The function of solar absorbing window as water-heating device

Abstract

While window glazing will be more and more extensively used in modern architecture, the increase in space thermal load as a result will deteriorate the global environment, incurring problems of air pollution and climate change. By connecting the cavity of a double pane window to a water-flow circuit, absorbed solar heat at the window glasses can be readily removed by the water stream. The water passage in this way can effectively lower the glass pane temperature, reduce room heat gain and therefore, the air-conditioning electricity consumption. Thermal comfort can be enhanced. Furthermore, the water-flow window can function as a hot-water preheating device. This article reports the integrative thermal performance of a water-flow absorbing window as compared to the conventional single and double pane absorptive glazing. The results based on the operation in health club environment are very encouraging. This demonstrates its good application potential in domestic–commercial buildings with stable hot-water demands.