@techreport {1892, title = {THERM 2.1 NFRC Simulation Manual}, year = {2000}, month = {07/2000}, pages = {260}, abstract = {

This document, the THERM 2.1 NFRC Simulation Manual, discusses how to use THERM to model products for NFRC certified simulations and assumes that the user is already familiar with the THERM program. In order to learn how to use THERM, it is necessary to become familiar with the material in the THERM User{\textquoteright}s Manual.

In general, this manual references the THERM User{\textquoteright}s Manual rather than repeating the information.

If there is a conflict between the THERM User{\textquoteright}s Manual and the THERM 2.1 NFRC Simulation Manual, the THERM 2.1 NFRC Simulation Manual takes precedence.

}, author = {Robin Mitchell and Christian Kohler and Dariush K. Arasteh and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Charlie Huizenga and Dragan C. Curcija and John Carmody} } @conference {1890, title = {THERM 2.0: A Building Component Model for Steady-State Two-Dimensional Heat Transfer}, booktitle = {Building Simulation 99, International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA)}, year = {1999}, month = {09/1999}, address = {Kyoto, Japan}, abstract = {

THERM 2.0 is a state-of-the-art software program, available without cost, that uses the finite-element method to model steady-state, two-dimensional heat-transfer problems. It includes a powerful simulation engine combined with a simple, interactive interface and graphic results. Although it was developed primarily to model thermal properties of windows, it is appropriate for other building components such as walls, doors, roofs, and foundations, and is useful for modeling thermal bridges in many other contexts, such as the design of equipment.

}, author = {Charlie Huizenga and Dariush K. Arasteh and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Robin Mitchell and Brent T. Griffith and Dragan C. Curcija} } @techreport {1916, title = {Toward a Virtual Building Laboratory}, year = {1999}, month = {03/1999}, abstract = {

Buildings account for about one-third of all energy used in the US and about two-thirds of all electricity, with associated environmental impacts.(EIA 1996) After more than 20 years of DOE-supported research universities and national laboratories, a great deal is known about the energy performance of buildings and especially their components and subsystems. The development and market introduction of improved energy efficient technology, such as low-E windows and electronic ballasts, have helped reduce energy use, and the resultant savings will increase, as use of the new technologies becomes more widespread. A variety of approaches to speed market penetration have been and are being pursued, including information dissemination, research to evaluate performance and development of computer tools for making energy performance simulations available to architects and engineers at the earliest design stages. Public-domain computer building energy simulation models, (BLAST_Support_Office 1992; Winkelmann, Birdsall et al. 1993) a controversial idea 20 years ago, have been extremely successful in facilitating the design of more energy-efficient buildings and providing the technical basis for improved state building codes, federal guidelines, and voluntary standards. But the full potential of savings, estimated at 50\% of current consumption or $100 billion/year, (Bevington and Rosenfeld 1990; Todesco 1996; Holdren 1997; Kolderup and Syphers 1997; ORNL, LBNL et al. 1997) will require that architects and engineers take an integrated look at buildings beginning in the early design phase, with increasing use of sophisticated, complex and interrelated building systems. This puts a greater burden on the designer and engineer to make accurate engineering decisions.

}, author = {Joseph H. Klems and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Thomas H. Olsen and David W Banks and Jani M. Pallis} } @conference {1847, title = {State-of-the-Art Software for Window Energy-Efficiency Rating and Labeling}, booktitle = {ACEEE 1998 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings}, year = {1998}, month = {08/1998}, address = {Pacific Grove, CA}, abstract = {

Measuring the thermal performance of windows in typical residential buildings is an expensive proposition. Not only is laboratory testing expensive, but each window manufacturer typically offers hundreds of individual products, each of which has different thermal performance properties. With over a thousand window manufacturers nationally, a testing-based rating system would be prohibitively expensive to the industry and to consumers.

Beginning in the early 1990s, simulation software began to be used as part of a national program for rating window U-values. The rating program has since been expanded to include Solar Hear Gain Coefficients and is now being extended to annual energy performance.

This paper describes four software packages available to the public from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). These software packages are used to evaluate window thermal performance: RESFEN (for evaluating annual energy costs), WINDOW (for calculating a products thermal performance properties), THERM (a preprocessor for WINDOW that determines two-dimensional heat-transfer effects), and Optics (a preprocessor for WINDOWs glass database).

Software not only offers a less expensive means than testing to evaluate window performance, it can also be used during the design process to help manufacturers produce windows that will meet target specifications. In addition, software can show small improvements in window performance that might not be detected in actual testing because of large uncertainties in test procedures.

