@techreport {1770, title = {RESFEN 3.1: A PC Program for Calculating the Heating and Cooling Energy Use of Windows in Residential Buildings}, year = {1999}, month = {08/1999}, institution = {Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory}, address = {Berkeley}, abstract = {

A computer tool such as RESFEN can help consumers and builders pick the most energy-efficient and cost-effective window for a given application, whether it is a new home, an addition, or a window replacement. It calculates heating and cooling energy use and associated costs as well as peak heating and cooling demand for specific window products. Users define a specific scenario by specifying house type (single-story or two-story), geographic location, orientation, electricity and gas cost, and building configuration details (such as wall, floor, and HVAC system type). Users also specify size, shading, and thermal properties of the window they wish to investigate. The thermal properties that RESFEN requires are: U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and air leakage rate. RESFEN calculates the energy and cost implications of the window compared to an insulated wall. The relative energy and cost impacts of two different windows can be compared.

RESFEN 3.0 was a major improvement over previous versions because it performs hourly calculations using a version of the DOE 2.1E (LBL 1980, Winkelmann et al. 1993) energy analysis simulation program. RESFEN 3.1 incorporates additional improvements including input assumptions for the base case buildings taken from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Annual Energy Subcommittee{\textquoteright}s efforts.

}, author = {Robin Mitchell and Yu Joe Huang and Dariush K. Arasteh and Robert Sullivan and Santosh Phillip} } @conference {11809, title = {Energy and Daylight Performance of Angular Selective Glazings}, booktitle = {ASHRAE/DOE/BTECC Conference, Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VII}, year = {1998}, month = {12/1998}, address = {Clearwater Beach, FL}, abstract = {

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the energy and daylight performance of anisotropic angular selective glazings. The DOE-2.1E energy simulation program was used to determine the annual cooling, lighting and total electricity use, and peak electric demand. RADIANCE, a lighting simulation program, was used to determine daylight illuminance levels and distribution. We simulated a prototypical commercial office building module located in Blythe, California. We chose three hypothetical conventional windows for comparison: a single-pane tinted window, a double-pane low-E window, and a double-pane spectrally selective window. Daylighting controls were used. No interior shades were modeled in order to isolate the energy effects of the angular selective glazing. Our results show that the energy performance of the prototype angular selective windows is about the same as conventional windows for a 9.14 m (30 ft) deep south-facing perimeter zone with a large-area window in the hot, sunny climate of Blythe. It is theoretically possible to tune the angular selectivity of the glazing to achieve annual cooling energy reductions of 18\%, total electricity use reductions of 15\%, and peak electric demand reductions of 11\% when compared to a conventional glazing with the same solar-optical properties at normal incidence. Angular selective glazings can provide more uniformly distributed daylight, particularly in the area next to the window, which will result in a more visually comfortable work environment.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Liliana O. Beltran and Eleanor S. Lee and Michael D. Rubin and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @techreport {1951, title = {Validation studies of the DOE-2 Building Energy Simulation Program. Final Report}, year = {1998}, abstract = {

This report documents many of the validation studies (Table 1) of the DOE-2 building energy analysis simulation program that have taken place since 1981. Results for several versions of the program are presented with the most recent study conducted in 1996 on version DOE-2.1E and the most distant study conducted in 1981 on version DOE-1.3. This work is part of an effort related to continued development of DOE-2, particularly in its use as a simulation engine for new specialized versions of the program such as the recently released RESFEN 3.1. RESFEN 3.1 is a program specifically dealing with analyzing the energy performance of windows in residential buildings. The intent in providing the results of these validation studies is to give potential users of the program a high degree of confidence in the calculated results.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Frederick C. Winkelmann} } @techreport {58587, title = {RESFEN 3.0: A PC Program for Calculating the Heating and Cooling Energy Use of Windows in Residential Buildings}, year = {1997}, month = {12/1997}, pages = {38}, institution = {Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory}, abstract = {

Today{\textquoteright}s energy-efficient windows can dramatically lower the heating and cooling costs associated with windows while increasing occupant comfort and minimizing window surface condensation problems. However, consumers are often confused about how to pick the most efficient window for their residence. They are typically given window properties such as U-factors or R-values, Solar Heat Gain Coefficients or Shading Coefficients, and air leakage rates. However, the relative importance of these properties depends on the site and building specific conditions. Furthermore, these properties are based on static evaluation conditions that are very different from the real situation the window will be used in. Knowing the energy and associated cost implications of different windows will help consumers and builders make the best decision for their particular application, whether it is a new home, an addition, or a window replacement.

