Test cell analysis of the use of a supply air window as a passive solar component

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the performance characteristic of a 'double' window used to pre-heat background room ventilation. A theoretical model of heat exchange conditions within the window was compared with results from a test cell. The test cell was used in different modes, firstly free-ventilated with the service room window and interconnecting duet to the cell left open, and then with forced ventilation at a consistent velocity to analyse the relative extent of direct solar and ventilation heat gain. A subsidiary study sought to determine the frequency of positive and negative air Row through trickle vents under real house conditions, this was compared with glass temperatures from the test cell measurements to assess the risk of condensation forming within the window. By reference to recent work on ventilated PV systems it was possible to derive a method of relating the U value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient within the window cavity to a range of boundary conditions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.