Abstract
Thermal performances of window frames and glazing represent a field of growing research efforts - worldwide - aiming to reduce energy consumption and achieve indoor comfort. A combination of newly designed super-insulated window frames and innovative glazing technologies may enhance the performance of windows. Aerogel-based “thermal breaks” for window frames, coupled with high-performing glazing, may lead to significant energy saving. In this work, yearly energy use for heating and cooling were assessed in several locations, for building models equipped with innovative technologies, for glazing and frames. The results of numerical simulations confirmed the opportunities offered by new technologies.
Highlights
In recent years, the issue of energy consumption in the construction sector has become increasingly important, due to its effects on global warming, resulting from anthropogenic action
Thermal performances of window frames and glazing represent a field of growing research efforts - worldwide - aiming to reduce energy consumption and achieve indoor comfort
A further approach consists in controlling the thermal properties of a façade element using insulators with switchable properties, so as to modify the thermal resistance according to the air conditioning needs, in different seasons, and achieve the right level of thermal comfort
Summary
The issue of energy consumption in the construction sector has become increasingly important, due to its effects on global warming, resulting from anthropogenic action. The façade element presented, can work through two "thermal states": a state defined as insulating, in which the translucent panel made of Basotect (BASF), placed inside the double glazing, it is in a high position, preventing convection through the two cavities generated between the panel and the two external glass sheets; a conductive state, in which the panel is located at a median height, in the air gap, so as to create two openings, one at the top and one at the base. Numerical simulations in dynamic regime were used to assess the energy benefits obtainable using the two technologies mentioned - superinsulation of the frame and switchable thermal insulation of the transparent component - in different climatic contexts, in order to verify their effectiveness (Figure 1)
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