Optimization of building window system in Asian regions by analyzing solar heat gain and daylighting elements

Windows in the Buildings of Tomorrow; Energy Losers or Energy Gainers?

A new capability that enables annual simulation of optically complex fenestration systems has been added to Radiance. The method relies on bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) input data, which are used in an efficient matrix calculation to compute time-step performance given TMY data. The objective of this study was to explain the value of this capability to designers and developers of innovative daylighting systems and to demonstrate its speed and accuracy via comparisons of simulated to measured illuminance data for a daylight-redirecting optical louver system. The method was shown to provide valid results that accurately replicate real-world conditions with an absolute mean bias error below 13% and a root mean square error below 23%. Routine application of this new capability will not be hindered by slow computational speed for illuminance calculations. Instead, the capability will be dependent on the availability of BSDF data for daylighting, shading and fenestration systems.

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A validation of the Radiance three-phase simulation method for modeling annual daylight performance of optically-complex fenestration systems

Comparison of energy performance between PV double skin facades and PV insulating glass units

Daylighting and energy analysis of private offices with automated interior roller shades

A comprehensive simulation model has been developed in this paper to simulate the overall energy performance of an amorphous silicon (a-Si) based photovoltaic double-skin facade (PV-DSF). The methodology and the model simulation procedure are presented in detail. To simulate the overall energy performance, the airflow network model, daylighting model, and the Sandia Array Performance Model in the EnergyPlus software were adopted to simultaneously simulate the thermal, daylighting, and dynamic power output performances of the PV-DSF. The interaction effects between thermal, daylighting, and the power output performances of the PV-DSF were reasonably well modeled by coupling the energy generation, heat-transfer, and optical models. Simulation results were compared with measured data from an outdoor test facility in Hong Kong in which the PV-DSF performance was measured. The model validation work showed that most of the simulated results agreed very well with the measured data except for a modest overestimation of heat gains in the afternoons. In particular, the root-mean-square error between the simulated monthly AC energy output and the measured quantity was only 2.47%. The validation results indicate that the simulation model developed in this study can accurately simulate the overall energy performance of the semi-transparent PV-DSF. This model can, therefore, be an effective tool for carrying out optimum design and sensitivity analyses for PV-DSFs in different climate zones. The methodology developed in this paper also provides a useful reference and starting point for the modeling of other kinds of semi-transparent thin-film PV windows or facades. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Developing a method and simulation model for evaluating the overall energy performance of a ventilated semi-transparent photovoltaic double-skin facade

This document, the ''THERM 5/WINDOW 5 NFRC Simulation Manual', discusses how to use the THERM and WINDOW programs to model products for NFRC certified simulations and assumes that the user is already familiar with those programs. In order to learn how to use these programs, it is necessary to become familiar with the material in both the ''THERM User's Manual'' and the ''WINDOW User's Manual''. In general, this manual references the User's Manuals rather than repeating the information. If there is a conflict between either of the User Manual and this ''THERM 5/''WINDOW 5 NFRC Simulation Manual'', the ''THERM 5/WINDOW 5 NFRC Simulation Manual'' takes precedence. In addition, if this manual is in conflict with any NFRC standards, the standards take precedence. For example, if samples in this manual do not follow the current taping and testing NFRC standards, the standards not the samples in this manual, take precedence.

THERM 5 / WINDOW 5 NFRC simulation manual

This paper shows that the energy requirements for today's typical efficient window products (i.e. ENERGY STAR{trademark} products) are significant when compared to the needs of Zero Energy Homes (ZEHs). Through the use of whole house energy modeling, typical efficient products are evaluated in five US climates and compared against the requirements for ZEHs. Products which meet these needs are defined as a function of climate. In heating dominated climates, windows with U-factors of 0.10 Btu/hr-ft{sup 2}-F (0.57 W/m{sup 2}-K) will become energy neutral. In mixed heating/cooling climates a low U-factor is not as significant as the ability to modulate from high SHGCs (heating season) to low SHGCs (cooling season).

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Performance Criteria for Residential Zero Energy Windows

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WINDOW 6.2/THERM 6.2 Research Version User Manual

COMFEN is a new tool intended to promote design and deployment of high performance fenestration systems by making complex simulation comparisons of alternative fenestration design choices accessible to a wide audience of users. COMFEN version 1.0 provides a simple user interface that focuses attention on key variables in fenestration design. EnergyPlus simulates the effects of these variables on energy consumption, peak energy demand, and thermal and visual comfort. Results are presented in graphical and tabular format to help users move toward optimal fenestration design choices for their project. This paper discusses the objectives in developing COMFEN, the implementation methods used, and plans for future development.

http://ibpsa-usa.org/index.php/ibpusa/article/download/260/249

Robin Mitchell

Papers

Developing a method and simulation model for evaluating the overall energy performance of a ventilated semi-transparent photovoltaic double-skin facade

THERM 5 / WINDOW 5 NFRC simulation manual

Performance Criteria for Residential Zero Energy Windows

WINDOW 6.2/THERM 6.2 Research Version User Manual

Comfen: a commercial fenestration/façade design tool