Simplified analysis for free convection in enclosures—Application to an industrial problem

Mounting concern for the preservation of the environment has led the Western world to adopt energy efficiency measures in the buildings sector. Windows have historically been recognized as the thermally weak link in the building fabric. This article presents fundamental analysis for the calculation of the convective heat transfer in the double-glazed window enclosure. The potential for large energy savings due to the use of heavy inert gases, such as krypton and xenon, is also shown.