A computer tool such as RESFEN can help consumers and builders pick the most energy-efficient and cost-effective window for a given application. It calculates the heating and cooling energy use and associated costs as well as the peak heating and cooling demand for specific window products. Users define a problem by specifying the house type (single story or two story), geographic location, orientation, electricity and gas cost, and building configuration details (such as wall type, floor type, and HVAC systems). Window options are defined by specifying the window{\textquoteleft}s size, shading, and thermal properties: U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and air leakage rate. RESFEN calculates the energy and cost implications of the windows compared to insulated walls. The relative energy and cost impacts of two different windows can be compared against each other.

RESFEN 3.0 is a major improvement over previous versions of RESFEN because it performs hourly calculations using a version of the DOE 2.1E energy analysis simulation program.

}, author = {Yu Joe Huang and Robert Sullivan and Dariush K. Arasteh and Robin Mitchell} } @conference {11828, title = {Energy Performance Analysis of Prototype Electrochromic Windows}, booktitle = {ASHRAE Transactions}, volume = {103, Part 2}, year = {1996}, month = {07/1997}, pages = {149-156}, address = {Boston, MA}, abstract = {

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the energy performance of three newly developed prototype electrochromic devices. The DOE-2.1E energy simulation program was used to analyze the annual cooling, lighting, and total electric energy use and peak demand as a function of window type and size. We simulated a prototypical commercial office building module located in the cooling-dominated locations of Phoenix, AZ and Miami, FL. Heating energy use was also studied in the heating-dominated location of Madison, WI. Daylight illuminance was used to control electrochromic state-switching. Two types of window systems were analyzed; i.e., the outer pane electrochromic glazing was combined with either a conventional low-E or a spectrally selective inner pane. The properties of the electrochromic glazings are based on measured data of new prototypes developed as part of a cooperative DOE-industry program.

Our results show the largest difference in annual electric energy performance between the different window types occurs in Phoenix and is about 6.5 kWh/m2 floor area (0.60 kWh/ft2) which can represent a cost of about $.52/m2 ($.05/ft2) using electricity costing $.08/kWh. Much larger differences exist when electrochromic windows are compared to conventional glazings in use today. At large window sizes, such energy savings can be as large as 90 kWh/m2 (8.4 kWh/ft2). Specific electrochromic performance varies with window-to-wall area ratio; i.e., at low ratios, one type electrochromic performs best, while at large ratios, another type performs best. In general, an electrochromic glazing combined with a spectrally selective glazings is better than one combined with a low-E glazing; however, at low-window-to-wall area ratios, this situation reverses slightly. There is almost no difference in peak electric demand for the different electrochromic windows analyzed.

In heating-dominated locations, the electrochromic should be maintained in its bleached state during the heating season to take advantage of beneficial solar heat gain which would reduce the amount of required heating. This also means that the electrochromic window with the largest solar heat gain coefficient is best. The largest heating energy performance difference in Madison for the various window types is 43 MJ/m2 floor area (4.0 kBtu/ft2). This represents a cost of about $.26/m2 floor area ($.024/ft2) using gas costing $0.60/therm ($5.69/GJ, $6.00/MBtu). However, a non-switching electrochromic will not provide desired glare control so that a control strategy that minimizes winter heating use may not be routinely desirable in many buildings.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Michael D. Rubin and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @conference {11831, title = {The Energy Performance of Electrochromic Windows in Heating-Dominated Geographic Locations}, booktitle = {SPIE International Symposium on Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency \& Solar Energy Conversion XV}, year = {1996}, month = {09/1996}, address = {Freiburg, Germany}, abstract = {

