Evaluating the value of investment in building insulation retrofits based on EPAR-(energy performance augmented reality) models

Youngjib Ham, Mani Golparvar-Fard

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Accurate quantification of energy cost savings associated with retrofitting poor building envelopes can minimize the financial risk of insulation retrofit investments. However, reliable estimation of the expected monetary savings through improving thermal efficiency is not a trivial task. To overcome this, we present a new infrared thermography-based method together with cost estimation process that evaluates the cost-benefit of insulation retrofit alternatives. Our method relies on collections of thermal and digital images acquired during building diagnostics. These images are used to develop energy performance augmented reality (EPAR) models that jointly represent actual and expected building thermal performance in 3D. By exploring the performance gaps in the EPAR models, potential thermal defects are detected automatically. Then, based on a point-based measurement of the actual R-values of the detected areas along with the degree-days statistics, the amount of energy loss and the expected energy saving cost by retrofitting the detected problems are estimated. Finally, we compare the expected energy saving cost with the cost of retrofitting the detected problems. Our results from several experiments conducted on two existing buildings hold the promise for a reliable diagnostic method that can help minimize the risk of retrofit investments for homeowners.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationConstruction Research Congress 2014
Subtitle of host publicationConstruction in a Global Network - Proceedings of the 2014 Construction Research Congress
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers
Pages2234-2243
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9780784413517
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event2014 Construction Research Congress: Construction in a Global Network, CRC 2014 - Atlanta, GA, United States
Duration: May 19 2014May 21 2014

Publication series

NameConstruction Research Congress 2014: Construction in a Global Network - Proceedings of the 2014 Construction Research Congress

Other

Other2014 Construction Research Congress: Construction in a Global Network, CRC 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta, GA
Period5/19/145/21/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction

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