The thermal efficacy of double, triple, and quadruple glazing under the extreme heat conditions prevalent in Dubai's climate (A field-based investigation).

This study thoroughly investigated the thermal characteristics of three distinct glazing types utilized in Dubai: double glazing (DG), triple glazing (TG), and quadruple glazing (QG). A thermal chamber was skillfully constructed employing these three glazing forms, which underwent exposure to the severe summer conditions representative of Dubai. The thermal metrics within the chamber were documented and subsequently compared for analytical purposes.
Environmental data loggers were strategically positioned inside to monitor and assess the air temperature and relative humidity across the box’s three compartments. The primary objective was to ascertain whether the thermal performance in the QG compartment was significantly enhanced relative to the TG and DG compartments, attributed to its superior U-value. It is anticipated that the inner air temperature of the QG compartment will be lower than that of the other two, indicating superior thermal performance.
To establish a foundational benchmark for this research, an independent weather station—isolated from surrounding structures—was used to measure the microclimate in the vicinity of the experiment. The hot box was strategically oriented toward the south to optimize exposure to both direct and indirect solar radiation during the morning and afternoon hours.
The findings reveal pronounced differences in the thermal efficiency of the three glazing types, particularly during the daytime in the summer months. QG demonstrated exceptional performance, with a lower air temperature profile recorded within its compartment in contrast to TG and DG.
Overall, the data from this study suggest that the incorporation of additional layers within the glazing system effectively mitigates heat transfer to internal environments, with QG achieving the lowest internal air temperature. This research aims to illuminate the practical implications of employing QG glazing, particularly in the pursuit of enhancing building energy efficiency while drawing comparisons with its double and triple-layered counterparts.