glazing

Given the major role played by windows with regard to energy losses and gains from buildings in respectively cold and hot climates, accurate prediction of the heat transfer through its glazing materials is of great importance in building energy simulation. In most of the building energy simulation programs, solar radiation absorption inside glazing layers is usually treated considering that all the radiation is uniformly absorbed in the glazing.

Solar chimneys may provide enough ventilation to buildings when properly designed. Although many design tools, theoretical models and experimental studies have been reported, the impact of many design parameters such as the construction thickness, the thermal resistance of the walls, the absorptivity of the internal surfaces of the chimney, the thermal mass of the chimney and the type of glazing, is not well known. This paper aims to provide information on the optimum sizing of the above parameters.

As overheating problems in glassy buildings came up more and more, EMPA put a focus on the determination and modelling of the total solar energy transmittance (TSET) of multiple glazing combined with different shading systems within the framework of IEA Task 27 "Performance, durability and sustainability of solar faade components". Experimental data were produced by a calorimetric outdoor test facility near Zurich (Switzerland).

The study of a hotel to be built under the mild climate of Madeira Island, Portugal, is presented. The program DOE-2.1E was used for the thermal load simulation, using as climatic input a Typical Year file constructed for this case. The simulation for the base building showed low heating loads and high cooling loads, of which a very important fraction derives from solar gains.

SERRAGLAZE is a breakthrough daylighting system designed to be incorporated into the primary glazing of normal sidelit rooms to save energy and enhance comfort.The paper describes the design, construction and optical properties of the plastic SERRAGLAZE panel, the key component of the system.

Low energy buildings should satisfied two main tasks: to assure a low energy use and provide an excellent residence comfort. The building envelopment elements, especially the transparent one, have major influence on both tasks. The paper presents research results of heat transfer and fluid flows through double pane window with tight, opaque insulation screen. The insulation screen was installed in such a way, that a semi open air gap was formed. An air gap is connected with the building interior through an opening on the bottom and with exterior through siphon at the top.