapter II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Coconut husk has gained significant attention as a sustainable and effective
insulating material, particularly for reducing indoor temperatures. Studies from 2015
onwards have consistently highlighted its thermal insulation properties, with research by
Sathishkumar at al. (2015) demonstrating that coconut fiber-based materials exhibit low
thermal conductivity (0.04-0.05 W/mK). This makes coconut husk an excellent material
for minimizing heat transfer in buildings. Similarly, Asdrubali et al. (2015) conducted a
comprehensive review of bio-based insulating materials, emphasizing coconut husk’s
thermal performance and sustainability. This finding underscore its potential as a viable
alternative to synthetic insulators, particularly in regions with high energy demands for
cooling.
The application of coconut husk in green building projects has also been
explored intensively. Research by Aditya et al. (2017) revealed that coconut husk-based
insulation materials significantly reduce indoor temperatures, making them ideal for
tropical climates. Additionally, Jayamani et al. (2016) investigated the dual thermal
acoustic properties of coconut husk, concluding that it is effective not only in reducing
the heat transfer but also minimizing noise levels. This dual functionality makes a
coconut husk a versatile material for residential and commercial building, particularly in
urban areas where both thermal and acoustic insulation are critical.
Coconut husk’s performance in hot climates has been a focal point of several
studies. Okafor et al. (2018) found that coconut husk can reduce indoor temperatures
by up to 5 degree Celsius, significantly improving thermal comfort in hot regions.
Furthermore, Akinyemi et al. (2019) highlighted the material’s natural resistance to
moisture, which enhances its durability and performance in humid environments. These
properties make coconut husk particularly suitable for use in tropical and sub-tropical
climates, where high temperatures and humidity levels are common challenges.
The economic and environmental benefits of coconut husk have also been widely
recognized. Aditya et al. (2017) emphasized its affordability and availability, making it an
ideal material for low-cost housing projects. Additionally, Panyakaew and Fotios (2015)
evaluated the environmental impact of coconut husk insulation, noting its
biodegradability and low carbon footprint. These attributes align with global efforts to
promote sustainable construction practices and reduce reliance on non-renewable
resources. Moreover, Korjenic et al. (2016) found that coconut husk’s thermal
performance is comparable to conventional insulating materials, further supporting its
use as a renewable and eco-friendly alternative.
Chapter III. Research Methodology
Research Design
This study employs an experimental research design to investigate the
effectiveness of coconut husk as an insulating material in reducing indoor temperature
fluctuations, utilizing controlled environment chambers to simulate indoor spaces, with
temperature data collected before and after the application of coconut husk insulation,
comparing results with conventional insulating materials, and analyzing thermal
performance , cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact to determine its viability as
a sustainable alternative for indoor temperature regulation.
Research Setting
This study will be conducted using a small-scale model house designed to
replicate typical residential conditions. Coconut husk will be applied as an insulating
material to one part of the model house, while another part remains uninsulated for
comparison. The model house will be placed in a controlled environment with consistent
external temperature and sunlight exposure. Temperature sensors will be installed in
both the insulated and uninsulated sections to monitor and record changes in indoor
temperature over a set period. The experiment will focus on measuring the
effectiveness of coconut husk in reducing heat transfer and maintaining stable indoor
temperatures, providing practical insights into its potential as en eco-friendly insulation
material for homes.
Research Sample
This study investigates how well coconut husk works as an insulator to lessen
temperature swings indoors. Gathering and processing coconut husks, getting them
ready for testing, and arranging an experiment in a control room and a test room with
coconut husk panels for insulation are all part of the study. The efficiency of the
insulation is assessed by comparing the temperature fluctuations in the two rooms over
the course of a week. It is hypothesized that the test room with coconut husk insulation
will show less variation in temperature than the control room. According to the study, the
husk of coconuts might be a useful natural insulator that lessens the need for artificial
heating and cooling. The results have implications for energy efficiency and building
construction, and further study needs
Research Instrument
The aim of this research instrument is to determine how effective coconut husks are as
insulators in order to reduce interior temperatures. Temperature probes, coconut husk
insulation, control and test configurations, humidity gauges, heat source emulators, data
sheets, thermal cameras, questionnaires, surveys, weather stations, and statistical
programs are some of the research equipment and instruments it employs. To
determine the best insulation capability, the equipment processes coconut husk into
forms it can utilize, takes interior and exterior temperatures readings prior to, as well as
after, adding coconut husk insulation, and tests for differing thicknesses. Moreover, the
research measures temperature, humidity, and other parameters with respect to time,
imitates outside heat conditions with a heat source simulator, and plots heat dispersion
and identifies areas of heat retention or loss using a thermal imaging camera.
