The use of transparent insulating materials in low energy consumption buildings, trough the study of thermal and optical behaviour

Abstract

This article discusses the use of innovative transparent materials in residential buildings with low energetic consumption and describes a simulation of their performance during winter. The behaviour of these materials was studied both from a thermic point of view and from the point of view of the quality of daylight illumination To simulate the behaviour of these materials, we used different forecasting software to measure and, at the same time, analyse their luminosity, their thermal characteristics and the resulting energy saving. The results show a considerable saving in energy even in terms of the greater economic investment needed for the installation of these innovative surfaces. Results regarding drops in external temperature were also interesting, especially when the extra sunlight provided by these materials was considered. Another important aspect was the undeniable effects of low thermal dispersion guaranteed by the materials in question. The evaluation of the luminous microclimate, obtained thanks to a more efficient distribution of natural illumination, was also positive, as was that regarding thermal comfort created by the maximum exploitation of the material’s thermophysical and spectrometric characteristics.