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the energy performance of electrochromic windows in heating-dominated geographic locations under a variety of state-switching control strategies. We used the DOE-2.1E energy simulation program to analyze the annual heating, cooling and lighting energy use and performance as a function of glazing type, size, and electrochromic control strategy. We simulated a prototypical commercial office building module located in Madison, Wisconsin. Control strategies analyzed were based on daylight illuminance, incident total solar radiation, and space cooling load. Our results show that overall energy performance is best if the electrochromic is left in its clear or bleached state during the heating season, but controlled during the cooling season using daylight illuminance as a control strategy. Even in such heating dominated locations as Madison, there is still a well-defined cooling season when electrochromic switching will be beneficial. However, having the electrochromic remain in its bleached state during the winter season may result in glare and visual comfort problems for occupants much in the same way as conventional glazings.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Eleanor S. Lee and Michael D. Rubin and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @conference {11832, title = {Energy Performance of Evacuated Glazings in Residential Buildings}, booktitle = {ASHRAE 1996 Summer Meeting, June 22-26, 1996}, volume = {102, Part 2}, year = {1996}, month = {06/1996}, address = {San Antonio, TX}, abstract = {

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the energy performance of evacuated glazings or glazings which maintain a vacuum between two panes of glass. Their performance is measured by comparing results to prototype highly insulated superwindows as well as a more conventional insulating glass unit with a low-E coating and argon gas fill. We used the DOE-2.1E energy analysis simulation program to analyze the annual and hourly heating energy use due to the windows of a prototypical single-story house located in Madison, Wisconsin. Cooling energy performance was also investigated. Our results show that for highly insulating windows, the solar heat gain coefficient is as important as the windows U-factor in determining heating performance for window orientations facing west-south-east. For other orientations in which there is not much direct solar radiation, the windows U-factor primarily governs performance. The vacuum glazings had lower heating requirements than the superwindows for most window orientations. The conventional low-E window outperformed the superwindows for southwest-south-southeast orientations. These performance differences are directly related to the solar heat gain coefficients of the various windows analyzed. The cooling performance of the windows was inversely related to the heating performance. The low solar heat gain coefficients of the superwindows resulted in the best cooling performance. However, we were able to mitigate the cooling differences of the windows by using an interior shading device that reduced the amount of solar gain.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Fredric A. Beck and Dariush K. Arasteh and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @conference {1960, title = {Visual Quality Assessment of Electrochromic and Conventional Glazings}, booktitle = {SPIE Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion XV}, year = {1996}, month = {09/1996}, address = {Freiburg, Germany}, abstract = {

Variable transmission, switchable electrochromic glazings are compared to conventional static glazings using computer simulations to assess the daylighting quality of a commercial office environment where paper and computer tasks are performed. RADIANCE simulations were made for a west-facing commercial office space under clear and overcast sky conditions. This visualization tool was used to model different glazing types, to com-pute luminance and illuminance levels, and to generate a parametric set of photorealistic im-ages of typical interior views at various times of the day and year. Privacy and visual dis-play terminal (VDT) visibility is explored. Electrochromic glazings result in a more consis-tent glare-free daylit environment compared to their static counterparts. However, if the glazing is controlled to minimize glare or to maintain low interior daylight levels for critical visual tasks (e.g., VDT), occupants may object to the diminished quality of the outdoor view due to its low transmission (Tv=0.08) during those hours. RADIANCE proved to be a very powerful tool to better understand some of the design tradeoffs of this emerging glazing technology. Our ability to draw specific conclusions about the relative value of dif-ferent technologies or control strategies is limited by the lack of agreed upon criteria or standards for lighting quality and visibility.

}, author = {Martin Moeck and Eleanor S. Lee and Michael D. Rubin and Robert Sullivan and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @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 {12115, title = {NFRC Efforts to Develop a Residential Fenestration Annual Energy Rating Methodology}, booktitle = {Window Innovations Conference 1995}, year = {1995}, month = {06/1995}, address = {Toronto, Canada}, abstract = {

This paper documents efforts currently being undertaken by the National Fenestration Rating Councils Annual Energy Rating Subcommittee to develop procedures to quantify the energy impacts of fenestration products in typical residential buildings throughout the United States. Parallel paths focus on (1) the development of simplified heating and cooling indices and (2) the development of a more detailed methodology to calculate the cost and energy impacts of specific products in a variety of housing types. These procedures are currently under discussion by NFRCs Technical Committee; future efforts will also address commercial buildings.

