Thermal Models for Box Type Windows: Part 1

Abstract

Techniques for the thermal modelling of contemporary single skin windows with insulating glass units are well developed, but their applicability for traditional box type windows is under investigated. Due to their different construction and dimensions, a different type of natural convection is encountered in their air cavity. In this article, a literature review is conducted to analyse the characteristics of this flow and its difference from the flows in contemporary windows. Finally, the best-known correlations used to quantify the convective heat transfer in glazing cavities are analysed with regards to their validity for the specific case of box type windows.