Numeric Simulation of Heat Transfer Phenomena in Existing and Retrofitted Casement Windows

Abstract

Transparent elements of building enclosure components play a critical role in buildings' performance and integrity. Numeric simulation provides a tool to model and predict the thermal behavior of window constructions. This paper presents a two-dimensional numerical analysis of the thermal behavior of a casement window before and after implementing a vacuum glazing in the external pane. Two modelling approaches were considered, a conventional one (focusing predominantly on conductive heat transfer) and a more detailed one (involving coupled conduction and convection). The results of the study demonstrate the benefits of the aforementioned retrofit option in terms of reduced heat transfer, increase of surface temperature within the cavity during the cold season, and the reduction of surface condensation risk.Transparent elements of building enclosure components play a critical role in buildings' performance and integrity. Numeric simulation provides a tool to model and predict the thermal behavior of window constructions. This paper presents a two-dimensional numerical analysis of the thermal behavior of a casement window before and after implementing a vacuum glazing in the external pane. Two modelling approaches were considered, a conventional one (focusing predominantly on conductive heat transfer) and a more detailed one (involving coupled conduction and convection). The results of the study demonstrate the benefits of the aforementioned retrofit option in terms of reduced heat transfer, increase of surface temperature within the cavity during the cold season, and the reduction of surface condensation risk.