Abstract
This study develops and validates a comprehensive energy-balance model for predicting the thermal behaviour of multi-pane glazing systems, with a specific focus on Radiant Glass (RG) and conventional Double-Glazed Units (DGU). A nonlinear mathematical framework integrating conduction, convection, and long-wave radiation is formulated using established heat-transfer correlations and glazing standards. The model is implemented through iterative numerical methods and evaluated against long-term full-scale experimental data collected from two identical test cells equipped with DGU and RG systems under real winter boundary conditions. Seven representative days were analysed to compare measured surface temperatures with model predictions. Results show excellent agreement for both glazing types, with RG, despite larger gradients induced by active heating, demonstrates high predictive accuracy, minimal deviations and very strong statistical correlation. Discrepancies are mainly attributed to environmental uncertainties and convection-model simplifications. This work fills a gap in the literature by validating the model and providing a robust framework for predicting RG performance under real boundary conditions, supporting future integration into building-energy simulation tools, predictive control strategies, and whole-building energy assessments, thereby enabling advanced assessment of adaptive radiant façade technologies. • Validated nonlinear energy-balance model for multi-pane radiant glazing systems. • Strong agreement between predicted and measured glass surface temperatures. • Model accurately reproduces Radiant Glass behaviour under active heating. • Full-scale winter experiments confirm high correlations for Radiant Glass system. • Framework enables integration of Radiant Glass into building simulation tools.
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