Windows thermal resistance: Infrared thermography aided comparative analysis among finite volumes simulations and experimental methods

The experimental measurements indicated a good data coincidence with simulations for both types of windows, with an expected thermal window performance underestimation of the numerical approach. The reasons lie in the use of thermal conductivity cautionary values in simulations, and on the stratification phenomenon (highlighted by the infrared camera), that brings a decrease to the convection heat transfer. It emerges therefore that, if a window manufacturer strives for achieving high performance certified products, the test on an experimental hot box setup becomes more appropriate, since it brings to a thermal resistance evaluation around 10% higher than the one obtained from a simulation procedure.