Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze heating and cooling load variation due to envelope retrofits in an old school building. In a previous study, envelope retrofit of an old school building resulted in annual energy consumption reduction. However, cooling energy consumption increased with the envelope retrofit. This is because of high internal heat generation rates in school buildings and internal heat cannot escape through windows or walls when the envelope's thermal performance improves. To clarify this assumption, thermal performance changes due to envelope retrofits were analyzed by simulation. Results revealed indoor temperature and inner window surface temperature increased with high insulation level of windows. Indoor heat loss through windows by conduction, convection and radiation decreased and resulted in an increase of cooling load in an old school building. From results of this study, energy saving impact of envelope retrofits in an old school building may not be significant because of high internal heat gain level in school buildings. In case of replacing windows in school buildings, local climate and internal heat gain level should be considered.
