The finite element method, which is usually employed to study thermal
conduction within solid components, has been utilized to solve coupled
conduction, convection and long-wave radiation problems. As an exampl
e, the thermal behavior of special building envelope components under
transient conditions is investigated, with the aim of establishing the
rate of heat transfer due to the difference between the internal and
external temperatures and to the absorption of the incoming solar radi
ation. The components considered in this paper consist of a two-pane g
lazing system, an open cavity with air circulation, and an opaque wall
. Assuming a sinusoidal variation in the absorbed solar radiation, the
temperature distribution and the heat fluxes are estimated. Compariso
ns with standard components are illustrated, and the efficiency of the
system has been determined as a function of the climatic data.