Implications of Model Complexity for the Simulated Thermal Behavior of a Casement Window

Abstract

Windows have been a subject of interest for research in building industry due to their multifaceted and significant implications for indoor environmental quality and energy use. In this context, the present contribution explores the retrofit opportunity toward retrofit of casement windows via application of vacuum glazing. The first scenario included conductive and convective heat transfer processes. The second, more detailed scenario took, in addition, the effects of (long-wave) radiation phenomena into account. The main objective of the present contribution is thus to contrast the results obtained from primarily conductive and convective computations with those that involve a detailed coupled conductive, convective, and radiation simulation. The study benefits from a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model to evaluate the airflow patterns (temperature and velocity) within the window's interstitial space by assuming isothermal boundary conditions. Based on simulation results, the thermal performance of the retrofitted casement window (with vacuum glass applied as external pane) can be compared to the conventional construction. Thus, benefits in terms of reduced energy use and surface condensation risk can be documented.