The investigation of heat transfer across the sealed insulated glass unit when deflection occurs

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to investigate the influence of deflection of a sealed double glazing pane unit on the thermal performance. In order to investigate heat transfer through a glass unit, numerical simulation model was used in the analysis and a large-scale glass unit test model has been constructed for this experimental investigation. The experimental investigation has been performed in a climate chamber. Heat flow through the glass unit has been determined with heat flux sensors and temperatures on the inside and outside surfaces of the glass unit have been measured to determine the thermal resistance of the glass unit. According to results extra heat transfer due to deflection of glass unit is insignificant if initial distance between glasses is even through the whole area of a glass unit, but it may rise up as high as 30 % at the central part, if the glass unit is made with initial deflection of glass unit panes. Experimental results show greater heat transfer than calculations.