A novel glazing system filled with hydrogel granules: energy saving, diurnal illumination, color rendering, and co₂ emission mitigation prospective

ABSTRACT

Building glazing systems have a significant impact on air-conditioning loads and diurnal illumination in buildings. Incorporating thermal-insulating materials in the interspace of double-glazing is an ideal energy-efficient choice to insulate glazing for reduced air-conditioning costs with comfortable daylight factors. This paper evaluates the solar-optical, color rendering properties, thermal indices, and cost-savings potential of novel glazing systems, where the air-space of double-glazing is filled with different colored hydrogel granules (hydrogel glazing). Thermo-economic analysis was carried out with a numerical model for India’s three distinct climatic regions (Warm, Hot, and Temperate). Proposed hydrogel glazing showed a substantial heat gain/loss reduction, resulting in enhanced air-conditioning cost savings. The double glazing with orange hydrogels granules (DGOH) showed a reduction of 31.67% in summer solar heat gains for the temperate climate. The analysis had concluded net annual cost savings of 6.99 $/m² for DGOH glazing with a payback period of 0.40 years for the temperate climate. Warm and hot climates also reported identical heat gain reductions and annual savings ($/m²). Carbon emission mitigations of building with hydrogel glazing were estimated with the help of yearly carbon emission factors. The simulated average daylight factors of model buildings with hydrogel glazing were well above the recommended levels in compliance with building codes. The assessed color rendering metrics of hydrogel glazings were satisfactory for visual acceptability in building interiors. The results of this work help engineers and architects to decide on energy-efficient glazing systems for energy-conscious buildings.

KEYWORDS:

• Hydrogels-filled double glazing
• color rendering index
• correlated color temperature
• cooling cost savings
• daylight factor
• carbon emission mitigations

Nomenclature

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maduru Venkata Ramana

Maduru Venkata Ramana is a Ph.D. research scholar working in the Department of Thermal and Energy, School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India.

Shaik Saboor

Dr. Shaik Saboor is currently working as Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Thermal and Energy, School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India. He obtained a Ph.D. degree from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. His research areas are Building heat transfer, Smart glazing systems, Energy efficient building materials, Renewable Energy, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning.