Abstract

The use of Low-Emissivity windows has increased over the past 20 years to account for over 80% of residential windows currently in use. In specific cases these windows have caused vinyl siding deformation, or melting, on neighboring houses due to the focusing of sun energy from curved window surfaces. To better understand this problem, our goal was to create a tool to predict the possibility of siding damage in a given house and neighboring house set up in any location in the United States. Important factors include the prediction of sun angles and intensity, model of the sun intensity focusing from the window surface, application of a transient temperature analysis of a multilayered surface, and analysis of the damage due to time exposed to increased temperatures. From the use of this tool, we were able to identify the key factors that lead to the deformation of siding.

Project Experience

The team of four students from Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Departments worked together on this project. To understand relation of the vinyl siding deformity and low e windows’ reflections, the team built a model to calculate the low e window’s reflection intensity of sunlight throughout the year at various geo-location. Various simulations were run to compare the behavior of low e window’s reflections throughout the year.

Project Achievements

1. Explained the behavior and properties of Low E Window that becomes variable according to sun path, geo-location and temperatures,

2. Created a model that can determine the reflection of the Low E Window depending on geo-location,

3. Explained how the reflection of light and heat can affect of the aging process of vinyl sidings.