Thermal Mass Window System

A thermal mass window system is a technology that has been evolving over the recent years. In this type of window system, glass blocks are filled with water and covered with an exterior glazing. The exterior glazing is a fixed unit with a U-value of .29 and a SHGC of .76, a pretty good balance for a solar window. The glass blocks are 16”X16” and 4” thick. The water-filled glass blocks are designed to capture and store the suns energy within the window. This allows the consumer to modulate the suns energy throughout the house. A third element to this window system is exterior shading. This reduces much of the summer solar heat gains not previously addressed by overhangs and help reduce night time heat loss in the winter. 

More information on this product can be found at the link below, along with a video pertaining to a specific thermal mass window system.

http://www.eebt.org/Trombe.html