A simplified method for modelling the effect of blinds on window thermal performance

An approximate method is presented for predicting the effect of a louvered blind on the centre-glass thermal performance of a fenestration. The method combines a one-dimensional heat transfer model with data from a numerical simulation of the window and blind. Sample results for a blind mounted on the indoor surface of a window show the effect of blind slat angle on heat transmission. Both summer and winter conditions are considered. The results show that a louvered blind can improve the U-value of a standard double-glazed window by up to 37%. Also, the radiation heat exchange with the room can be dramatically reduced (by up to 60%), which will improve the level of occupant comfort. However, there was found to be a trade-off between U-value and occupant comfort; placing the blind closer to the window improves the U-value, but increases the radiation heat exchange with the room. The predictions from the present simplified method compare well with results from a full two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics solution of the conjugate blind/window interaction.