Fenestration performance maps

This paper discusses the development of a fenestration performance map that will help the building system designer cross-examine code-compliant fenestration systems from the human comfort standpoint. The work presented here is obtained using the BCAP program that was developed during ASHRAE research projects 657 and 907 and improved upon in ASHRAE research project 1162 to incorporate a user-defined fenestration system Human thermal comfort in a room is strongly influenced by the presence of a fenestration system because of the distinctly different thermal and optical properties it possesses in comparison to the walls. Thus, sizing the fenestration system from the thermal comfort standpoint remains the biggest challenge for building designers. This paper presents a possible solution to the challenge in the form of a fenestration performance map, which will help the designer make judicious choices when selecting a fenestration system. The paper also discusses the location of a room heating system during winter to achieve maximum comfortable floor space area.