Fenestration Thermal Performance Research

Thermal Performance of Fenestration Systems is a research field within the Building Energy Efficiency Program at the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  This research work is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs and the University of Massachusetts under Cooperative Agreement No. DE-FG03-94SF1812.

Research at BEEP is focused on computer modeling of advanced heat and mass transfer of fenestration products (windows, doors, skylights, curtain walls, etc.).  This research is closely coordinated with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's (LBNL) Windows and Daylighting Program, Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL) Fenestration Research within the group for Building Envelope Research, Florida Solar Energy Center's Fenestration Research, and other research organizations. 

University of Massachusetts has actively participated in this research for over 10 years and has significantly contributed to the body of knowledge of fenestration systems.  The results of our research are used in support of fenestration related industry and consumers.  The algorithms developed by BEEP researchers are used in national and international standards, fenestration rating methods, and computer programs.  These organizations include: the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM), the International Standards Organization (ISO), and others.