Laboratory studies were carried out to investigate the influence of fabric structure and geometric configuration of multilayer window draperies on the thermal insulation characteristics of drapery models. Drapery assemblies representing various configurations of drapery fullness, lining fullness, and spatial separation between lining and drapery fabrics were sealed at sides, top, and bottom to a full-scale window built into an insulated wall between a cold chamber, which simulated outdoor winter conditions, and the inside of a test room, which was maintained at indoor winter conditions. Thermal transmittance of the window/fabric system was measured by transducers mounted on the surface of the window glass. The temperature of the cold chamber, the temperature and relative humidity of the test room, and the heat transfer were monitored by a desk-top computer system. The influence of fabric structure, drapery and lining, fabric surface area, and volume of air space within the drapery assembly on thermal transmittance are discussed.

Units: Dual