Three Dimensional Effects on the Thermal Performance of Insulated Curtain Wall Spandrels

Please note: The attached file below contains a paper from the BEST5 conference that is linked to a conference presentation in pdf format. Open with Adobe Acrobat for best results.

Current methods of determining the thermal performance of fenestration systems generally include two dimensional computer modeling and sometimes laboratory testing. While this may be sufficient for typical punched window openings, it may not adequately address the potential for reduced thermal performance of curtain wall systems that incorporate insulated spandrel conditions. This paper evaluates the three-dimensional effects of heat flow through curtain wall spandrel conditions and the relative impact on thermal performance. Industry standard two dimensional computer modeling are used to compare the results with the three-dimensional modeling procedures. Additionally, physical testing of curtain walls with insulated spandrels are included to provide actual results for comparison.