Window frame thermal performance simulation. Suitable methods according to climate and technology

ANDREA PATTINI; ANDREA PATTINI; ÉRICA CORREA; ÉRICA CORREA; MAUREEN DE GASTINES; MAUREEN DE GASTINES

REVISTA DE LA CONSTRUCCIóN

Área editorial de la Escuela de Construcción Civil de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Lugar: Santiago de Chile; Año: 2018 vol. 17 p. 112 - 122

0717-7925

Within the framework of window labelling system elaboration in Argentina, this article questions the suitability of replicating calculation proceduresfrom other countries with different climatic and technological contexts. This paper analyzes the methodological differences between existingstandards for calculating window frame U-factor. It focuses on the impact of the radiation model applied on the frame outside boundary. Simulationswere performed on different window frames under three sets of environmental conditions, first using the NFRC blackbody radiation model at theoutside boundary, then using the ISO 15099 detailed radiation model. The comparison of the resulting U-factors shows significant differences (up to12.7%) between both models. The impact of outside boundary radiation model choice increases with the non-planarity of outside frame boundaryand decreases at high wind speeds. According to these results, the ISO 15099 detailed radiation model should be used on both sides of the frame, inorder to maximise the accuracy of non-planar frames thermal transmittance calculation under any environmental conditions.