Perspective of aerogel glazings in energy efficient buildings

Gao, Tao; Ihara, Takeshi; Grynning, Steinar; Jelle, Bjørn Petter; Lien, Anne Gunnarshaug

doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.10.001

Cited by 95 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…This inside surface condensation problem in window systems causes issues such as view obstruction, damage to the interior finish, freezing in a colder climate, mold growth risks, etc. [10][11][12][13][14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Investigation of Thermal Behaviors in Window Systems by Monitoring of Surface Condensation Using Full-Scale Measurements and Simulation Tools

Hong

Kim

2016

Energies

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Abstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate the thermal performance of window systems using full-scale measurements and simulation tools. A chamber was installed on the balcony of an apartment to control the temperatures which can create condensation on the interior surfaces of window systems. The condensation process on the window was carefully scrutinized when outdoor and indoor temperature and indoor relative humidity ranged from −15 • C to −20 • C, 23 • C to 24 • C, and 50% to 65%, respectively. The results of these investigations were analyzed to determine how the moisture is influenced by changing temperatures. It appears that the glass-edge was highly susceptible to the temperature variations and the lowest temperature on the glass edge was caused by the heat transfer through the spacer, between the two glass panels of the window. The results from the simulation used in this study confirm that the thermal performance of window systems can be improved the use of super insulated or thermally broken spacers. If the values of the indoor humidity and temperature are given, then the outdoor temperature when condensation forms can be obtained by using Temperature Difference Ratio (TDR). This methodology can be employed to predict the possible occurrence of condensation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Investigation of Thermal Behaviors in Window Systems by Monitoring of Surface Condensation Using Full-Scale Measurements and Simulation Tools

Hong

Kim

2016

Energies

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“…Moreover, they allow for significant daylighting illuminance in buildings, improving visual comfort due to light diffusing, and could have energy demands for lights very similar to those of conventional solutions, especially in buildings with a high window-to-wall surface ratio. In general, translucent systems such as granular aerogel filled systems allow light to propagate uniformly within rooms, thus minimizing daylight problems, such as high contrast zones, and preventing glare, as shown in the literature [14,15,29]. Future studies should focus on the impact of aerogel systems on indoor visual comfort and on energy consumption for artificial lights in buildings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Silica aerogels, both in monolithic and granular translucent form, can be used in high-insulated nanogel windows: transparent monolithic panes were developed 20-30 years ago, but their application in glazing systems has still not penetrated the market, and few prototypes have been manufactured for research purposes [12,13]; for these reasons, building applications have focused on glazing systems with granular aerogels [14][15][16][17]. Different translucent daylighting systems with granular aerogel have been emerging in the market.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Energy-Efficient Windows with Silica Aerogel for Building Refurbishment: Experimental Characterization and Preliminary Simulations in Different Climate Conditions

2017

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Abstract:The paper deals with the potential of high energy-efficient windows with granular silica aerogel for energy saving in building refurbishment. Different glazing systems were investigated considering two kinds of granular silica aerogel and different glass layers. Thermal transmittance and optical properties of the samples were measured and used in building simulations. The aerogel impact on heat transfer is remarkable, allowing a thermal transmittance of 1.0-1.1 W/(m 2 ·K) with granular aerogel in interspace only 15 mm in thickness. A 63% reduction in U-value was achieved when compared to the corresponding conventional windows, together with a significant reduction (30%) in light transmittance. When assembled with a low-e glass, the U-value reduction was lower (31%), but a moderate reduction in light transmittance (about 10%) was observed for larger granules. Energy simulations for a case study in different climate conditions (hot, moderate, and cold) showed a reduction in energy demand both for heating and cooling for silica aerogel glazing systems, when compared to the conventional ones. The new glazings are a suitable solution for building refurbishment, thanks to low U-values and total solar transmittance, also in warm climate conditions.

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“…It has been proven that granular aerogel may reduce the heat loss in office buildings [27] by 80% or cooling load in humid subtropical climates by 4% [28]. A study by Gao et al also reported a yearly saving as high as 21% in a building's energy consumption [29]. Moretti and Buratti compared monolithic aerogel glass panes to conventional glazing systems, reporting a 55% reduction in heat losses, whereas granular aerogel windows showed a 25% reduction in heat losses.…”

Section: Aerogel Insulation For Windowsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling of an Aerogel-Based “Thermal Break” for Super-Insulated Window Frames

et al. 2020

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Research activities in the field of innovative fixtures are continuously aiming at increasing their thermal and optical performances to offer optimal exploitation of daylight and solar gains, providing effective climate screen, according to increasing standards for indoor comfort and energy saving. Within this work, we designed an innovative aerogel-based "thermal break" for window frames, so as to consistently reduce the frame conductance. Then, we compared the performance of this new frame both with currently used and obsolete frames, present in most of the existing building stock. Energy savings for heating and cooling were assessed for different locations and confirmed the potential role played by super-insulating materials in fixtures for extremely rigid climates. Buildings 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 15 were studied. The window frame was made of wood and aluminium and an interposed aerogel 92 thermal break was also used. A finite element method analysis of a window frame containing aerogel 93 was carried out, obtaining a high performance level. This innovative window was compared with 94 others, embodying different frames, as explained in the Methodology section, by means of 95 simulations in test rooms within the Energyplus software platform [33]. Energy consumption for 96 heating and cooling was tested within a typical office on all possible exposures, in two locations with 97 very different climates: the Canadian city of Toronto and Bari, in Southern Italy. 98 2. Materials and Methods 99 2.1. Frame and window description100 This innovative window (Figure 1), specifically designed to meet the highest thermal insulation 101 standards, includes a three-pane glazing. The internal glazing embodied a low emittance coating 102 (ε=0.21) deposited on face 5, i.e., the outer face of the internal pane. The aerogel section (the red part 103 in Figure 2) was conveniently surrounded by a thin acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (ABS) skin (2 mm 104 thick), and embodied granular aerogel within the frame section, thus behaving like a super-insulating 105 "thermal break", between the external aluminium frame and the internal wooden frame. The same 106 ABS skin is generally adopted in existing commercial frames using the same technology, to embody 107 expanded polystyrene (Isover EPS 035) insulating material. Cabot Enova IC3100 granular aerogel 108 was used, with granule size spanning between 2 and 40 μm, a thermal conductivity of 0.012 W/m•K 109 at ambient temperature, and very low density, ranging from 120 to 150 kg/m 3 according to technical 110 specifications of the material. The coupling between the aerogel section and the wooden frame was 111 made by using a stripe of aerogel blanket, Pyrogel-XTE by Aspen, with comparable thermal 112 conductivity (less than 0,02 W/m•K) suitably glued and mechanically fixed to the frame. 113 114 below, the wooden profile, facing the indoor space.118 2.2. Finite element method 119 The thermal heat loss due to the transmission through windows is strongly affected by the 120 technical f...

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Perspective of aerogel glazings in energy efficient buildings

Cited by 95 publications

References 28 publications

Experimental Investigation of Thermal Behaviors in Window Systems by Monitoring of Surface Condensation Using Full-Scale Measurements and Simulation Tools

Experimental Investigation of Thermal Behaviors in Window Systems by Monitoring of Surface Condensation Using Full-Scale Measurements and Simulation Tools

High Energy-Efficient Windows with Silica Aerogel for Building Refurbishment: Experimental Characterization and Preliminary Simulations in Different Climate Conditions

Modeling of an Aerogel-Based “Thermal Break” for Super-Insulated Window Frames

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