Enhancing Building Energy Efficiency through an Innovative Rapid Diagnostic Method for Thermal Protection of Envelope Structures

Abstract

A substantial potential for improving energy efficiency in this sector lies in innovative technologies for detecting and eliminating hidden defects in thermal insulation of building envelope structures, based on the analysis of thermal imaging inspection results. The innovative method for rapid diagnostics of the actual condition of building thermal protection and heat distribution systems, based on thermograms of the building envelope obtained through thermal imaging is proposed. This method allows for the identification of energy-economic and environmental losses resulting from hidden defects in building structural elements that cause excessive heat energy losses, as well as the assessment of the costs associated with their remediation. The results of the study demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for quickly identifying thermal protection defects and making economically justified technical decisions regarding the feasibility of their elimination. The potential for improving the energy efficiency of the investigated buildings by addressing the identified thermal defects is found to range from 2.3 % to 4.4 % of the buildings' annual heat energy requirements.