ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATIC ZONES OF KAZAKHSTAN WITH THE HIGHEST DEMAND FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the influence of sharply continental climatic conditions on heat transfer processes through external wall structures of residential buildings in Kazakhstan, characterized by significant annual temperature amplitudes, a prolonged heating period (up to 210 days), and high values of heating degree-days (HDD). The methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of regional climatic parameters, including temperature regimes, heating period duration, HDD, humidity, wind characteristics, and solar radiation, combined with the assessment of heat transfer through building envelopes using steady-state heat flux equations, and supplemented by thermographic inspection of a typical multi-storey residential building in Almaty at outdoor temperatures ranging from −11 to −15 °C. The results demonstrate a pronounced spatial differentiation of climatic load: northern, central, and eastern regions are characterized by the highest HDD values and the greatest demand for thermal energy, while southern regions, including Almaty, are also subject to significant heat losses due to temperature fluctuations and the presence of thermal bridges. Thermographic analysis revealed local temperature anomalies of up to 8–12 °C in structural junction areas, indicating reduced thermal resistance. The findings confirm the key role of both climatic factors and structural characteristics of building envelopes in the formation of heat losses and justify the need for developing climate-adaptive energy-efficient solutions.