Simulation on window's energy efficiency using EnergyPlus (Performing simulation on selected windows to find the most energy efficient window for residential housing)

Abstract

Windows are the most interesting and complex elements in residential design. It can cause a large percentage of heat loss and heat gain between the building and the environment. Application of energy efficient windows can significantly decrease the heating and cooling costs while increasing the occupants’ comfort and reducing window surface condensation problems.

The purpose of this project is to evaluate different types of selected glazing systems in term of their energy efficiency. Seven types of glazing system were selected to find out which type of glazing system is the most energy efficient window. A simulation program, EnergyPlus, was used to obtain the annual cooling energy and electricity consumption. A customized input file was created to facilitate the numerous simulations and was analyzed in the climatic conditions of Singapore weather. The annual cooling energy and electrical consumption were compared between the selected windows with the reference glazing (single clear pane).

From the result, it was shown that window with triple pane low emissivity glazing (low-E) filled with krypton gas is the most energy efficient as compared to other selected glazings. It has the greatest annual cooling energy saving of 27.4% in comparison with the single clear pane glazing.