@conference {11970, title = {Infrared Thermography Measurements of Window Thermal Test Specimen: Surface Temperatures}, booktitle = {ASHRAE Seminar}, year = {2001}, month = {01/2002}, address = {Atlantic City, NJ}, abstract = {

Temperature distribution data are presented for the warm-side surface of three different window specimens. The specimens were placed between warm and cold environmental chambers that were operated in steady state at two different standard design conditions for winter heating. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) temperature conditions were 21.1 deg. C (70 deg. F) and -17.8 deg. C (0 deg. F) on the warm and cold sides, respectively. The International Standards Organization (ISO) temperature conditions were 20.0 deg. C (68.0 deg. F) and 0.0 deg. C (32.0 deg. F) on the warm and cold sides, respectively. Surface temperature maps were compiled using an infrared thermographic system with an external referencing technique, a traversing point infrared thermometer and thermocouples. The infrared techniques allow detailed, non-intrusive mapping of surface temperatures. Surface temperature data are plotted for the vertical distribution along the centerline of the window specimen. This paper is part of larger round-robin collaborative effort that studied this same set of window specimens. These studies were conducted to improve and check the accuracy of computer simulations for predicting the condensation resistance of window products. Data collected for a Calibrated Transfer Standard showed that convective effects outside the window gap are important for predicting surface temperatures.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Howdy Goudey and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @article {11949, title = {Improving Computer Simulations of Heat Transfer for Projecting Fenestration products: Using Radiation View-Factor Models}, journal = {ASHRAE Transactions}, volume = {104, Part 1}, number = {Part 1}, year = {1997}, abstract = {

The window well formed by the concave surface on the warm side of skylights and garden windows can cause surface heat-flow rates to be different for these projecting types of fenestration products than for normal planar windows. Current methods of simulating fenestration thermal conductance (U-value) use constant boundary condition values for overall surface heat transfer. Simulations that account for local variations in surface heat transfer rates (radiation and convection) may be more accurate for rating and labeling window products whose surfaces project outside a building envelope. This paper, which presents simulation and experimental results for one projecting geometry, is the first step in documenting the importance of these local effects.

A generic specimen, called the foam garden window, was used in simulations and experiments to investigate heat transfer of projecting surfaces. Experiments focused on a vertical cross section (measurement plane) located at the middle of the window well on the warm side of the specimen. The specimen was placed between laboratory thermal chambers that were operated at American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) winter heating design conditions. Infrared thermography was used to map surface temperatures. Air temperature and velocity were mapped throughout the measurement plane using a mechanical traversing system. Finite-element computer simulations that directly modeled element-to-element radiation were better able to match experimental data than simulations that used fixed coefficients for total surface heat transfer. Air conditions observed in the window well suggest that localized convective effects were the reason for the difference between actual and modeled surface temperatures. U-value simulation results were 5 to 10\% lower when radiation was modeled directly.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Dragan C. Curcija and Daniel Turler and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @techreport {58588, title = {An Infrared Thermography-Based Window Surface Temperature Database for the Validation of Computer Heat Transfer Models}, year = {1995}, month = {03/1995}, abstract = {

Fenestration heat transfer simulation codes are used in energy performance rating and labeling procedures to model heat transfer through window systems and to calculate window U-values and condensation resistance factors. Experimental measurements of window thermal performance can direct the development of these codes, identify their strengths and weaknesses, set research priorities, and validate finished modeling tools. Infrared (IR) thermography is a measurement technique that is well suited to this task. IR thermography is a relatively fast, non-invasive, non-destructive technique that can resolve thermal performance differences between window components and window systems to a higher degree than a conventional hot box test. Infrared thermography provides spatial resolution of system performance by generating surface temperature maps of windows under controlled and characterized environmental conditions.

This paper summarizes basic theory and techniques for maximizing the accuracy and utility of infrared thermographic temperature measurements of window systems and components in a controlled laboratory setting. The physical setup of a complete infrared thermographic test facility at a major U.S. national research laboratory is described. Temperature measurement issues, and accuracy limits, for quantitative laboratory infrared thermography are discussed. An external reference emitter allows test-specific correction of absolute temperatures measured with an infrared scanner, resulting in {\textquoteright}an absolute measurement accuracy of {\textpm}O.5{\textdegree}C. Quantitative IR thermography is used to form a database of window surface temperature profiles for the validation of finite-element and finite-difference fenestration heat transfer modeling tools. An IR window surface temperature database with complete technical drawings of the windows tested; specification of all test window dimensions, materials, and thermal conductivities; environmental conditions of the tests with associated measurement errors; and two-dimensional surface temperature maps and selected cross sectional temperature profiles in a spreadsheet database format on an electronic media are presented.

}, author = {Fredric A. Beck and Brent T. Griffith and Daniel Turler and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @conference {12004, title = {Issues Associated with the Use of Infrared Thermography for Experimental Testing of Insulated Systems}, booktitle = {Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VI Conference }, year = {1995}, month = {12/1995}, address = {Clearwater Beach, FL}, abstract = {

Infrared scanning radiometers are used to generate temperature maps of building envelope components, including windows and insulation. These temperature maps may assist in evaluating components thermal performance. Although infrared imaging has long been used for field evaluations, controlled laboratory conditions allow improvements in quantitative measurements of surface temperature using reference emitter techniques.

This paper discusses issues associated with the accuracy of using infrared scanning radiometers to generate temperature maps of building envelope components under steady-state, controlled laboratory conditions. Preliminary experimental data are presented for the accuracy and uniformity of response of one commercial infrared scanner. The specified accuracy of this scanner for temperature measurements is 2 {\textdegree}C or 2\% of the total range of values (span) being measured. A technique is described for improving this accuracy using a temperature-controlled external reference emitter. Minimum temperature measurement accuracy with a reference emitter is estimated at {\textpm}0.5 {\textdegree}C for ambient air and background radiation at 21.1 {\textdegree}C and surface temperatures from 0 {\textdegree}C to 21 {\textdegree}C.

Infrared imaging, with a reference emitter technique, is being used to create a database of temperature maps for a range of window systems, varying in physical complexity, material properties, and thermal performance. The database is to be distributed to developers of fenestration heat transfer simulation programs to help validate their models. Representative data are included for two insulated glazing units with different spacer systems.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Fredric A. Beck and Dariush K. Arasteh and Daniel Turler} } @conference {11987, title = {Integrated Window Systems: An Advanced Energy-Efficient Residential Fenestration Product}, booktitle = {19th National Passive Solar Conference}, year = {1994}, month = {06/1994}, address = {San Jose, CA}, abstract = {

The last several years have produced a wide variety of new window products aimed at reducing the energy impacts associated with residential windows. Improvements have focused on reducing the rate at which heat flows through the total window product by conduction/convection and thermal radiation (quantified by the U-factor) as well as in controlling solar heat gain (measured by the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) or Shading Coefficient (SC).

Significant improvements in window performance have been made with low-E coated glazings, gas fills in multiple pane windows and with changes in spacer and frame materials and designs. These improvements have been changes to existing design concepts. They have pushed the limits of the individual features and revealed weaknesses. The next generation of windows will have to incorporate new materials and ideas, like recessed night insulation, seasonal sun shades and structural window frames, into the design, manufacturing and construction process, to produce an integrated window system that will be an energy and comfort asset.

}, author = {Dariush K. Arasteh and Brent T. Griffith and Paul LaBerge} }