Simulation of energy performance of buildings with innovative aerogel glazing systems

Silica aerogel window systems were investigated as a strategy to improve thermal comfort and energy performance in a multifunctional building. Experimental data were used for compiling a new meteorological file for Perugia and Perez model was applied in order to process the beam and diffuse solar radiation. The new weather file was implemented in a simply model simulated by means of TRNSYS and EnergyPlus software and results were compared. The validated simulation model was applied in a three floor multifunctional building in different Italian and Chinese cities comparing conventional and innovative (aerogel) glazing systems. Results show that aerogel solution decreases the heating energy demand in all the simulated climatic conditions, especially in the cool climate (energy saving in the 17 - 45% range), while it is slightly significant in cooling period.