Limitations and Delimitation
Limitations
1. Sample Size: The study is limited to only two model houses, which may not provide
enough data to generalize the effectiveness of coconut husk as an insulator across
different building types or environments.
2. Environmental Factors: External conditions such as humidity, wind, and seasonal
temperature variations may influence the results, making it difficult to isolate the effect
of the coconut husk insulation alone.
3. Duration of the Study: The experiment may be conducted over a short period, which
might not account for long-term effects or durability of coconut husk as an insulating
material.
4. Measurement Accuracy: The tools used to measure indoor temperature (e.g.,
thermometers or sensors) may have slight variations or errors, affecting the precision of
the results.
5. Scale of the Model Houses: The small scale of the model houses may not accurately
represent the performance of coconut husk insulation in full-sized buildings.
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Delimitations
1. Scope of Materials: The study focuses solely on coconut husk as an insulating
material and compares it to a modern ceiling material, excluding other natural or
synthetic insulators.
2. Model Houses: The research is limited to two model houses—one with a modern
ceiling and the other with a coconut husk ceiling—to ensure a controlled comparison.
3. Geographical Location: The experiment is conducted in a specific location, and the
results may not be applicable to regions with significantly different climates.
4. Time Frame: The study is conducted within a specific time period, and seasonal
variations in temperature are not considered.
5. Insulation Application: The research only examines the use of coconut husk for
ceiling insulation and does not explore its effectiveness in walls, floors, or other parts of
a building.
Data Gathering Procedure
This study investigates the effectiveness of coconut husk as an insulating material by
comparing its thermal performance to modern ceiling materials. Two model houses
were constructed—one with a coconut husk ceiling and the other with a modern ceiling
—to evaluate their ability to regulate indoor temperature over a 7-day period. The
findings aim to provide insights into the potential of coconut husk as a sustainable and
eco-friendly insulator.
1. Prepare Materials: Build two identical model houses—one with a coconut husk ceiling
and the other with a modern ceiling. Equip both with temperature sensors and data
loggers.
2. Install Sensors: Place sensors inside both houses and outdoors to monitor indoor and
ambient temperatures.
3. Collect Data: Record temperature readings every 30 minutes for 7 days, ensuring
consistent conditions.
4. Monitor: Regularly check sensors and houses for accuracy and consistency.
5. Compile Data: Organize temperature data into a structured format for analysis.
6. Analyze: Calculate average temperatures, compare fluctuations, and use statistical
tools (e.g., t-test) to determine significance.
7. Conclude: Interpret results to evaluate coconut husk’s effectiveness as an insulator
and document findings.
Data Analysis
In this data analysis, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of coconut husk as an
insulating material by comparing the indoor temperature dynamics of two model houses
over a 7-day period. The analysis is structured into four key steps:
1. Calculate the average indoor temperature for each model house over the 7-day
period:
We will compute the mean indoor temperature for each house to establish a baseline
understanding of their thermal performance. This will provide a clear comparison point
for further analysis.
2. Compare the temperature fluctuations between the two houses:
By analyzing the temperature variations over time, we will assess how well each
house maintains a stable indoor temperature. This step will highlight any significant
differences in thermal stability between the two models.
3. Use statistical tools (e.g., t-test) to determine if the difference in temperature is
statistically significant:
To objectively evaluate the observed differences, we will employ statistical methods
such as a t-test. This will help determine whether the temperature differences between
the two houses are statistically significant or due to random variation.
4. Interpret the results to conclude the effectiveness of coconut husk as an insulator:
We will interpret the findings to draw conclusions about the insulating properties of
coconut husk. This will involve assessing whether the material contributes to better
thermal regulation compared to the alternative used in the second house.
Through this structured approach, we aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of
coconut husk's potential as an eco-friendly and effective insulating material.
