LIFE CYCLE COST ANALYSIS IN DETERMINING OPTIMUM PIPE INSULATION THICKNESS WITH AIR GAP FOR DIFFERENT CLIMATE CONDITIONS

This study is about determining air gap, insulation material in pipes between 50 mm and 1000 mm in mechanical installation, and determining optimum insulation thickness, energy saving and payback period in cases where both are being used. For this calculation, life cycle cost analysis containing heating degree day has been used. Even though Afyon province climate conditions have been used as the case study, the study has been expanded for cold, temperate and warm climate conditions. This made it possible to make comparative assessments for insulation thickness, air gap, pipe diameter and heating degree day values. In 50 mm and 1000 mm pipes using air gap, the optimum insulation thickness was reduced by 81% and 39% respectively. It is recommended to use air gap in mild climates and to use insulation in cold climates. When insulation with air gap is applied, optimum insulation thickness is reduced, and in pipes with greater diameter energy cost saving is increased while in pipes with smaller diameter the payback period is reduced