The role of nanotechnology in improving the efficiency of energy use with a special reference to glass treated with nanotechnology in office buildings

Abstract

Abstract The correct use of glass in office buildings plays a key role in the efficient use of energy especially with the application of nanotechnology. The main aim of this paper was to identify the capability of the different types of glass used in the building envelope to reduce energy consumption in office buildings. The chosen type will be combined with different Window to Wall Ratios (WWRs) and orientations to verify its efficiency. For this purpose, a simulation tool was used (Design Builder 3.1), then a comparison was done to test the performance of different types of glass and different orientations with the same glass thicknesses. The results are put into comparison in order to identify the best type of glass which can help in reducing the cost of energy consumption and how can it comply with the Egyptian energy code requirements for glass type which achieve energy efficiency. The results indicate that the use of glass treated with nanotechnology (Low-E) which have indices of (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) = 0.23), (Light Transmission (LT) = 0.42), (U Value (UV) = 1.55) reduces energy consumption by more than 20% compared to the standard 6 mm clear glass.