Using infrared thermography for the creation of a window surface temperature database to validate computer heat transfer models

摘要

IR thermography is well suited for resolving small differences in the thermal performance of highly insulating window systems. Infrared thermographic measurements made in conjunction with reference emitter techniques in a controlled and characterized laboratory setting can have an absolute accuracy of (plus minus)0.5(degree)C. Quantitative infrared thermography requires that a number of sources of error related to measurement accuracy and test environmental conditions be quantified and minimized to the extent possible. Laboratory-based infrared thermography can be used to generate window surface temperature profile databases which can be used to direct the development of 2-D and 3-D finite element and finite difference method fenestration heat transfer simulation codes, identify their strengths and weaknesses, set research priorities, and validate finished modeling tools. Development of such a database is under way at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and will be made available for public use.