Chapter - 3

Thermal Insulation in Buildings

And
Solar Shadings

By:-Lelise Motuma
 Introduction to Thermal Insulation

Thermal insulation is A technique used in architecture to minimize the transfer

of heat between the interior and exterior of buildings. It involves the use of
materials with low thermal conductivity to create A barrier that reduces heat
flow. Maintain;
• a comfortable indoor temperature
• reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling
• minimizes energy consumption
• and lowers utility costs. Additionally,
• environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 Methods of Building Thermal Insulation

1. Orientation for Effective Insulation

Proper orientation of a building can significantly
impact its thermal insulation.
• By aligning the main windows and openings
towards the south (in the Northern
Hemisphere) or
• north (in the Southern Hemisphere), buildings
can maximize natural daylight and solar heat
gain during winter months, while minimizing
2. Shading Techniques
Shading plays a crucial role in preventing excessive heat
gain in buildings. Techniques such as overhangs, louvers,
awnings, and external shading devices can block direct
sunlight, reducing the need for cooling systems and
improving indoor comfort.
3. Proper Ceiling Height
Adequate ceiling height is an important consideration for
thermal insulation. A higher ceiling allows for better air
4. Insulating Materials
Choosing the right insulating materials is crucial for
effective thermal insulation. Common options include
fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, foam board, and
spray foam insulation. Each material has different
properties, R-values (thermal resistance), and
suitability for specific applications.
N.B. other strategies for enhanced thermal insulation
include; air sealing to minimize drafts, using double-
glazed or low-emissivity windows, and incorporating
thermal breaks to prevent heat loss through structural
elements.
 How Does Thermal Insulation Work?

Thermal insulation works by impeding the three main modes of heat transfer:
conduction, convection, and radiation. Insulation materials trap air pockets,
which act as barriers against heat flow. This prevents heat from escaping
during cold weather or entering during hot weather.
 Types of Thermal Insulation Materials

two main types:

1. porous/ absorbent
Porous insulation materials are characterized by their
ability to trap air within their structure, creating
pockets of trapped air that act as insulating barriers.
This trapped air reduces heat transfer by slowing down
the movement of heat energy.
*Fiberglass Insulation-It is composed of fine glass
fibers. is available in batts, rolls, and loose-fill forms. is
cost-effective, provides good thermal performance, and
is easy to install. Fiberglass Insulation
 Mineral Wool
*Mineral Wool Insulation/ rock wool or slag wool- is Insulation
made from molten rock or industrial byproducts and
has excellent fire resistance and sound proofing
properties, in addition to its thermal insulation
capabilities. commonly used in areas requiring high
fire ratings.
*Cellulose Insulation- made from recycled paper or
plant fibers. has a lower environmental impact
compared to some other insulation materials. It is
treated with fire-retardant chemicals and provides
effective thermal insulation and soundproofing.
Cellulose insulation is commonly used in attics and
wall cavities.

Cellulose Insulation
*Spray foam insulation- is a versatile insulation
material that expands upon application to fill
gaps and create an airtight seal. It provides
excellent thermal insulation, air sealing,
moisture resistance, and sound insulation by
absorbing and damping sound waves. Spray
foam insulation is commonly used in hard-to-
reach areas and for sealing air leaks. wool
*Eco-friendly insulation materials- such as
cotton (made of recycled cotton fibers), hemp
(made of fibers of the hemp plant ), wool(made
of sheep's wool ), and recycled materials such
as recycled plastic and denim.

Denim
 Foam Board Insulation

2. Non-Porous Insulation Materials

do not rely on trapped air for their insulating properties.
Instead, they use materials with low thermal conductivity
to inhibit heat transfer. Common examples;
*Foam Board Insulation- is a rigid, non-porous insulation
material typically made of polystyrene, polyurethane, or
polyisocyanurate. It offers high thermal resistance and
moisture resistance, making it suitable for various
applications, including walls, roofs, and foundations.
*Reflective Barriers/ radiant barriers- are non-porous
materials designed to reflect radiant heat energy. They are
typically made of aluminum foil or other reflective
materials. Reflective barriers are often used in attics to
reduce heat gain from the sun.
Reflective Barriers
REQUIREMENTS FOR THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS

