OPTIMIZING THE INSULATION LAYER FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDING FACADES

Abstract

This paper examines the role of shape optimization in improving the thermal performance of building facades. The study investigates whether modifying the internal interface between brick and expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation can enhance seasonal thermal performance without increasing material usage. A two-dimensional steady-state heat diffusion model is solved using a finite-difference scheme. The interface is parameterized by a cubic polynomial under a strict volume-preservation constraint, and optimal shapes are determined through a discrete search. Results indicate that interface geometry affects heat transfer differently across seasons: redistribution of insulation changes thermal resistance under summer conditions, while in winter it alters conductive heat pathways. Overall, geometric redistribution can influence seasonal thermal response while keeping total material volume constant. Without insolation, however, the winter optimal geometry increases heat loss, so the winter result applies to peak-insolation conditions only.