Exploring energy consumption for less energy-hungry building in UK using advanced aerogel window

Abstract

A common strategy for employing net zero energy buildings (NZEBs) in the United Kingdom (UK) to achieve the national target for 2050 is improving the thermal insulation in glazing units to reduce the space heating load. This study examines the impact of aerogel technologies as an effective strategy for window retrofits under the UK climate. Eleven samples of granular and monolithic aerogel windows were selected across various literature to illustrate the optical properties and thermal characteristics of each glazing structure. In Falmouth, UK, a two-story residential building was selected for simulation to assess the thermal efficiency of various aerogel systems as alternatives for standard double-glazing systems. Results revealed that aerogel technology has high potential in increasing the total solar heat energy through windows by occupying high SHGCs up to 0.738 and low U-values down to 0.381 W/m2K. Monolithic aerogel has more energy-saving potential and can allow greater daylight penetration compared to granular aerogel with a visual transmittance of up to 69%. Increasing the WWR can help reduce the heating load of the building but can also cause the cooling loads to increase from internal overheating. The south-facing facade of the building where most of the windows were present experienced higher cooling loads, indicating that the addition of aerogel glazing causes overheating during summer periods. Applying aerogel for window insulation could increase the total window heat transfer by up to 33% and reduce heat demand by 15.5% compared to a standard double-glazing system. As a result, aerogel technology can prove to be a viable option for decreasing the building energy demand for space heating in the UK.