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Future advanced windows for zero-energy homes

Journal Article · · ASHRAE Transactions
OSTI ID:842409

Over the past 15 years, low-emissivity and other technological improvements have significantly improved the energy efficiency of windows sold in the United States. However,as interest increases in the concept of zero-energy homes--buildings that do not consume any non-renewable or net energy from the utility grid--even today's highest-performance window products will not be sufficient. This simulation study compares today's typical residential windows, today's most efficient residential windows, and several options for advanced window technologies including both products with improved fixed or static properties and products with dynamic solar heat gain properties. Nine representative window products are examined in eight representative US climates. Annual energy and peak demand impacts are investigated. We conclude that a new generation of window products is necessary for zero-energy homes if windows are not to be an energy drain on these homes. Windows with dynamic solar heat gain properties are found to offer significant potentials to reduce energy use and peak demands in northern and central climates while windows with very low (static) solar heat gain properties offer the most potential in southern climates.

Research Organization:
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Development. Office of the Building Technologies Program
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
842409
Report Number(s):
LBNL--51913
Journal Information:
ASHRAE Transactions, Journal Name: ASHRAE Transactions Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 109; ISSN 0001-2505; ISSN ASHTAG
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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