Glazing edge-seal using foamglass as spacer and frameless window design

Abstract

This article presents a new design for the edge-seal of multiple-glazings with spacers made of foamglass and a new concept for frameless windows to reduce the heat loss through windows significantly. Thus the energy demand for heating is reduced or covered by solar energy gains through the window to a higher extent. The thermal performance of window assemblies with foamglass spacers and with and without frames is compared with that of the common window design. For the calculations of the heat flux a finite element analysis computer program has been used to account for the 2D-effects in the glazing, edge-seal and frame heat transfer patterns. The total heat transfer through an example window with a glazing 1 m×1 m is reduced by 45% using the window design presented. The objective of this article is not only to quantify the heat fluxes for different combinations of glazing, edge-seal and frame. The major part of the article focuses on practical aspects that are important for the durability of edge-seals, such as mechanical stress within the materials, water vapour and gas tightness, as well as on new design concepts of window–wall joints. A frameless window construction is an important aspect to enhance the thermal performance of windows. The costs for this kind of frameless windows are estimated to be less than or equal to windows commonly used now.