Abstract
As expansion of balconies at apartments has been legalized, the major function of the balconies as a thermal buffer zone is disappearing. This weakens the ability of window to insulate heat and multiplies surface condensation. Thus more and more residents require solutions to increasing surface condensation and aggravation in thermal comfort. This study intends to provide basic data by evaluating performance of triple layered Low-E windows, triple layered clear windows, double layered Low-E windows and double layered clear window used for expanded balconies and marketed within the country in terms of surface condensation and thermal environment through simulation. Results revealed that no surface condensation occurred at double layered Low-E windows and triple layered Low-E windows. Surface condensation took place at double layered clear windows and triple layered clear windows at a relative humidity of 60%. Thermal environment analysis suggested that double layered clear windows showed the most time falling into the range of comfort at $23^{\circ}C$. The figure were $22^{\circ}C$ for triple layered clear windows, $22^{\circ}C$ for double layered Low-E windows and $21^{\circ}C$ for triple layered Low-E windows.
