Optimal insulation

According to Armacell, the energy saving benefits of insulating air conditioning and refrigeration systems are sometimes overlooked, with structural insulation requirements more readily considered. Yet investment in the insulation of HVACR service equipment can provide much quicker payback. This is equally true for refrigeration, airconditioning and heating systems.

The insulation of cold pipes is usually aimed at preventing condensation, with insulation thicknesses of 6 to 13mm being common.However according to the results of a study carried out by Armacell, such thicknesses are not optimally designed to reduce associated energy losses, with substantial energy and CO2 savings possible when thicker insulation materials are used.

The objective of the study was to find an optimal, cost-effective insulation thickness for various types of plant. Armacell determined the savings which are achieved through the use of thicker levels of insulation.

These savings were then compared with the cost of investment.

Armacell says that irrespective of the complexity of the system and the cooling demand, an optimal insulation thickness of 15.5 to 25.0mm for Armaflex insulation was determined for chilled-water pipes.