A Study on Changes of Window Thermal Performance by Analysis of Physical Test Results in Korea

Abstract

The interest in zero energy buildings is increasing in South Korea. Zero energy buildings need to save energy by using passive technology. The window performance is important to the thermal insulation of the building. Also, the government regulates the window performance through regulation and standards. However, it is difficult to predict window performance because the components of the window have become complicated due to the various materials used in the glass and frame. Based on window performance standards and regulations, the quality of window performance was managed. In this research, to consider thermal performance in proper window design in South Korea, we confirmed the impact on the thermal performance of the window through various kinds of materials and shapes. The authors also propose a window shape classification and frame calculation method based on actual test results. The authors analyzed the thermal performance data of the windows provided by the Korea Energy Agency and confirmed the change in the thermal performance of the windows by year and by frame material. The average U-value of the window decreased from 2012 to 2015 and maintained similar values until 2017. In 2018, this value was decreased to comply. Also, the authors confirmed the U-value of the windows through actual physical experiments and confirmed the change in thermal performance by the construction of the windows based on the results. The results show, in the case of aluminum windows, the U-value corresponding to Grade 3 (1.4–2.1 W/m2·K) was as high as about 60%. Regarding the analyzed results of the U-values of PVC windows, Grade 3 (U-value of 1.4–2.1 W/m2·K) accounted for about 35%, and Grade 2 (U-value of 1.0–1.4 W/m2·K) for about 29%. This paper also confirmed that the frame U-value of the PVC windows is lower than the frame U-value of the aluminum windows. Therefore, the authors proposed the performance index of the glazing part in PVC and aluminum window design. The results of this research can be used as basic data to identify problems in the method of determining the performance of windows in Korea.