This thesis presents an analysis of energy efficient residential windows in hot and humid climates.
To accomplish this analysis, the use of accurate simulation tools such as DOE-2.1e is required, which
incorporates the results from the WINDOW-5.2 simulation program to assess accurate fenestration
performance. The thesis also investigates the use of optimal glazing types, which, for future
applications, could be specified in the code to reduce annual net energy consumption to zero.
Results show that combinations of low-E and double pane, clear-glazed windows, which are
optimally shaded according to orientation are the best solution for lowering both annual energy
consumption and peak electricity loads. The study also concludes that the method used to model
fenestration in the simulation program plays an important role in accurately determining the
effectiveness of the glazing option used. In this particular study, the use of the WINDOW-5.2 program
is highly recommended especially for high performance windows (i.e., low-E glazing). Finally, a
discussion on the incorporation of super high performance windows (i.e., super low-E, ultra low-E and
dynamic / switchable glazing) into the IECC code concludes that these types of glazing strategies can
reduce annual net energy use of the window to zero.
Future work identified by this thesis includes a more extensive examination of the passive solar
potential of high performance fenestration, and an examination of the appropriate methods for
specifying these properties in future versions of the IECC code. This implies that future specifications
for fenestration in the IECC code could aim for zero net annual energy consumption levels from
residential fenestration.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/4162 |
| Date | 30 October 2006 |
| Creators | Mukhopadhyay, Jaya |
| Contributors | Haberl, Jeff S. |
| Publisher | Texas A&M University |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Thesis, text |
| Format | 5655536 bytes, electronic, application/pdf, born digital |
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