Evaluation of inside surface condensation in double glazing window system with insulation spacer: A case study of residential complex

Aluminum spacer used to keep the glass panes apart acts as a thermal bridge that increases the risk of inside surface condensation due to its high thermal conductivity. In this study, the inside surface condensation in double glazing window systems with conventional aluminum spacer and insulation spacers made of thermally broken aluminum and thick-walled plastic, respectively, is evaluated. Evaluation method and judgment criteria for preventing inside surface condensation are suggested. Thermal characteristics of window system in residential unit are analyzed and two-dimensional steady state heat transfer simulation is carried out in order to obtain the lowest inside surface temperature. The results show that the application of insulation spacer can substantially increase the lowest inside surface temperature, temperature difference ratio and inside air humidity for preventing inside surface condensation and satisfy the required minimum temperature difference ratio. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.