Facades account for almost 50% of the thermal loads in buildings in the tropics. Excellent optical and thermal properties are necessary, and given the trend for fully glazed buildings, windows and fully-glazed curtain wall systems are of particular importance.
Our current services for industry and opportunities for collaborative research include:
1. Angular resolved optical characterisation of solar materials using a Goniophotometer to:
| | | | Obtain standard optical scatter measurements for any planar, solid, homogeneous and structured material or surfaces of an edge length between 50 and 950mm and a weight not exceeding 50kg Obtain advanced optical scatter measurements using Xenon lamp with an extended spectral range (e.g. solar spectrum) or using long/short pass filters to filter blocks of 200nm range within the visible and near infrared light spectrum. Advanced optical measurements can also include different diameter of the collimated beam to optimally capture inhomogeneous samples with a pattern size of several centimeters. Obtain advanced data visualization, formatting and modeling. Three dimensional plots can be generated for any incidence angle according to user and application specifications. This includes formatting of the data for use in databases or modeling for integration into simulation software such as RADIANCE Assess the optical scatter of light redirecting structures of advanced daylight systems, behavior of anti-reflection coatings at oblique light incidence angles and light trapping glass treatments for glass modules and solar thermal collectors Determine the Selectivity Index (Ratio of visible light transmission over the g-value) for samples suitable for heat transmission measurement with the Calorimeter. This includes angular resolved Selectivity Indices.
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The measurement accuracy of SERIS’ Goniophotometer is validated through round robin measurements with the US Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
2. Spectrally resolved optical characterisation of light using Spectrophotometer on site to:
| | | | Measure the reflected and transmitted irradiance spectrum of solar materials in the visible and UV range of light Derive illuminance levels, color temperature and color rendering index
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3. Spectrally resolved optical characterisation of light using high end UV-VIS-NIR Spectrophotometer in SERIS' laboratory to:
| | | | Measure transmission and reflection of glass, coatings, IGU, solar materials and facade materials Derive U-value, SHGC and Solar Reflectance Index
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4. Luminosity characterisation on site using High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography to:
| | | | Capture luminous intensities for interior spaces using digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. The captured fields of vision can be up to 180 deg using fish eye lenses Derive per-pixel luminance and daylight glare index/probability for visual comfort assessment using Radiance
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5. Thermal characterization of complex fenestration systems using a Calorimeter to determine:
| | | | U-value measurements of complex fenestration systems with protruding external or internal shading devices in compliance with ASTM C1363, C1199, NFRC 102, NFRC 201, ISO 8990 standards not exceeding an edge length of 1500 mm and weight of 150 kg. Derive G-value measurements with a steady-state 18 kW solar simulator for various incident angles of solar radiation from 0 deg (perpendicular) to 80 deg. Average irradiance levels of 400-1,000 W/m2 depending on illuminated area and distance from light source. The resulting g-values are tabled and charted for the various incidence angles of solar radiation. U- and G-value measurements of building integrated photovoltaic modules with and without electrical loads connected. When electrical loads are connected the absorbed and re-radiated heat energy is reduced by an amount equivalent to the electrical energy generated. Different temperature differentials and surface heat transfer coefficients can be realized to measure U- and g-values for different climate conditions.
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The calorimeter at SERIS is designed in compliance with the International standard ASTM C1363 (Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materials and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus) and NFRC 102 (Test Procedure for Measuring the Steady-State Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration Systems) of the US National Fenestration Rating Council.
For further information, please contact:
Dr CHEN Fangzhi
Senior Research Scientist,
SERIS, Solar and Energy Efficient Buildings Cluster
Email: chen.fz@nus.edu.sg
