Presentation on Insulated Concrete Masonry and USVI Pilot Project January 25, 2012.

Presentation on

Insulated Concrete Masonryand

USVI Pilot Project

January 25, 2012

Presentation Outline

Wall Insulating Basics• Insulating Walls - Why and How Much is Enough?

Staqable Symmetry Insulated Concrete Masonry• Comparisons with Conventional Concrete Masonry Block• Testing• Manufacturing• Addresses Island Construction Challenges

USVI Pilot Project

Energy Losses

Balancing Economics and Energy Saving Design(Diminishing Returns on Insulation)

Insulation PropertiesConventional Block vs. Staqable Symmetry Insulated Block

Conventional Un-Insulated Block

Inside COLD air escapes through webs (thermal breaks)

Outside HEAT penetrates wall through webs (thermal breaks)

Staqable Symmetry Insulated Block

NO THERMAL BREAKS + EPS insulation provides barrier to:

Keep Outside Heat Out

Keep Inside Cold In

Construction Materials R/Thickness hr·ft2·°F/Btu Concrete Block 4" 0.8Concrete Block 8" 1.11Concrete Block 12" 1.28

Standard Un-Insulated Concrete Block R Values

Base on the handbook values, the thermal conductivity value for EPS foam insulation is Rins = 3.87/0.273 =14.17 hr•ft2°• F/BTU

Staqable Symmetry Insulated Concrete Block Calculated R Value

Base on the handbook values, the thermal conductivity value for concrete is: Rconc = (11.5-3.87/5.26 =1.45 hr•ft2•° F/BTU

where: thickness of the CMU is 11.5 inchesaverage thickness of the insulation insert is 3.87 inches

thermal conductivity of concrete is 5.26 Btu•in/ hr•ft2•° F thermal conductivity of EPS foam is .273 Btu•in/ hr•ft2•° F

Rtotal = Rins + Rconc = 14.17 + 1.45 = 15.62 hr•ft2•° F/BTU

R Value Comparison Conventional Block vs. Staqable Symmetry Insulated Block

Summary of Testing Results

• Oakridge National Laboratory – Staqable Symmetry CMU has a great potential as an energy efficient masonry system…, was the highest among all ORN BTC hot box results for masonry walls

• National Concrete Masonry Association of America – Based on observations of three flexural tests, walls exhibit similar behavior as expected from conventional reinforced concrete masonry walls (ASTM C90 Test Average +/-3100 Psi, required 1900 psi)

• National Association of Home Builders – ASTM E331 Test (Water Infiltration) , no water migrated through EPS foam

• Additional Hot Box Tests to be performed, anticipated R-Value 14-15

Staqable Symmetry Insulated Block Manufacturing Process

Island Building Challenges

Design Consideration How Insulated Block AddressesConsideration

Hot Humid Climate Contains EPS Insulation which Keeps Hot Out, Cold In and Prevents Water Infiltration

High Electricity Costs High R-Value Reduces Electricity Cost and allows AC to act as a Dehumidifier

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Staqable Symmetry Exceeds Structural Requirements of Conventional Block and Provided Water Tightness

Local Labor Skills 81% of All Structures in the Islands are Built with Concrete Block – Local Trades are Accustomed to Working with Material

Shipping and Logistics Manufactured on Island and Block Machines can be Set up at Remote Locations

USVI Pilot ProjectLocation and Rendering

USVI Pilot ProjectExcavation and Foundations

USVI Pilot ProjectStaqable Symmetry Insulated Block Installation

USVI Pilot ProjectStaqable Symmetry Insulated Block Installation

USVI Pilot ProjectEnergy Saving Features – Photovoltaics and Shading

Photovoltaic Panels to be installed on the low pitched concrete roof located above deck/walkway; note that this roof also was designed to provide shading for windows

Total Power to be generated - 4.5 KW

Conventional Island Roof Framing for Un-insulated Roofs (Rafters with T&G)

Problem - Insulating over Conventional Island Roof Framing (Rafters with T&G)

Insulation

Hurricane Force Wind Uplift T&G Boards

USVI Pilot Project Roof Framing T&G Boards Installed over Rafters to Create Insulation Cavity

Rafters

Rafters

Plywood

Insulation

T&G Boards

Plywood

Solution – Insulation cavity created between rafters

USVI Pilot ProjectEnergy Saving Features –Roof Insulation

High Performance Windows• Manufacturer – WinDoor Inc.• U-Value .27• SHGC .30• Visible Light Transmittance - .40

High Efficiency HVAC Units• Manufacturer - Mitsubishi Mini-Spilt Ductless Air Conditioners• 22 SEER• Ductless

High Efficiency Water Heaters• Tank less, Instant

Appliances• Energy Star Rated

USVI Pilot ProjectOther Energy Saving Features