}, author = {Dariush K. Arasteh and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Yu Joe Huang and Charlie Huizenga and Robin Mitchell and Michael D. Rubin} } @article {1880, title = {Teaching Students about Two-Dimensional Heat Transfer Effects in Buildings, Building Components, Equipment, and Appliances Using THERM 2.0}, journal = {ASHRAE Transactions}, volume = {105, Part 1}, year = {1998}, month = {01/1999}, address = {Chicago, IL}, abstract = {

THERM 2.0 is a state-of-the-art software program, available for free, that uses the finite-element method to model steady-state, two-dimensional heat-transfer effects. It is being used internationally in graduate and undergraduate laboratories and classes as an interactive educational tool to help students gain a better understanding of heat transfer. THERM offers students a powerful simulation engine combined with a simple, interactive interface and graphic results. Although it was developed to model thermal properties of building components such as windows, walls, doors, roofs, and foundations, it is useful for modeling thermal bridges in many other contexts, such as the design of equipment. These capabilities make THERM a useful teaching tool in classes on: heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC); energy conservation; building design; and other subjects where heat-transfer theory and applications are important. THERMs state-of-the-art interface and graphic presentation allow students to see heat-transfer paths and to learn how changes in materials affect heat transfer. THERM is an excellent tool for helping students understand the practical application of heat-transfer theory.

}, author = {Charlie Huizenga and Dariush K. Arasteh and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Robin Mitchell and Brent T. Griffith} } @techreport {1891, title = {THERM 2.0: a PC Program for Analyzing Two-Dimensional Heat Transfer through Building products}, year = {1998}, abstract = {

THERM is a state-of-the-art, Microsoft Windows?-based computer program developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) for use by building component manufacturers, engineers, educators, students, architects, and others interested in heat transfer. Using THERM, you can model two-dimensional heat-transfer effects in building components such as windows, walls, foundations, roofs, and doors; appliances; and other products where thermal bridges are of concern. THERM{\textquoteright}s heat-transfer analysis allows you to evaluate a product?s energy efficiency and local temperature patterns, which may relate directly to problems with condensation, moisture damage, and structural integrity.

This version of THERM includes several new technical and user interface features; the most significant is a radiation view-factor algorithm. This feature increases the accuracy of calculations in situations where you are analyzing non-planar surfaces that have different temperatures and exchange energy through radiation heat transfer. This heat-transfer mechanism is important in greenhouse windows, hollow cavities, and some aluminum frames.

}, author = {Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Robin Mitchell and Dariush K. Arasteh and Charlie Huizenga and Dragan C. Curcija} } @article {11906, title = {Guidelines for Modeling Projecting Fenestration Products}, journal = {ASHRAE Transactions}, volume = {104, Part 1}, year = {1997}, month = {01/1998}, address = {San Francisco, CA}, abstract = {

Heat transfer patterns in projecting fenestration products (greenhouse windows, skylights, etc.) are different than those with typical planar window products. The projecting surfaces often radiate to each other, thereby invalidating the commonly used assumption that fenestration product interior surfaces radiate to a uniform room air temperature. The convective portion of the surface heat transfer coefficient is also significantly different from the one used with planar geometries, and is even more dependent on geometry and location. Projecting fenestration product profiles must therefore be modeled in their entirety. This paper presents the results of complete cross section, variable film-coefficient, 2-D heat transfer modeling of two greenhouse windows using the next generation of window specific heat transfer modeling tools. The use of variable film-coefficient models is shown to increase the accuracy with which simulation tools can compute U-factors. Simulated U-factors are also determined using conventional constant film coefficient algorithms. The results from both sets of simulations are compared with measured values.

}, author = {Dariush K. Arasteh and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Dragan C. Curcija and Jeff Baker and Charlie Huizenga} } @article {1794, title = {The Significance of Bolts in the Thermal Performance of Curtain-Wall Frames for Glazed Fa{\c c}ades}, journal = {ASHRAE Transactions}, volume = {104, Part 1}, year = {1997}, month = {01/1998}, address = {San Francisco, CA}, abstract = {

Curtain walls are assemblies of glazings and metal frames that commonly form the exterior glass fa{\c c}ades of commercial buildings. Evaluating the thermal performance of the bolts that hold curtain wall glazings in place is necessary to accurately rate the overall thermal performance of curtain walls. Using laboratory tests and computer simulations, we assessed the thermal performance of several different configurations of bolts and glazings. Curtain-wall samples were tested in the infrared thermography laboratory at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in Berkeley, California. Experimental results were compared to two-dimensional simulations approximating the thermal effect of the bolts using the parallel path and the isothermal planes calculation methods. We conclude that stainless steel bolts minimally affect curtain-wall thermal performance (approximately 18\%) when spaced at least nine inches apart, which is the industry standard. Performance is increasingly compromised when there is less than nine inches between bolts or when steel bolts are used. We also show that the isothermal planes method of approximating curtain wall thermal performance can be used with 2-D heat transfer software typical of that used in the window industry to give conservative results for the thermal bridging effect caused by bolts.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Mehry Yazdanian and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @conference {11532, title = {Advances in Thermal and Optical Simulations of Fenestration Systems: The Development of WINDOW 5}, booktitle = {Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VI Conference }, year = {1995}, month = {12/1995}, address = {Clearwater Beach, FL}, abstract = {

WINDOW is a personal-computer-based computer program used by manufacturers, researchers, and consumers to evaluate the thermal performance properties (U-factors, solar heat gain and shading coefficients, and visible transmittances) of complete windows and other fenestration systems. While WINDOW is used by thousands of users in the United States and internationally and is at the foundation of the National Fenestration Rating Council{\textquoteright}s U-factor and solar heat gain property procedures, improvements to the program are still necessary for it to meet user needs. Version 5, intended for release in late 1995, is being developed to meet these needs for increased accuracy, a flexible and state-of-the-art user interface, and the capabilities to handle more product types.

