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Passive principles: seeing through window options

Journal Article · · Sol. Age; (United States)
OSTI ID:5663587

A critical analysis is carried out concerning the relative merits of double glazing (DG) vs. triple glazing (TG) of south facing windows. Also, the merits of double glazing with night insulation (R-4) are addressed. Locations chosen for this theoretical study are Boston, Nashville, and Denver. Calculations are based on a well-insulated, 1500 ft/sup 2/ house using TEASOL, a computerized thermal network algorithm. For each geographical location, south aperture area was determined as a function of % solar contribution. Also, system cost (1981 dollars) was determined as a function of % solar contribution in each case for DG, TG, and DG with night insulation with thermal mass omitted and thermal mass added (6'' concrete floor slab). The performance of the various hypothetical systems are explained as well as the cost estimates. It is concluded that DG with night insulation is most cost effective. TG should not be used for the most sunny climates (Denver). Practical limits of night insulation are mentioned. (MJJ)

OSTI ID:
5663587
Journal Information:
Sol. Age; (United States), Journal Name: Sol. Age; (United States) Vol. 7:1; ISSN SOAGD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English