Investigations of 6-pane glazing: Properties and possibilities

•6-pane glazing having a centre of glass U-value of 0.26 W/(m2K) is presented.•Seasonally dependent solar energy transmittance was measured.•Longevity and economics issues of multipane glazing were addressed.•Zero-heating buildings could be a solution for renewables seasonal intermittency. Today there is increasing interest and demand for energy savings in the building sector. Windows still represent a weak point in the building envelope with respect to thermal performance due to thermal losses from the interior to the exterior as well as overheating of the interior due to excessive solar radiation from the exterior environment into the interior. However, windows and glazing structures enable the utilisation of daylight and heat from incident solar radiation, while at the same time providing comfort and a view to the outdoor surroundings. Multipane glazing and windows may represent a possible way to lower energy consumption related to heating and cooling. In this study, a multipane glazing structure, more specifically a 6-pane glazing, has been constructed and investigated with regard to various properties and possibilities. The general configuration of the 6-pane glazing is described. Furthermore, properties such as U-value, solar energy transmittance, visible transmittance, solar heat gain coefficient, glass pane temperatures, vapour permeability, economical aspects, and comfort of living, among others, are analysed. Finally, a case study is presented that demonstrates a 50% reduction in the annual energy consumption after renovation with this 6-pane glazing.