Hygrothermal Performance Evaluation of Internally Insulated Historic Stone Building in a Cold Climate

Andra Blumberga, Ritvars Freimanis, Edite Biseniece and Agris Kamenders ()
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Andra Blumberga: Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Azenes 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Ritvars Freimanis: Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Azenes 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Edite Biseniece: Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Azenes 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Agris Kamenders: Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University, Azenes 12/1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-24

Abstract: In most cases, internal insulation is the only solution to improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings. However, it is one of the most challenging and complex energy efficiency measures due to changes in boundary conditions and hygrothermal behavior of the wall, particularly in cold climates. This study presents the long-term monitoring of the hygrothermal performance of an internally insulated historic stone wall building. The study aimed to assess the hygrothermal behavior of the dolomite wall if mineral wool insulation is applied internally on the north-east wall in the rooms with and without high internal moisture load. The measurements included temperature, relative humidity, water content, and heat flux. Monitoring results are compared with 1D hygrothermal simulations and a building energy consumption simulation. The in situ measurement results and hygrothermal assessment shows energy consumption decreased by 55% with relative humidity under the insulation staying belove 60% for most of the time, with short periods of increase over 80%. Energy consumption simulation shows an energy saving potential of up to 72% in the case of proper energy management.

Keywords: energy efficiency; energy retrofit; historic building; internal insulation; DELPHIN; TRNSYS; dolomite stone; thermal performance; building energy simulation; building hygrothermal simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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