An Acoustic Window System with Optimum Ventilation and Daylighting Performance

Abstract

The paper presents a series of theoretical, experimental and numerical studies on using transparent micro-perforated absorbers in a window system to allow noise attenuation whilst at the same time maintaining ventilation for comfort and daylighting. The underlying theory for micro-perforated absorbers and the application in silencers is examined. Experimental results between a semi-anechoic chamber and a reverberant chamber using a standard window mock-up are presented. Numerical simulation using finite element method is summarised, considering the effects of opening size, air gap, louvers, hood, and absorbers. It is shown that such a window system can perform better than closed single glazed windows, while still allowing for significantly more ventilation for comfort than most current systems as well as for high levels of light ingress.