}, author = {Brian Crooks and James Larsen and Robert Sullivan and Dariush K. Arasteh and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @conference {12211, title = {Reducing Residential Cooling Requirements Through the Use of Electrochromic Windows}, booktitle = {Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VI Conference Proceedings}, year = {1995}, month = {12/1995}, address = {Clearwater Beach, FL}, abstract = {

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the energy performance of electrochromic windows in a prototypical residential building under a variety of state switching control strategies. We used the DOE-2.1E energy simulation program to analyze the annual cooling energy and peak demand as a function of glazing type, size, and electrochromic control strategy. A single-story ranch-style home located in the cooling-dominated locations of Miami, FL and Phoenix, AZ was simulated. Electrochromic control strategies analyzed were based on incident total solar radiation, space cooling load, and outside air temperature. Our results show that an electrochromic material with a high reflectance in the colored state provides the best performance for all control strategies. On the other hand, electrochromic switching using space cooling load provides the best performance for all the electrochrornic materials. The performance of the incident total solar radiation control strategy varies as a function of the values of solar radiation which trigger the bleached and colored states of the electrochromic (setpoint range); i.e., required cooling decreases as the setpoint range decreases; also, performance differences among electrochromics increases. The setpoint range of outside air temperature control of electrochromics must relate to the ambient weather conditions prevalent in a particular location. If the setpoint range is too large, electrochromic cooling performance is very poor. Electrochromics compare favorably to conventional low-E clear glazings that have high solar heat gain coefficients that are used with overhangs. However, low-E tinted glazings with low solar heat gain coefficients can outperform certain electrochromics. Overhangs should be considered as a design option for electrochromics whose state properties do not change significantly between bleached and colored states.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Michael D. Rubin and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @conference {11772, title = {Effect of Switching Control Strategies on the Energy Performance of Electrochromic Windows}, booktitle = {SPIE International Symposium on Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion XIII, April 18-22, 1994}, year = {1994}, month = {04/1994}, address = {Freiburg, Germany}, abstract = {

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the energy performance of electrochromic windows under a variety of state-switching control strategies. We used the DOE-2.1E energy simulation program to analyze the annual cooling, lighting, and total electricity use and peak demand as a function of glazing type, size, and electrochromic control strategy. We simulated a prototypical commercial office building module located in the cooling-dominated location of Blythe, California. Control strategies analyzed were based on daylight illuminance, incident total solar radiation, and space cooling load. Our results show that when a daylighting strategy is used to reduce electric lighting requirements, control algorithms based on daylight illuminance results in the best overall annual energy performance. If daylighting is not an design option, controls based on space cooling load yield the best performance through solar heat gain reduction. The performance of incident total solar radiation control strategies varies as a function of the switching setpoints; for small to moderate window sizes which result in small to moderate solar gains, a large setpoint-range was best since it provides increased illuminance for daylighting without much cooling penalty; for larger window sizes, which provide adequate daylight, a smaller setpoint-range was best to reduce unwanted solar heat gains and the consequential increased cooling requirement. Of particular importance is the fact that reduction in peak electric demand was found to be independent of the type of control strategy used for electrochromic switching. This is because the electrochromics are generally in their most colored state under peak conditions, and the mechanism used for achieving such a state is not important.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Eleanor S. Lee and Konstantinos M. Papamichael and Michael D. Rubin and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @conference {12233, title = {A Review of Electrochromic Window Performance Factors}, booktitle = {SPIE 13. International Symposium on Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion}, year = {1994}, month = {04/1994}, address = {Freiburg, Germany}, abstract = {

The performance factors which will influence the market acceptance of electrochromic windows are reviewed. A set of data representing the optical properties of existing and foreseeable electrochromic window devices was generated. The issue of reflective versus absorbing electrochromics was explored. This data was used in the DOE 2.1 building energy model to calculate the expected energy savings compared to conventional glazings. The effects of several different control strategies were tested. Significant energy and peak electric demand benefits were obtained for some electrochromic types. Use of predictive control algorithms to optimize cooling control may result in greater energy savings. Initial economic results considering annual savings, cooling equipment cost savings, and electrochromic window costs are presented. Calculations of thermal and visual comfort show additional benefits from electrochromics but more work is needed to quantify their importance. The design freedom and aesthetic possibilities of these dynamic glazings should provide additional market benefits, but their impact is difficult to assess at this time. Ultimately, a full assessment of the market viability of electrochromics must consider the impacts of all of these issues.

