Monday, December 9, 2024
Editor: Kyle Niblett
In an era where energy efficiency and sustainable building practices are paramount, the longevity of fenestration — windows and other glazing products — has become a critical focus. The durability of windows directly impacts energy performance, thermal and visual comfort, and overall building integrity. Traditionally, assessing window deterioration has been invasive, expensive, and time-consuming. But a new approach pioneered by researchers at the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP) promises use of a novel methodology which will provide a cost-effective means to analyze glazing optical and thermal performance deterioration in window that affects its energy efficiency.
A Collaborative Breakthrough
Led by doctoral student researchers Rahul Aggarwal and Damilola Onatayo at the UrbSys lab (Urban Building Energy, Sensing, Controls, Big Data Analysis and Visualization) and supported by experts Dr. Ravi Srinivasan (Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives and Professor of Construction Management), Dr. Ross McCluney, and Mr. Bipin Shah, the team is working towards developing a non-destructive, on-site window glazing deterioration estimation method using cutting-edge full spectrum photo-optic technology. This novel approach is poised to revolutionize how we assess the optical and thermal performance of windows in both new and ageing built environments.
“Our method would offer a much-needed alternative to invasive techniques that can damage installed window in the field or require their removal for lab testing,” says Rahul Aggarwal “With photo-optics, we could quickly and accurately assess deterioration on-site, saving time, cost, and resources.”
The Science Behind It
The new technology developed at UF DCP will use full spectrum imaging, which captures highly detailed visual data from glazing surfaces. The device will detect deterioration indicators that are invisible to the human eye, such as material, coating degradation, and gas leakage, by evaluating variations in light reflection, and transmission.
The team have already developed a method to extract the peak light intensity value recorded by the full spectrum camera and a light source that closely mimics the solar spectrum at sea level.
“Optical measurements allow us to detect subtle changes in the glass properties and , inert gas leakage,” explains Damilola Onatayo.
Energy Efficiency and Beyond
Deteriorating windows are a major source of energy loss in buildings, leading to increased heating and cooling demands. As Dr. Ravi Srinivasan, an expert in energy-efficient building practices, points out, “Detecting deterioration early means we can prevent significant energy inefficiencies. By using this non-invasive method, building owners and facility managers will be able to take action before the damage becomes severe, ensuring that their buildings remain energy-efficient and cost-effective.”
Dr. Ross McCluney, a renowned physicist in the field of optical systems, adds, “The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t require any invasive procedures because it takes advantage of the natural interaction between light and materials to provide us with clear, actionable insights.”
A Provisional Patent Secured
The significance of this work is underscored by the fact that the team has already filed a non-provisional patent (U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 18/165,640, filed February 7, 2023) for their non-destructive window deterioration estimation method. This development positions their invention for future commercial applications, potentially transforming the way glazing unit in windows are maintained across industries. From commercial skyscrapers to historic buildings, the ability to assess window health efficiently could lead to massive cost savings and environmental benefits.
“We’re excited about the potential this has to improve the sustainability of building management practices,” says Mr. Bipin Shah, CEO of Winbuild Inc. “This technology is not only practical but scalable across different types of buildings and other fields, offering a universal solution to some common problems.”
Looking Ahead
With this innovative method, the team is not only advancing window health diagnostics but also contributing to broader efforts in sustainable construction and building longevity. As climate change continues to affect energy consumption patterns and building performance standards tighten globally, the ability to maintain optimal window conditions will be more crucial than ever.
As this pioneering team continues to explore the full capabilities of their invention, the future of building fenestration may soon be brighter—and more transparent—than ever before.