Assessment of thermal performance of energy-active window systems in hot climates

Mahmoud Magzoub, Mohammed Alhaji Mohammed*, Ismail M. Budaiwi, Mohammad S. Al-Homoud

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Window systems, particularly in hot climates, are the source of considerable heat transfer that affects the buildings’ indoor environment and energy consumption. Proper design and optimization of its thermal performance significantly contribute to the overall envelope energy performance. Using a multi-layer glazing system, Energy Active Window (EAW) adapts window insulation technology to reuse low-grade air from the HVAC system, keeping the temperature at the internal surface of the window close to the indoor air temperature, minimizing heat exchange between indoor and outdoor. This study aims to reduce energy consumption by optimizing EAW to increase its thermal resistance by channeling the return air (RA) from the HVAC system into the curtain frame, thereby lowering the temperature of the air gap and air film layer. The study examined the window system's exhaust/return air behavior using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool (Fluent) to simulate the heat exchange between outdoor and indoor building environments. The CFD simulation was validated using experimental measurements. Results show a surface temperature decrease of 4 to 7 °C based on the inner and outer pane airflow conditions when the outdoor temperature is 45 °C with an 8 % margin of error. Various EAW components were tested, including air velocity, air–gap width, volume, and outdoor temperatures, examining both triple and double-glazing layers.

Original languageEnglish
Article number114473
JournalEnergy and Buildings
Volume318
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Elsevier B.V.

Keywords

  • Air gap
  • Building envelope
  • CFD
  • Energy active window
  • Sustainable buildings
  • Window system

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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