}, author = {Stephen E. Selkowitz and Michael D. Rubin and Eleanor S. Lee and Robert Sullivan} } @techreport {1978, title = {Window U-Value Effects on Residential Cooling Load}, year = {1993}, abstract = {

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the effects of window U-value changes on residential cooling loads. We used the DOE-2.1D energy analysis simulation program to analyze the hourly, daily, monthly, and annual cooling loads as a function of window U-value. The performance of a prototypical single-story house was examined in three locations: hot and humid, Miami FL; hot and dry, Phoenix AZ; and a heating-dominated location with a mildly hot and humid summer, Madison WI. Our results show that when comparing windows with identical orientation, size, and shading coefficient, higher U-value windows often yield lower annual cooling loads, but lower U-value windows yield lower peak cooling loads. This occurs because the window with the higher U-value conducts more heat from inside the residence to the outside during morning and evening hours when the outside air temperature is often lower than the inside air temperature; and, a lower U-value window conducts less heat from outside to inside during summer afternoon peak cooling hours. The absolute effects are relatively small when compared to total annual cooling which is typically dominated by window solar heat gain effects, latent loads, and internal loads. The U-value effect on cooling is also small when compared to both the effects of U-value and solar heat gain on heating load. Our modeling assumed that U-value and solar heat gain could be independently controlled. In fact, reducing window conductance to the levels used in this study implies adding a second glazing layer which always reduces solar heat gain, thus reducing annual cooling. Thus, when we compare realistic options, e.g., single pane clear to double pane clear, or single pane tinted to double pane tinted, the double pane unit shows lower annual cooling, as well as lower peak loads.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Karl J. Frost and Dariush K. Arasteh and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @article {11829, title = {Energy Performance and Savings Potentials with Skylights}, journal = {ASHRAE Transactions}, volume = {91}, number = {1}, year = {1985}, pages = {154-179}, abstract = {

This study systematically explores the energy effects of skylight systems in a prototypical office building module and examines the savings from daylighting. For specific climates, roof/skylight characteristics are identified that minimize total energy or peak electrical demand. Simplified techniques for energy performance calculation are also presented based on a multiple regression analysis of our data base so that one may easily evaluate daylightings effects on total and component energy loads and electrical peaks. This provides additional insights into the influence of skylight parameters on energy consumption and electrical peaks. We use the DOE-2.15 energy analysis program with newly incorporated daylighting algorithms to determine hourly, monthly, and annual impacts of daylighting strategies on electrical lighting consumption, cooling, heating, fan power, peak electrical demands, and total energy use. A database of more than 2000 parametric simulations for 14 U.S. climates has been generated. Parameters varied include skylight-to-roof ratio, shading coefficient, visible transmittance, skylight well light loss, electric lighting power density, roof heat transfer coefficient, and electric lighting control type.

}, author = {Dariush K. Arasteh and Russell Johnson and Stephen E. Selkowitz and Robert Sullivan} } @conference {1810, title = {Skylight Energy Performance and Design Optimization}, booktitle = {Windows in Building Design and Maintanence}, year = {1984}, month = {06/1984}, address = {Gothenburg, Sweden}, abstract = {

Proper skylight utilization can significantly lower energy requirements and peak electrical loads for space conditioning and lighting in commercial buildings. In this study we systematically explore the energy effects of skylight systems in a prototypical officesbuilding and examine the savings from daylighting. We used the DOE-2.1B energy analysis computer program with its newly incorporated daylighting algorithims to generate more than 2000 parametric simulations for seven U.S. climates. The parameters varied include skylight-to-roof ratio, shading coefficient, visible transmittance, skylight well light loss, electric lighting powersdensity, roof heat transfer coefficient, and type of electric lighting control. For specific climates we identify roof/skylight characteristics that minimize total energy or peak electrical load requirements.

}, author = {Dariush K. Arasteh and Russell Johnson and Robert Sullivan} }