Heat Transfer Analysis of Building Window Films Using the Finite Element Method with Economic Evaluation in a Tropical Climate
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Abstract
This study investigates heat transfer behavior within buildings under steady-state conditions by comparing the performance of five types of window films: metallic film, black phosphorus film, clear heat-resistant film, safety film, and ceramic film. Although previous studies have examined the properties of window films, there remains a lack of comparative analysis under a unified numerical model combined with economic evaluation in a tropical climate context. In this study, the Finite Element Method (FEM) was applied to analyze the two-dimensional temperature distribution. A numerical model was developed using the C programming language, and the results were validated against simulations obtained from COMSOL Multiphysics. The findings indicate that the ceramic film provides the most effective thermal performance under the given modeling conditions. It achieves the lowest inner glass surface temperature of 35.12 oC and reduces heat transfer through glass by 31.67 %. From an economic perspective, the ceramic film can reduce annual energy costs by approximately 929.39 THB, lowering the electricity expense to 2,005.51 THB per year, with a payback period of approximately 3.87 years. These results suggest a strong potential for cost-effectiveness under the model assumptions. However, the model considers only conductive heat transfer and does not account for convection and radiation effects. Therefore, the results should be interpreted within these limitations. This study contributes to bridging thermodynamic analysis and economic decision-making, supporting the selection of materials for energy-efficient building design in hot climate regions.
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