The effects of window alternatives on energy efficiency and building economy in high-rise residential buildings in moderate to humid climates


Yaşar Y., Kalfa S. M.

ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT, vol.64, pp.170-181, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 64
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.enconman.2012.05.023
  • Journal Name: ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.170-181
  • Keywords: Energy efficiency, Heating load, Cooling load, Life cycle cost, Double glazing window, Energy simulation software, OFFICE BUILDINGS, SAVING ENERGY, PERFORMANCE, IMPACT, CONSUMPTION, LOADS
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Currently, focused efforts are being made to determine the influence of windows on the energy consumption and economy of high-rise buildings. Certain window designs and appropriate glazing systems reduce building energy consumption for heating and cooling and contribute to building economy. This paper addresses double-glazed window units that are composed of tinted glass; clear reflective glass; low emissivity (low-e) glass; and smart glass (one surface consists of a high-performance, heat-reflective glass, and other surface has a low-emissivity coated). These materials reduce the heating and cooling loads of buildings by providing solar control and heat conservation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of these alternative units, rather than readily available double-glazed units, in two types of flats. The flats have the same construction and operating system, but they have different plan types with regard to building energy consumption and building economy as it relates to life cycle cost analysis. For this study, we selected buildings in Trabzon, in Climate Region II of Turkey, due to its moderate-humid climate. F- and C-type high-rise residential blocks, with flats composed of two to three bedrooms, constructed by the Republic of Turkey's Prime Ministry Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI) are used as models for the simulation. The flat plans in these blocks are modeled using Design-Builder v.1.8 energy simulation software. The simulation results show that smart-glazed units and those with low emissivity glazing are the most efficient alternatives with regard to building energy consumption and economy. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.