Hello,
For a project, I have for the first time to integrate translucent panels into my model on Design Builder. For now I'm considering it as a glazing with its U-value, g-value and light Transmission factor. Is it correct to consider it like that, or is there a more correct way to include it in the calculations?
Thanks in advance
Best Regards,
If these are architectural panels, then modeling them as windows with matching U-value, transmittance, and solar heat gain coefficient or g-value is the best approach. Trying to model the architectural panels as a "normal" construction with material layers like other wall assemblies will NOT WORK, because EnergyPlus assumes that material objects are opaque (ZERO transmittance) according to the Engineering Reference for surface heat balance calculations.
Thanks for your answer. However, the translucent panels doesn't allow the direct solar gains to enter the area, but only the diffuse one. How is it modeled considering that?
In that case, you won't be able to use the Simple Glazing System object, since it is meant for specular (non-diffuse) windows (according to Engineering Reference doc). You'll need to create individual Glazing Material and Gas Material (if gas filler) layers to use in a Construction object to create the window assembly. The "Solar Diffusing" input field of Glazing Material objects is where you specify specular vs diffuse. This should only be diffuse for innermost glazing layer.
So in my case, I should consider the translucent panels as a wall, and apply the properties of the polycarbonate panels directly there? Makes sense, because now the solar gains are overheating the spaces, which should not be the case. Thanks for your answer ;)
When you say "should not be the case", do you have a measurement result that translucent panel does not overheat the space?
Hi Ery, Not excatly what I meant. I want to say that a translucent panel would block sun compared to a glazing as the proportion of direct and diffuse radiation getting in aren't the same. Not measurement, no proof here though..
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hi, I have a project in the field of translucent and transparent panels in Design Builder , I wanted to know how can I model these panels for thermal analysis in the building? can you help me ?