“SOLVENT”: development of a reversible solar-screen glazing system

Preliminary experiments with a novel glazing system developed at the Desert Architecture and Urban Planning Unit of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel indicated that it may provide improved visual and thermal performance in buildings with large glazed areas located in sunny regions, regardless of orientation. In winter, it reduces glare, local over-heating and damage to furnishings caused by exposure to direct solar radiation, with only a small reduction in solar space heating. In summer, it reduces the penetration of unwanted radiation without obstructing the view through the window, to an extent that may render external shading devices unnecessary. The SOLVENT project was contracted to complete the development of the glazing system, which is based on the concept of converting short-wave solar radiation to convective heat and long wave radiation. The glazing system was modeled and evaluated experimentally; a suitable frame was developed for it; and a design tool required for its application was developed. The current paper reports on physical modeling and experimental evaluation of the glazing system.