Calculating the optimal thickness of polystyrene-based thermal insulation for the Kashkadarya region
Abstract
In this study, a Python-based calculation model was used to determine the optimal insulation thickness for external walls in the Kashkadarya region. The heating degree-day (HDD) approach was applied in the calculations, with an HDD value of 1796. The insulation material selected was expanded polystyrene (EPS), and energy-efficiency analyses were conducted for both natural gas and coal. The Python model automatically calculated the energy use, heat-loss cost, investment cost, and the optimal insulation thickness. The results showed that the best thickness is 0.032 m for houses using natural gas and 0.049 m for buildings using coal. The software-based approach enables more accurate calculations, greater reliability due to reduced human error, and rapid comparative analyses across a variety of climatic zones. This study shows that Python can be used effectively as a practical tool for work in energy-efficient building design.