Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : An assessment of the thermal performance of spaces fitted with different types of glazing systems in a central Mediterranean climate

Auteur : Magri, Etienne

Université de soutenance : University of Malta

Grade : Master of Science (MS) Environmental Design 2016

Résumé partiel
Driven by the challenges of energy performance of buildings in Malta coupled with the ever increasing demand for buildings featuring fully glazed facades, this dissertation investigates the thermal performance of different forms of glazing assemblies in the context of a southern Mediterranean climate during the cooling season. The dissertation first provides an understanding of the characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, followed by an insight into the properties of glass and design parameters in relation to the thermal performance. The study outlines different solar control technologies and distinguishes between the performance of each. Inappropriately considering these parameters may result In overheating In summer and heat loss in winter. The relevance of this topic in Malta is evident since the number of predominantly glazed facades is set lo substantially increase with the forthcoming major projects and high-rise buildings. The most important design and glass thermal performance parameters include the U-value and the g-value, with the latter still being omitted from even the latest revision of local legislation on the energy performance of buildings. The study delves into a number of testing-out field experimental setups that have been in place overseas and establishes a testing setup suitable for the carrying of field test experiments on the thermal performance of spaces fitted with different types of glazing assemblies. The dissertation adopts the comparative approach, whereby the thermal performance of a space fitted with four different types of glazing setups are compared with that of a reference setup along the four cardinal orientations. The analysis of the results of the temperature values with the test cells concludes that whereas double glazing units with a solar control coating perform best on the southern orientation due to the substantial incidence of short wave infrared radiation, a double glazed unit having a spectrally selective, low-emissivity coating performs better along the three other cardinal orientations. The study confirms that a low emissivity coating reduces long wave infra-red radiation from sources external to a space, hence being attentive at reducing heat gain even in a cooling-dominated Mediterranean climate.

Présentation (OAR@UM)