Experimental Measurement of Radiation Heat Transfer from Complex Fenestration Systems

Abstract

A well instrumented facility for the measurement of heat transfer from complex fenestration systems was built and validated. The facility provided very accurate measurements based on the uncertainty analysis. Results are also highly repeatable. Results of the airflow analysis showed a strong buoyant plume was always present on the fenestration, even at high flow rates from an overhead linear slot diffuser. Although the buoyant plume was always present, system airflow still had an affect on temperature profiles and created areas of mixed convection. Radiation data showed system airflow did have a significant affect on the heat transfer with some airflow rates showing a 40% reduction in radiant fraction over the zero-airflow case. Future work will be to full characterize the airflow adjacent to the fenestration and to develop heat transfer correlations.