Life Cycle Assessment of Aerogel Glazing System—A Case Study in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Area

Abstract

In order to simulate and analyze the environmental impact of the life cycle of an aerogel glazing system (AGS), this study comprehensively considered the environmental impact of AGS in the life cycle of production, transportation, construction, operation and waste disposal. It simulates and analyzes the environmental impact of orientation on AGS and compares it with the double glazing system (DGS) and triple glazing system (TGS). AGS can produce global warming potential (GWP) 200265.1 g CO2/m2, acidification potential (AP) 32815.4 g SO2/m2 and photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP) 990.1 g PO43-/m2 and reduces eutrophication potential (EP) 148.6 g C2H4/m2 when used in the life cycle. In horizontal orientation, AGS modification of DGS and TGS may produce more AP, but reduce GWP, EP and POCP production. The environmental impact of AGS is in different directions, from small to large, south, horizontal, east, west and north. AGS may produce more AP than TGS and DGS in the life cycle.