A collaborative research project was undertaken to generate surface temperature profiles for the indoor side of seven different double- and triple-glazed insulated units exposed to the ASHRAE winter design condition. Four research groups produced four sets of results in a blind study. Two sets were measured by means of thermography and two were generated using two-dimensional numerical simulation. In addition, each simulation group produced results using simplified methods. Companion papers each present results from individual studies along with some observations and commentary. This paper, an overview, presents a compilation of results and provides the opportunity for a variety of comparisons. Good agreement was found among all four sets of data. Simplified simulation models also show promise. The reassurance offered by these accomplishments is important because both the measurement and simulation methods are in the early stages of development. In addition, details found in individual temperature profiles provide valuable insights regarding the mechanisms of window heat transfer.

KEYWORDS: year 1996, surface temperature, double glazing, triple glazing, insulating window films, thermophotography, measuring, calculating, computer programs, comparing, heat flow, windows, heat transfer coefficient, thermal conductivity, condensation