Triple-glazed windows with phase change materials and aerogel: Thermal performance across diverse climate zones

Zhe Yuan, Ruitong Yang, Samanta López Salazar, Yiran Wang, Qiang Fu, Xueyang Wang, Müslüm Arıcı, Dong Li, Qiye Zheng and Shu Zhang

Energy, 2025, vol. 330, issue C

Abstract: This study presents an advanced energy balance mathematical model for triple-glazed windows incorporating silica aerogel insulation material (SAIM) and phase change material (PCM), addressing limitations in traditional simulation and experimental methods for rapid and reliable results. Using a self-programmed approach, experimental validation, and numerical simulations, the study assesses the thermal characteristics and energy savings of six triple-glazed window configurations across five representative climate zones in China (Daqing, Changchun, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Haikou). Unlike previous studies, it employs a cross-scale, multi-physics coupling method to simulate photothermal conversion, energy consumption, and building orientation effects. The results show that triple-glazed windows with PCM and SAIM outperform traditional systems, offering superior thermal insulation and adaptability to dynamic climates. In cold climates such as Changchun, the Glazing-PCM-Glazing-SAIM-Glazing configuration demonstrated exceptional insulation performance, achieving the indoor surface at 24.7 °C, reducing heat loss to 785.6 kJ/m2·d, and saving 15.5 % of energy. In the tropical climate of Haikou, the Reflective Glazing-PCM-Glazing-SAIM-Glazing configuration minimized heat gain to 382 kJ/m2·d, maintained an indoor surface temperature of 25.6 °C, and achieved an impressive energy-saving rate of 74.8 %. Orientation also played a significant role in performance, with the north-facing orientation saving 11 % of energy, while the west-facing orientation experienced a 20 % energy loss.

Keywords: Thermal energy storage; Energy-efficient glazing; Numerical analysis; Optical properties; Building envelopes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:330:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225022789

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136636

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