Passive solar windows, that not only capture the suns energy, they store it as well. The windows shown in my previous video (sorry for the poor lighting) discribes the windows and gives some detail about how this window system is constructed and purpose behind it. The clip below shows how the windows are performing and how we are measuring the performance. Everyone that has had the opportunity to see this window is amazed that it contains 4" of water you are looking through along with 4 panes of glass. The optical clearity and beauty of the design is truly amazing. It is not often in passive solar design that we can incorporate such beauty with function, while making an architectural statement. The window shown is the first prototype of the window to leave the testing facility, were it as been under developement for several years. The design is still being worked on, as this system was installed several lessons were learned and the developer will continue to work out the details of the product. As a prototype, most the parts of the system were made by hand and the cost to do this would be very expensive. Through the testing of this window and hopefully other test sites, this product will continue to develop to point at which it will be ready for market. It is my hope that this will happen quickly, as the potential of the product to change the way that people look at passive solar energy, while saving hundreds if not thousands in energy cost along the way. I'll post more as the testing continues over the next year or more. We are installing a data logging system to keep track of the performance of the windows and that information will be posted when it is available.
Solar on Tom
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Thermal mass is not insulation, and insulation is not thermal mass.
ReplyDeleteThermal mass is therefore useful only when insulated - otherwise it is just a cold bridge to the outside.
So this window has little or no insulation value - as opposed to a normal double gazed window.
Since the thermal mass is thermally connected to the outside temeperature any heat stored during a sunny period is rapidly lost to the outside as the temperature outside drops, and then rapidly followed by the heat in the room.
Keep the insulation value of the normal double-glazed window, and place some sort of thermal mass inside the room next to the window.
To Garyv,
ReplyDeleteI quess you didn't see that there is a specific 1" insulated glazing on the exterior of the thermal mass blocks. Actually the exterior glazing used has a U-value of .29 and a SHGC of .76
A better U-value than required by energy star, and a SHGC that is 2.5-3 times better than anything available at any building center.
Along with exterior solar shades for control of excess solar heat gain.
Solar energy is the best natural resource that we have this time even more that fuel is too expensive. In fact i want to approach costa rica investment opportunities and look all the alternative this country can have because it climate. We must to find the way to save our planet and to use solar energy could be the first step.
ReplyDeleteHey Tom, great post. I can definitely see the benefits of solar windows. I'm a professional window tinter in TX, serving the Dallas and Flower Mound area. I'm wondering if you see major benefits to high-performance window film in combo with solar windows? And if so, if you would recommend a great manufacturer of solar windows. I'm contemplating adding a solar window offering to my services.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting article and videos, thanks for the share Tom. Would you recommend installing solar windows in older homes? I'm a Dover NH roofer but also do general construction... Just wondering what your thoughts are. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJackie
Excellent post, Tom. I'm a roofing contractor in Boston and we have definitely received a large influx of inquiries from customers inquiring about solar windows over the past few months. I can see it continuing to grow as a new trend.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to learning more about this in the future.
I've seen a few different of these blogs that talk about solar panels and how much it will effect us in the future. I own a professional window tinting altamonte springs
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