Utilizing Solar-reflective Film on Window Glazing to Reduce Cooling Loads in Tropical Buildings
AUTHORS
Shuyan Zhang, Shanshan Tong, Erna Tan, Marcel Ignatius, and Nyuk Hien Wong
Department of Built Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore
ABSTRACT
Heat transmission through windows significantly contributes to external heat gain in buildings, particularly in tropical climates. This study evaluates the energy savings and cost-effectiveness of applying solar-reflective film to window glazing in retrofitted buildings. A field experiment conducted on an institutional building in Singapore demonstrated that mean radiant temperature near the windows and short-wave radiation through windows can be reduced by up to 1.5°C and nearly 60% during the daytime respectively. Using building energy modeling (BEM), we assessed the thermal performance and potential energy savings of solar-reflective film in buildings with varying WWRs and façade shadings. A cost-effectiveness analysis further indicates that in cases with the absence of external shading or high SHGC glass, solar-reflective films can offer better economic returns.
KEYWORDS
Solar-reflective film, Building energy modelling, Thermal performance, Cooling loads, Tropical building