• Low Thermal Conductivity

• High R-Value
• Durability- should resist deterioration,
moisture absorption, and degradation over
time.
• Non-Combustibility/ Fire Resistance
• Chemical Compatibility- should not have to
react adversely with other materials or
substances they come into contact with
• Environmental Considerations- should be
environmentally friendly by using
recycled(which have low embodied energy
and low greenhouse gas emissions )or
renewable resources
 Applications of Thermal Insulation
Thermal Insulation on Building Vertical and
Horizontal Barriers
Thermal insulation is used in various architectural applications. It is commonly installed in
walls, roofs, floors, and around pipes and ducts. Insulated windows and doors also
contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer.
1. Vertical Barriers- refer to the walls and partitions within a building. Vertical thermal
insulation helps regulate temperature by preventing heat loss during cold weather and heat
gain during hot weather. It also improves sound proofing, reduces condensation, and
contributes to overall energy efficiency. Common Vertical Insulation Techniques;
* cavity wall insulation (where insulation material is placed
within the wall cavity),
*external insulation systems (where insulation is applied on
the outer surface of the wall)
2. Horizontal Barriers: refer to Roofs and Ceilings.
Cavity wall insulation
Insulating these areas is essential for maintaining a
comfortable indoor temperature, preventing heat loss, and
reducing energy wastage. Common horizontal Insulation
Techniques;
roof insulation Techniques
*insulating the roof from the inside with materials like
fiberglass or mineral wool
*insulating from the outside with options like spray foam or
rigid insulation boards
 Spray foam insulation

ceiling insulation Techniques

*installing insulation batts/rolls above the ceiling
*applying spray foam insulation directly to the
underside of the ceiling.
n.b. using Combined Vertical and Horizontal
Insulation, we can insulate walls, roofs, and
ceilings effectively, and create a well-insulated
envelope that improves energy efficiency and
indoor comfort/ achieve optimal thermal
insulation

Combined Vertical and Horizontal Insulation

 Design of SOLAR SHADING

Solar shading refers to the use of architectural elements or devices to control the amount of
sunlight and heat entering a building. is a method to control the un-wanted radiation entering in to the
Benefits of Solar Shading
•Improved thermal comfort by reducing heat gain and minimizing the need for excessive air
conditioning (Create optimal learning, working and healing environments)
•Protection against solar glare, preventing eye strain and enhancing visual comfort
•Preservation of interior furnishings and materials from fading and damage caused by
excessive sunlight (I.E. Protecting valuable artwork IN Cultural and recreational spaces)
•Energy savings by reducing reliance on artificial cooling and heating systems
•Contribution to sustainable design and reduced carbon footprint
 Study Solar Geometry

Solar geometry is the study of the sun's position relative to the Earth at various times of the
•Sun orientation
refers to the direction in which the sun shines onto a specific location. It plays a crucial role
in architectural design, urban planning, and solar energy systems. Understanding sun
orientation helps optimize natural lighting, solar energy generation, and shadow analysis.
•Solar Chart/ sun path diagram
is a graphical representation of the sun's position throughout the year. It illustrates the sun's
path across the sky at different times of the day and various dates. Solar charts provide
valuable information for analyzing sun angle and shadow patterns.
•Sun Angle
Sun angle refers to the angle between the sun's rays and a horizontal plane, such as the
Earth's surface or a building facade. It varies throughout the day and year, depending on the
sun's position relative to the observer's location. Sun angle affects solar radiation intensity,
daylight availability, and energy system performance.
The three primary solar angles are
1. The solar altitude angle- determines the sun's height above the horizon. It changes
throughout the day and varies depending on the observer's location on Earth. The
altitude angle affects the intensity of solar radiation received, which directly influences
solar energy generation and daylighting strategies.
2. Solar Azimuth Angle- The solar azimuth angle defines the sun's position along the
horizon relative to a reference direction, typically true north. It helps identify the direction
from which the sun is shining and is crucial for optimizing solar energy systems, such as solar
panels or solar concentrators.
3. Solar Declination Angle-
The solar declination angle represents the sun's angular distance north or south of the
Earth's equator. It changes throughout the year due to the Earth's tilt on its axis. The
declination angle directly influences the seasons and the availability of solar energy in
different hemispheres.
•Shadow Angle
Shadow angle is the angle between a shadow cast by an object and a reference plane,
typically the ground. It is determined by the sun's position and the object's geometry.
Shadow angles are essential for analyzing shading effects, optimizing building orientation,
and designing outdoor spaces for comfort and visual appeal.
Understanding solar geometry has various applications, including:
Solar geometry plays a crucial role in understanding the availability and distribution of solar
energy, as well as its impact on architectural design, urban planning, and renewable energy
systems.
•Solar energy system design: Determining the optimal tilt and orientation of solar panels for
maximum energy capture.
•Passive solar design: Utilizing solar angles to optimize building orientation, window
placement, and shading strategies for natural heating, cooling, and lighting.
Understanding solar geometry has various applications, including:
•Daylighting design: Calculating sun angles to optimize window size, glazing properties, and
light redirection for natural illumination.
•Urban planning: Assessing the impact of solar angles on the solar access and shading of
buildings and public spaces.
•Renewable energy forecasting: Predicting and modeling solar radiation patterns for efficient
energy generation.
Tools and Techniques for Solar Geometry Analysis
Several tools and techniques aid in studying solar geometry, including:
•Sun path calculators: Software or online tools that generate solar charts and provide sun
angle information for any location and date.
•Shadow analysis software: Tools that simulate and visualize shadow patterns based on the
sun's position and object geometry.
SUN PATH (ANDREW MARSH SOFTWARE)
SHADOW ANALYSIS (ECOTECT SOFTWARE)
Tools and Techniques for Solar Geometry Analysis
•Physical models: Physical scale models that replicate the sun's path to analyze solar angles
and shadows in a tangible way.
•Building information modeling (BIM) software: BIM tools that integrate sun orientation and
shadow analysis features for architectural design and planning.

