Window design strategies to maximize the thermal comfort in different climatic zones

Abstract

A window can be defined as an opening in the side of a building envelope, through which the building makes the interaction between the interior and exterior environment. Therefore , windows affect the internal environment as well as external appearance. However, the external appearance is more important than the internal environment in commercial buildings for the external appearance helps to attract people. When the building is occupied however, the internal environment assumes first place. The internal environment is influenced by the windows.In commercial buildings large ground level openings are used to make buildings look more open at ground level there is restrictions like boundary 4 walls, gates etc. Which however, become less as the building rises up. At a higher level of a building there is plenty of natural air movement, direct sun light etc. If these natural elements are properly used, buildings will have a comfortable interior environment. The control of these natural elements can be done by the design of windows and window modifications at different levels as ground, middle and upper levels. The size, shape position,orientation etc of a window are the determining factors of quality and quantity of ventilation which is admitted to the interior. For example small openings at a higher level of a building will remove heated air. Another example is that windows with high heat capacities will reduce heat penetration into the building and also store heat to maintain a constant temperature inside the building throughout the day. The proper window design and window modifications can be used in buildings in warm humid climates, to improve the air movement and to maintain thermal comfort level in the buildings. One of the many requirements of good building in the provision of a comfortable thermal environment for the user. However, with the development of technology and other aspects, energy consumption has increased. Therefore, the designer must use methods of providing thermal comfort to the user as well as exercise energy conservation techniques in the building design, taking into account the needs of the user and the prevailing climatic conditions. In this attempt, the recent developments of computer software packages can be used to predict thermal condition in buildings.