Numerical and parametric study of the thermal performance of a wall insulated with an alfa fiber biocomposite: Building envelope optimization using COMSOL Multiphysics

Energies and Sustainable Development Research Team, (E2D), Higher School of Technology, Ibnou Zohr University, Guelmim, 81000, Morocco

Abstract

In this work, the thermal performance of a new bio-composite from alfa fibers used as a bio-based insulation material is studied, in the context of the challenges posed by the energy transition and sustainable building. The aim is to evaluate the effect of this material to the energy performance of a building and to investigate the effect of its thickness on the thermal resistance of walls. The study uses finite element modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics software. A two-fold strategy was followed: a Dynamic Thermal Simulation (DTS) at the scale of the whole building and a 3D parametric analysis on the composite wall. Thickness of alfa fiber insulation layer varied from 2 cm to 8 cm under realistic transient boundary conditions. The simulations demonstrate excellent capabilities for thermal damping and phase shifting. The biocomposite can effectively regulate the seasonal temperature. The average indoor temperature in winter can increase by 2 °C, while in summer it can decrease by 4 °C. The results of the parametric study indicate that a thickness increase from 2 to 8 cm leads to a significant reduction in the heat transfer, emphasizing the temperature difference within the insulation and improving the indoor thermal comfort compared to conventional materials. The results confirm that the alfa fiber bio-composite is an eco-friendly material with a high performance. Modeling offers a practical way to lower the carbon footprint of the construction industry by determining the perfect thickness needed to meet regulatory standards for high energy efficiency.