Optimizing Window Configurations for Energy-Efficient Buildings with Aluminum Alloy Frames and Helium-Filled Insulating Glazing

Yiyi Mo, Chen Wang (), Mukhtar A. Kassem (), Defa Wang and Zhibin Chen
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Yiyi Mo: Intelligence and Automation in Construction Fujian Province Higher-Educational Engineering Research Centre, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
Chen Wang: Intelligence and Automation in Construction Fujian Province Higher-Educational Engineering Research Centre, College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
Mukhtar A. Kassem: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Defa Wang: China Railway No. 18 Bureau Group No. 1 Engineering Co., Ltd., Zhuozhou District, Baoding 072750, China
Zhibin Chen: China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group South China Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510080, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 15, 1-20

Abstract: This research investigates building energy consumption in the Fujian region of China, characterized by warm winters and hot summers. The study focuses on window configurations and their impact on heat exchange and solar gain management. Initially examining three aluminum alloy window frames, the study utilizes the Multi-Quality Metric Calculator (MQMC) software V1 to assess the benefits of filled insulating glass. The reference values for the heat transfer coefficient, visible transmittance, and sun shading coefficient are established. Subsequently, Ecotect software V5.6 is employed to conduct a comprehensive year-round energy consumption simulation analysis, identifying an optimal window layout tailored to Fujian’s climate. In the Fuzhou simulation, aluminum–plastic co-extruded windows exhibit the lowest cooling energy consumption, while aluminum alloy windows have the highest. Summer cooling energy consumption, comprising about 75% of the total annual energy usage in hot summer and warm winter regions, significantly influences overall energy consumption. Windows made of aluminum–plastic co-extruded material with superior thermal insulation qualities can greatly reduce building energy consumption. The results contribute valuable insights to sustainable building practices and energy-conscious designs in regions characterized by warm winters and hot summers.

Keywords: window frames; heat transfer modeling; U-value; thermal performance; building energy consumption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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