Investigation on the influence of solar spectrum on the energy performance of aerogel glazing system

The optical properties between layers in multi-layer glazing systems vary significantly. The traditional method of simulating the solar radiation transmittance is susceptible to significant errors without considering the differences of each layer, which will cause a certain waste of energy. A spectral model that can accurately simulate the transmittance of solar radiation is proposed. The spectral model is validated under laboratory conditions and real conditions. The average relative error to the experimental results was found to be 1.72 %, which is 46.28 % more accurate than the traditional model. Then the spectral model is used to simulate the total indoor solar radiation under actual conditions. The spectral model is compared with the traditional model to analyze the heat gain in different regions and orientations. The results showed that traditional model overestimated the energy saving potential of aerogel glazing system (AGS) in the Barrow, Beijing and London areas. The traditional model overestimated by a maximum of 144.55 kWh/m2. On the other hand, the traditional model underestimated the energy saving potential of AGS in the Kuala Lumpur and Las Vegas areas. The traditional model underestimated by a maximum of 350.60 kWh/m2.