Chapter 4 - Testing
Learn about the EN 13823:2020 standard, also known as the Single Burning Item (SBI) test, which assesses fire reaction characteristics by measuring smoke production, flame spread, and other critical factors.
The tested smart window system had a unique three-layer glass configuration, a plastic frame, and an integrated PLURAL ventilation system. Calcium Silicate panels were used to fill spaces around the window according to the SBI test specifications.
Gain insights into the behaviour of the smart window under high temperatures. Key findings indicated a classification of C-s3, d0, meaning moderate flame spread and significant smoke production. The test noted a steep temperature increase, especially after the 900-second mark, with the upper vent reaching a peak of 950°C. The plastic frame, untreated for fire resistance, was a primary factor in the collapse of the specimen.
Material Selection for Fire Safety: The test highlighted that using non-fire-retardant plastic frames contributed to high temperatures and structural failure. Future designs aim to incorporate fire-treated materials to enhance the window’s fire resistance and structural integrity.
Temperature Management in Ventilation: The PLURAL smart window’s design, which includes a ventilation system, will undergo adjustments to better manage temperatures in case of fire, enhancing overall safety for residential applications.
Future Steps: The fire testing of the PLURAL smart window provides essential data for improving safety features in the design of energy-efficient window systems. By selecting fire-resistant materials and enhancing temperature control in the ventilation, the project can advance towards safer, smarter renovations.
In this lesson, we examine the fire testing of the PLURAL project’s innovative smart window, which incorporates heat harvesting technology to improve energy efficiency. Conducted at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) with key partners BGTech (the window developer) and AMS (the SmartWall manufacturer), this test evaluated the fire resistance of the smart window integrated within the prefabricated PLURAL system. This video outlines the testing procedure, materials used, and key takeaways from the fire performance results.
