Inside air and surface temperature characteristics of window systems depending on low-E coating and blind location during cooling period

Abstract

Windows have significant effects on heating and cooling energy in buildings due to the fact that windows are the thermally weak parts among the building constructions and that they can directly transmit the solar radiation into the room space. Therefore, proper selection of window materials and blind operation type is an essential factor for energy saving. One of the advanced window systems that has been actively applied these days is low-E windows, whose thermal efficiencies are improved compared to the conventional clear windows by applying the low emissivity coating, resulting in lower solar heat gain coefficient and U-value. In addition, proper operation of blinds can also significantly reduce the thermal load and energy consumption in buildings. In this study, experimental research was performed to evaluate the inside air and surface temperature characteristics of six small-scale test chambers during cooling period, since those temperatures can be good indicators for the indirect assessment of the cooling effects of different window types and blind locations.