Evaluating Window Insulation for Cold Climates

Garber-Slaght, Robbin; Craven, Colin

doi:10.3992/jgb.7.3.32

Cited by 11 publications

(8 citation statements)

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“…The way in which a curtain is fitted to the window will affect the amount of heat transferred, with greater levels of airtightness providing better results. The effect of this layer of air is dependent on its width, with a wider air gap providing an increased R value of the window and thus a decrease in the U value (Garber-Slaght and Craven 2012;Nicol 1986;Lunde and Lindley 1988;Ruyssevelt and Littler 1984).…”

Section: Fabric Losses Through Building Elementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A number of laboratory-based studies have been carried out to assess the thermal performance of individual window coverings. Baker (2008) identified that energy savings can be achieved with the use of curtains and other window covering systems, ranging from 41 to 62%, while Garber-Slaght and Craven (2012) suggested that savings of 24-38% were achievable. Table 1 presents a summary of heat transfer reductions suggested by these previous studies as well as the methods used.…”

Section: Fabric Losses Through Building Elementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The thermal performance of window coverings in a whole house test facility with single-glazed sash windows

et al. 2017

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The residential sector is responsible for 29% of the total energy consumption of the UK, with 62% of this energy being used for space heating. Heat loss through the fabric of building elements is a crucial factor in the energy efficiency of homes, and a wide number of studies have looked at physical interventions to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings, commonly called retrofit. This research considers the impact of window coverings on reducing heat loss from homes, a measure that is not commonly considered an energy efficiency intervention. Although the amount of glazing varies widely between homes, all windows are a significant factor contributing to heat loss. While physical changes such as double and triple glazing can improve the energy performance of buildings, the impact of curtains and blinds is not well characterised. Previous research into window coverings has been undertaken using laboratory tests, such as hotbox and small climatic chamber environments. This study presents the impact of window coverings on heat loss within a unique whole house test facility. This allows for a better replication of a real heating system and the effects that it has on localised heat transfer. This gives a more detailed picture of in situ performance, similar to that which may be found in the field.

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Section: Fabric Losses Through Building Elementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Fabric Losses Through Building Elementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The thermal performance of window coverings in a whole house test facility with single-glazed sash windows

et al. 2017

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“…Although the impact of shading devices on thermal retention has been investigated in many studies, the majority have been heavily reliant on simulation results or experimental research studies that have been conducted in very controlled laboratory-like settings which are not always representative of the real-world conditions. [10][11][12] Despite various studies showcasing the benefits of shading devices use in buildings whether through simulated results or controlled environment experiments, [10][11][12][13][14] they seem to be less prevalent in UK buildings compared to their more widespread use in Europe which can be due to many factors. 15 One of the key factors that has limited the use of shading devices is their limited consideration at early design stages when dynamic thermal models are developed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the performance gap of two dynamic thermal modelling software tools when comparing with real-time data in relation to thermal loss

Salehi

Chaer

Gillich

et al. 2023

Building Services Engineering Research and Technology

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Managing thermal loss is a key topic that needs further investigation as it has a direct link to reducing the energy load in buildings. One of these thermal loss management methods can be the use of shading devices. Dynamic thermal models normally used at the early stages of the building design can play an important role in the decision-making process regarding the use of shading devices. This paper presents the results of a real-world study assessing the potential of using a sealed cellular blind as a passive energy conservation method, where the real-world results are compared with the simulated results generated with environmental design solutions limited thermal analysis software (EDSL Tas) and integrated environmental solutions virtual environment (IES VE). During the real-world study, a positive impact of having blinds was seen whereby the window surface temperature increased and office heating energy consumption was lowered. Both software tools were able to predict a similar trend of results for the window surface temperature in with and without blind scenarios whereas for energy consumption although in the presence of a blind a consistent correlation is seen between measured and calculated values but not without a blind. This can be attributed to the inability of the software tools in demonstrating the effect of infiltration in the absence of a blind or shading device i.e., a clear window scenario. The performance gap analysis regarding thermal loss between dynamic thermal models and real-world settings within buildings can enhance the predictability of the building energy software tools used by designers. Early design inputs within buildings can prevent costly building re-work to improve the building’s energy performance. This can also improve the understanding within the building industry of the importance of reducing thermal loss through the use of shading devices and ensuring the software tools used to model these devices are as close to real-world settings as possible.

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“…Baker (2008) reduced 39 and 37% heat transmission between the exterior and the interior environment by using heavy curtains (drapes) and plain roller blind, respectively. In another study by Garber-Slaght and Craven (2012), they reduced 15 and 38% heat transmission between exterior and interior environment by using insulated blinds and curtains (drapes), respectively. As far as Gratia et al (2007) were concerned about optimum blind location, its size and colour, the judicious choice of those parameters makes it possible to save up to 14.1% of the cooling consumption of all the buildings during a sunny summer day.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An investigation on the impact of shading devices on energy consumption of commercial buildings in the contexts of subtropical climate

Rana

Hasan

Sobuz

2021

SASBE

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PurposeApplication of appropriate shading device strategies in buildings can reduce direct solar heat gain through windows as well as optimize cooling and artificial lighting load. This study investigates the impact of common shading devices such as overhangs, fins, horizontal blinds, vertical blinds and drapes on energy consumption of an office building and suggests energy efficient shading device strategies in the contexts of unique Bangladeshi subtropical monsoon climate.Design/methodology/approachThis research was performed through the energy simulation perspective of a prototype office building using a validated building energy simulation tool eQUEST. Around 100 simulation patterns were created considering various types of shading devices and building orientations. The simulation results were analysed comprehensively to find out energy-efficient shading device strategies.FindingsOptimum overhang and fin height is equal to half of the window height in the context of the subtropical climate of Bangladesh. South and West are the most vulnerable orientations, and application of shading devices on these two orientations shows the highest reduction of cooling load and the lowest increment of lighting load. An existing building was able to save approximately 7.05% annual energy consumption by applying the shading device strategies that were suggested by this study.Originality/valueThe shading device strategies of this study can be incorporated into the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) as new energy-efficient building design strategies because the BNBC does not have any codes or regulations regarding energy-efficient shading device. It can also be used as energy-efficient shading device strategies to other Southeast Asian countries with similar climatic contexts of Bangladesh.

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Evaluating Window Insulation for Cold Climates

Cited by 11 publications

References 0 publications

The thermal performance of window coverings in a whole house test facility with single-glazed sash windows

The thermal performance of window coverings in a whole house test facility with single-glazed sash windows

Assessing the performance gap of two dynamic thermal modelling software tools when comparing with real-time data in relation to thermal loss

An investigation on the impact of shading devices on energy consumption of commercial buildings in the contexts of subtropical climate

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