WINDOW 5 includes the capabilities to define and model the thermal performance of frames/dividers and their associated edge effects. Currently, such an analysis must be performed outside of WINDOW and requires simplifications to be made to frame profiles or is based on the use of generic frame and edge correlations. WINDOW{\textquoteright}s two-dimensional thermal model is composed of four sections: a graphical input, automatic grid generation, an finite-element analysis (FEA) solution, and the display of results. In the graphical input section, users are able to directly import a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing or a scanned image of a window profile, replicate its exact geometry, and assign material types and boundary conditions. The automatic grid generation is transparent to the user, with the exception of the requirement that complex shapes (i.e., an aluminum extrusion) be broken down into simpler polyshapes. Inclusion of an automatic grid generation makes detailed "true geometry" frame-and-edge heat-transfer analysis accessible to users without extensive knowledge of numerical methods of heat-transfer analysis. After the cross section is meshed it is sent to the FEA engine for solution and the results are returned. A postprocessor allows for the visual display of temperature and heat flux plots. Note that while this two-dimensional heat-transfer tool is being developed specifically for fenestration products, it also can be used to analyze other building envelope components.

WINDOW 5 also will include a built-in version of a national laboratory{\textquoteright}s program that allows the user to estimate the orientation-dependent annual energy impacts of a given window in a typical residence in various U.S. climates. This program is based on regressions to a database of DOE2.1 runs. Future versions will include a similar feature for commercial buildings.

Other technical additions include an improved angular/ spectral model for coated and uncoated glazings, the ability to analyze the optical properties of nonhomogeneous layers, and the ability to model the effects of laminated glazing layers. A door module permits the user to compute the total U-factors of exterior doors based on component U-factors calculated using the two-dimensional FEA module.

}, author = {Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Dariush K. Arasteh and Michael D. Rubin and John Sadlier and Robert Sullivan and Charlie Huizenga and Dragan C. Curcija and Mark Beall} } @conference {12210, title = {Recent Technical Improvements to the WINDOW Computer Program}, booktitle = {Window Innovations 95}, year = {1995}, month = {06/1995}, address = {Toronto, Canada}, abstract = {

The WINDOW series of computer programs has been used since 1985 to model the thermal and optical properties of windows. Each succeeding version of WINDOW has brought its user base new technical capabilities, improvements to the user interface, and greater accuracy. Technical improvements to the current version, which will be released as version 5, are at first being released as stand-alone programs. This paper summarizes the capabilities and algorithms of two of these programs, THERM and LAMINATE. A third stand alone program, RESFEN, which calculates the annual energy effects of specific windows in a typical house throughout the US, will also be incorporated into WINDOW 5; because this program is already in use and documented, it is not discussed in this paper. THERM allows the user to evaluate two dimensional (2-D) heat transfer effects through the solid elements of a window while LAMINATE determines the optical properties of an individual glazing layer with an applied film. Both of these programs are undergoing final development at the time of this writing and will be released as separate programs before they are incorporated into WINDOW 5.

}, author = {Dariush K. Arasteh and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Michael D. Rubin and John Sadlier} } @techreport {1970, title = {WINDOW 4.1: Program Description}, year = {1994}, abstract = {

WINDOW 4.1 is a publicly available IBM PC compatible computer program developed by the Windows and Daylighting Group at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory for calculating total window thermal performance indices (i.e. U-values, solar heat gain coefficients, shading coefficients, and visible transmittances). WINDOW 4.1 provides a versatile heat transfer analysis method consistent with the rating procedure developed by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The program can be used to design and develop new products, to rate and compare performance characteristics of all types of window products, to assist educators in teaching heat transfer through windows, and to help public officials in developing building energy codes.

WINDOW 4.1 is an update to WINDOW 4.0. The WINDOW 4 series is a major revision to previous versions of WINDOW. We strongly urge all users to read this manual before using the program. Users who need professional assistance with the WINDOW 4.1 program or other window performance simulation issues are encouraged to contact one or more of the NFRC-accredited Simulation Laboratories.

}, author = {Dariush K. Arasteh and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Charlie Huizenga} } @techreport {1968, title = {Window 4.0: Documentation of Calculation Procedures}, year = {1993}, abstract = {

WINDOW 4.0 is a publicly available IBM PC compatible computer program developed by the Building Technologies Group at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory for calculating the thermal and optical properties necessary for heat transfer analyses of fenestration products. This report explains the calculation methods used in WINDOW 4.0 and is meant as a tool for those interested in understanding the procedures contained in WINDOW 4.0. All the calculations are discussed in the International System of units (SI).

}, author = {Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Dariush K. Arasteh and Charlie Huizenga and Michael D. Rubin and M. Susan Reilly} }