Tag Archives: heat insulation

883–895 R. Pecenka, H.-J. Gusovius, J. Budde and T. Hoffmann
Efficient use of arable land for energy: Comparison of cropping natural fibre plants and energy plants
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Efficient use of arable land for energy: Comparison of cropping natural fibre plants and energy plants

R. Pecenka*, H.-J. Gusovius, J. Budde and T. Hoffmann

Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, DE 14469 Potsdam, Germany
*Correspondence: rpecenka@atb-potsdam.de

Abstract:

 With focus on renewable energy from agriculture governments can either support the growing production of energy crops or it can invest in technology or measures to reduce the energy consumption. But what is more efficient with regard to the use of the limited resource arable land: to insulate a building with fibre material grown on arable land to reduce the heating demand or to use such land for growing energy plants for the sustainable energy supply of a building? To answer this question, a long term balance calculation under consideration of numerous framework parameters is necessary.
Based on traditional fibre plants like hemp, flax, and woody fibre crops (e.g. poplar), these agricultural plants and their processing to insulation material were examined. Based on available data for the typical building structure of detached and semi-detached houses in Germany, models of buildings were developed and the accessible potentials for heating energy savings by using suitable insulation measures with natural fibre materials were determined. As a comparable system for the supply of renewable energy, bio-methane from silage maize was chosen, since it can be used efficiently in conventional gas boilers for heat generation. The different levels of consideration allow the following interpretations of results: in a balance calculation period of 30 years, the required acreage for heating supply with methane can be reduced by approx. 20%, when at the beginning of the use period fibre plants for the insulation of the houses are grown on the arable acreage. Contrariwise, to compensate only the existing loss in heating energy due to inadequate insulation of older detached and semi-detached houses (build prior to 1979) an annual acreage of approx. 3 million ha silage maize for bio-methane would be required in Germany. Therefore, from the land use perspective the production of biogas plants in agriculture for heating should be accompanied by the production of fibre plants for a reasonable improvement of the heat insulation of houses.

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690-699 I. Muizniece, L. Vilcane and D. Blumberga
Laboratory research of granulated heat insulation material from coniferous forestry residue
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Laboratory research of granulated heat insulation material from coniferous forestry residue

I. Muizniece*, L. Vilcane and D. Blumberga

Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Azenes Street ²¹-¹, LV-¹0⁴⁸ Riga, Latvia;
*Correspondence: indra.muizniece@rtu.lv

Abstract:

The purpose of this research paper is to determine the heat conductivity of a granular heat insulation material made of coniferous greenery (fine twigs and needles), and the suitability of the material for application as heat insulation. In order to achieve the objective, a three-factor experiment plan was developed, and 11 samples produced. The thermal conductivity coefficient, moisture content, and density of the samples was determined. A full analysis of the experiment plan was compiled on the basis of the obtained results. The analysis results suggest that size composition, density, and tree species affect the thermal conductivity of the material. It was discovered that smaller spruce greenery insulation material pellets have a smaller thermal conductivity coefficient, which indicates a better capacity for retaining heat.

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