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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kuwait; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kuwait; United Building Company, Kuwait; Ministry of Electricity, Kuwait

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a study of the effects of: (a) applying thermal insulation to exterior walls and roofs; (b) area, location, type of glass for windows; and (c) air infiltration rates of a typical two-storey house in Kuwait on the peak and total cooling loads. The effects of these energy-conservation measures on the peak and total cooling load of the house were determined with the use of a computerised program which employs the dynamic method for the calculation of heat gains in buildings. Applying insulation to the walls and roofs reduced the total cooling load by 32%; further reductions were achieved by reducing the infiltration value. Other factors, such as window area, location, double-glazing, and shading devices, also had a significant effect on reducing the cooling load. Using a combination of all these factors, the cooling load can be reduced by 60% for the case under investigation.