•tangibly

Physical models BIM) software

Solar Control Systems
Solar control systems are crucial for managing solar heat gain and controlling the amount of
natural light entering a building. By implementing effective strategies, we can enhance
occupant comfort, reduce energy consumption, and optimize the performance of HVAC
systems. Ways to control sun are as follows;
1. Natural Solar Control/PASSIVE
Work with natural forces: Utilize strategic design, materials, and orientation to capture or
block sunlight without external machinery. Some common natural solar control methods
include:
•Orientation and building design: Optimizing the building's orientation and layout to
minimize direct sunlight exposure and maximize natural shading.
•Exterior shading devices: Incorporating features like overhangs, fins, and louvers that block
or diffuse sunlight while allowing natural light to enter.
•Vegetation and greenery: Strategically planting trees, shrubs, and green roofs to provide
shade and reduce solar radiation.

Exterior shading devices Vegetation and greenery

2. Artificial Solar Control/ ACTIVE
Utilize mechanical or electrical components to manage solar heat gain and light. Employ
pumps, fans, motors, sensors, and controllers to manage sunlight. Some common artificial
solar control methods include:
•Dynamic glazing/Electrochromic glazing: Solar films and coatings Utilizing smart glass
technologies that can automatically adjust their tint or opacity based on the intensity of
sunlight.
•Automated shading systems: Implementing motorized shades or blinds that can be
programmed to respond to the sun's position and adjust accordingly.
Solar Shading Design Exercise
Step 1 - Understanding Sun Path- Analyze the sun's position at different times of the day
and seasons using sun charts, software, or online tools.
Step 2 - Assessing Solar Exposure- Identify areas of the building that are most exposed to
direct sunlight and heat gain. Evaluate the impact of solar radiation on each facade and
determine the required level of sun protection.
Step 3 - Shading Device Selection
Select appropriate shading devices Considering;
• building orientation
• architectural design
• desired aesthetics
Select shading options such as:
- Fixed overhangs: Horizontal projections that provide permanent shading to windows.
- Vertical fins: Slender elements placed vertically to block direct sunlight and reduce glare.
- Operable louvers: Adjustable slats that allow for flexibility in controlling sunlight and views.
Step 4 - Designing Shading Angles- Determine the optimal angles and dimensions for
shading devices. Consider the sun's altitude and azimuth angles to ensure effective sun
protection while allowing for desired daylight penetration.
 Calculating Overhang Depth for a Building using the following formula:
D = H / tan(θ)

where:
 D is the overhang depth (in meters)
 H is the window height (in meters)
 θ is the solar altitude angle at the hottest time of the day (in degrees)
EXAMPLE
calculate the overhang depth needed for a south-facing window in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
to block direct sunlight during the hottest summer month (July).
GIVEN
Window height (H) = 2 meters
Solar altitude angle at noon in July in Addis Ababa (θ) = 78° (approximately)
REQ
D=?
SOLUTION
D = 2 m / tan(78) ≈ 0.14 m D

H
θ
Step 5 - Simulation and Analysis- Utilize shading analysis software or physical models to
simulate and analyze the performance of your shading design. Assess factors such as solar
heat gain reduction, glare control, and daylight distribution.
Step 6 - Iterative Design Process- Refine your shading design through an iterative process.
Assess different options, consider feedback from simulations, and make adjustments to
optimize performance and aesthetics.
Step 7 - Integration with Building Systems- Integrate your shading design with other
building systems. Consider automation and control mechanisms to enable dynamic shading
based on sun position, occupancy, and user preferences.
THANK YOU