Improving the energy efficiency of a refrigerated warehouse through the use of palm tree pruning waste as thermal insulator

Abstract

This work investigates the effect of palm tree pruning waste (PTPW) on thermal insulation and energy consumption of a refrigerated warehouse (RW). The thermal properties of PTPW depend strongly on its compactness, i.e. how much it weighs divided by how much space it takes up. The thermal conductivity of PTPW measured using the box method is about 0.069 W/m °C for a mass/occupied volume ratio of 0.064 g/cm3. It is comparable or lower than that of other natural materials discussed in the literature. The dynamic thermal simulation tool “TRNSYS” was applied to predict the thermal behavior of RW. The thickness of PTPW material was considered as variant to choose the better condition allowing achieving results very close to those of polyurethane. Obtained results highlight that 30 cm thick PTPW can reduce temperature by 1 to 2°C compared to 10 cm thick polyurethane. An improvement in the energy efficiency of the refrigerated warehouse was also highlighted. So, because of its performance, low cost, and eco-friendly nature, PTPW can compete with conventional insulating materials.