Peep Pihelo

Mr. Peep Pihelo

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

11Years (2016-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 June 2016 in Journal of Building Engineering
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PPPeep Pihelo
Peep Pihelo
TKTargo Kalamees
Targo Kalamees

1 October 2017 in Energy Procedia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PPPeep Pihelo
Peep Pihelo
TKTargo Kalamees
Targo Kalamees
KKKalle Kuusk
Kalle Kuusk

1 September 2016 in Energy Procedia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PPPeep Pihelo
Peep Pihelo
HKHenri Kikkas
Henri Kikkas
TKTargo Kalamees
Targo Kalamees
The nearly zero energy buildings (nZEB) ideology foresees first and foremost that heat losses should be reduced remarkably compared to the present levels. The European Union has adopted an ambitious vision for the energy efficiency of its buildings and by the end of 2020 all new buildings must meet nZEB requirements. The efficient way to meet these requirements is to design and build passive, nZEB, highly insulated buildings.This paper presents the outcomes of analysis of the hygrothermal performance of the highly insulated building envelope of the detached house, built in Estonia. The results indicated that the dry-out period of constructional moisture is directly dependent on initial moisture content of materials in structure and a higher risk was detected if vapor permeability of outer layers in the envelope is low. Also critical aspects of moisture performance change due to the modifications of designed materials in construction process without preliminary analysis are described. Thermal resistance of the wind barrier and water vapor permeability of the vapor barrier, also moisture capacity of insulation layer had the strongest influence on the relative humidity and hence, to mould growth risk in the critical point of highly insulated timber-frame external wall, between the insulation and the wind barrier surface.In the design of highly insulated timber-frame walls more attention should be paid to the hygrothermal performance and moisture safety analysis. As a result of this study, some of the functional solutions of timber-frame external walls are described in this paper

3 April 2020 in Energies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PPPeep Pihelo
Peep Pihelo
KKKalle Kuusk
Kalle Kuusk
TKTargo Kalamees
Targo Kalamees
A need for the refurbishment and renewal of the existing building stock has been in focus for many decades, principally because of excessive global energy consumption and pollution. This paper presents a methodology and the results of analysis of choices of realizable sets of timber frame prefabricated insulation elements for major renovation of apartment buildings. Numerous combinations of elements with different characteristics were analyzed by applying measurements, interviews, and building performance simulation software, and thereupon their performance, installation eligibility, and concurrent cost levels were compared. Mineral wool board with a special wind barrier facing was found to be the best material as a wind barrier from the perspective of hygrothermal performance. An air and vapor barrier should have sufficient vapor permeability to allow dry-out of constructional moisture. It is possible to renovate apartment buildings to meet the nZEB energy performance requirements and their moisture safety can be guaranteed without paying high relative difference cost. Calculations showed that the global cost was lower for solutions with some mold growth risk. Great care is needed when decreasing costs without simultaneous hygrothermal analyses. The facade cladding was found to have the highest influence on the initial cost of the prefabricated insulation element.

1 September 2016 in Energy Procedia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PPPeep Pihelo
Peep Pihelo
MLMagnus Lelumees
Magnus Lelumees
TKTargo Kalamees
Targo Kalamees
Renovation with prefabricated modular panels is one way to achieve high energy efficiency and quality both in production and installation processes. The 5-storey building, which is being fully renovated in Tallinn, Estonia, will be insulated with prefabricated modular renovation elements. The hygrothermal performance of the envelope was evaluated with calibrated dynamic hygrothermal simulations and with a mould index model, where calculation results were in good agreement with measured data and are therefore reliable for further research. The calculations were made to evaluate the hygrothermal risks in the building envelope and after the prefabricated modular elements were installed. The focus was on studying concrete wall's dry-out capability and the use of vapor barrier. The initial moisture content of the concrete wall and a right choice of air&vapor barrier layer has considerable impact on the entire envelope performance. As a result of this study, we claim that the risk of mould growth in this structure can be minimized, when the initial moisture content (IMC) of the existing concrete large panel element is w≤55 kg/m3 and PE-foil as air&vapor barrier is used or when IMC is w≤75 kg/m3 and the oriented strand board (OSB) as vapor control layer or when IMC is w≤110 kg/m3 and smart vapor retarder (0.2 m

19 February 2024 in Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ENEero Nigumann
Eero Nigumann
TKTargo Kalamees
Targo Kalamees
KKKalle Kuusk
Kalle Kuusk
PPPeep Pihelo
Peep Pihelo
Construction and demolition waste constitute more than one-third of the total waste generated in the European Union. The pursuit of sustainable renovation must progress further to encompass elements that ensure reuse or recyclability. A fundamental transformation, involving extensive renovation and a transition to circular renovation practices, is indispensable in effectively addressing the pressing challenge of decarbonization for the entire building stock in Europe. In this study, we have developed a circular deep renovation solution using prefabricated modular external additional insulation elements to achieve a nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB). Circular prefabricated modular external additional insulation elements were formulated, manufactured, and installed. The potential for disassembly and reutilization of materials was developed and demonstrated for both a prototype and the complete deep renovation. The analysed prefabricated modular solutions exhibited greater potential for circularity compared to the traditional External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) due to their superior demountability and reusability characteristics. The overall cost of the renovation, which included the installation of a new heating system, replacement of water and sewer pipes, addition of 50 kW photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof, installation of new balconies, addition of a balanced ventilation system with heat recovery, and replacement of the electricity system in common areas, amounted to 505 €/m². Following the deep renovation, the Energy Performance Value was measured to be 92 kWh/(m²·a), resulting in an EPC class of A. This implies that the building now meets the requirements for nZEB in accordance with Estonian legislation, with no performance gap.