Transparent insulating materials: Steady-state model for assessing thermal performance

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of transparent insulating material (TLM) in buildings and considers how the performance of materials with such complex and varying effects can be modelled in a simple steady-state thermal prediction model. The heat transfer mechanisms of a TLM-clad wall are considered, and how these can be modelled in various types of Simulation programmes. From this, suitable algorithms are derived for use in a steady-state calculation process such as BREDEM-8, to enable the energy saving effects of TIM to be predicted. Since heat gains are not all useful throughout the year, alternative approaches are considered to the problem of predicting the utilisation of the heat gains. Finally the algorithms are tested when implemented within the BREDEM-8 model to assess their accuracy and usefulness in predicting energy savings. The results of these tests indicate that for predicting annual energy savings an accuracy within 20% of a dynamic simulation model was achieved in all cases and within 10% in most cases.