Manufacturing and designing fenestration units

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit comprising at least one frame portion and at least one glazing portion. The method comprises obtaining thermal transmittance values of a plurality of samp

Description

Technical Filed The present disclosure concerns measures for use in manufacturing and designing fenestration units. Background Fenestration units such as windows and / or doors are required in most modern buildings. Fenestration units have thermal and optical transmittance parameters that should meet local building compliance and regulations. For example, the thermal transmittance value of a fenestration unit, often referred to as a ‘U value’, measures how well or poorly a fenestration unit transmits heat from one side e.g. inside a building, to the other side e.g. outside the building. Ideally, a fenestration unit’s thermal transmittance value should be low to ensure that the fenestration unit is thermally efficient e.g. to lower energy consumption in a building. The thermal transmittance parameters of a fenestration unit are based on the fenestration unit’s structure, materials and geometry, and may be calculated before and after manufacturing. For example, before manufacturing a fenestration unit, a theoretical value for the thermal transmittance of a fenestration unit (typically referred to as ‘U compliance’ value) is calculated for a standard fenestration unit size e.g. a window of 1.23 m x 1.48 m. However, any difference between the standard fenestration unit size used to calculate the theoretical ‘U compliance’ value for the thermal transmittance of a fenestration unit and the size of the fenestration unit to be manufactured results in discrepancies between the theoretical ‘U compliance’ value for the thermal transmittance of a fenestration unit and the thermal transmittance value of the manufactured window. Similarly, a theoretical value for the thermal transmittance value of a fenestration unit to be manufactured (typically referred to a ‘U actual’ value) can be calculated. A computerised calculator may be used to calculate the thermal transmittance value of the fenestration unit which takes into consideration the dimensions of the fenestration unit to be manufactured. The calculated thermal transmittance value of the fenestration unit should meet the requirements of local fenestration regulations, for example, BS EN ISO 10077-1. However, calculating the thermal transmittance value of a fenestration unit can be complex and intricate, requiring specialised knowledge and resources. Performing the calculation of the ‘U actual’ value of the thermal transmittance value of a fenestration unit may be slow and costly. Manually calculating the thermal transmittance of a fenestration unit can be subject to unintentional errors, or in some cases, intentionally inaccurate data input. Also, in some cases, the dimensions or materials of the fenestration unit to be manufactured may change between the time of calculating the thermal transmittance value and manufacturing the fenestration unit. Therefore, the calculated thermal transmittance value of a fenestration unit may differ to measured thermal transmittance value of the manufactured fenestration unit. Calculated thermal transmittance value of a fenestration unit should be sent to an Approved or Notified Body for validation. Obtaining validation of calculated thermal transmittance values can be slow and costly. In some cases, this may lead to adjusting the thermal transmittance value in order to meet any current standards. Manufactured fenestration units may undergo testing to validate the fenestration units’ compliance with industry standard transmittance parameters and energy ratings. If a manufactured fenestration unit does not meet industry standards, this may result in fines, legal issues, and further expense. The present disclosure seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present disclosure seeks to provide improved manufacturing and design of fenestration units. Summary According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of manufacturing a fenestration unit comprising at least one frame portion and at least one glazing portion, the method comprising: obtaining, via a network, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; obtaining, via a network, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; retrieving, via a network, from a production management database of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured and storing the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; calculating, on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database, one or more validated transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations, and storing the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; and manufacturing the fenestration unit on the basis of the stored calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a system for manufacturing a fenestration unit comprising at least one frame portion and at least one glazing portion, the system comprising one or more processors configured to obtain, via a network, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, and store the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; obtain, via a network, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and store the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; retrieve, via a network, from a database of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured and store the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; calculate, on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database, one or more validated transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations, and store the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; and manufacture the fenestration unit on the basis of the stored calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a computer program comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed by a computerised device, cause the computerised device to perform a method of designing a fenestration unit comprising: obtaining, via a network, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; obtaining, via a network, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; retrieving, via a network, from a production management database of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured and storing the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; and calculating, on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database, one or more validated transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit to be manufactured, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations, and storing the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database. It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the disclosure may be incorporated into other aspects of the disclosure. For example, the method of the present disclosure may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the system of the present disclosure and vice versa. Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 is an example diagram of a prior art method of manufacturing fenestration units. Figure 2 is another example diagram of a prior art method of manufacturing fenestration units. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 shows a data flow diagram of a validation process according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 shows a data flow diagram showing the process of providing access to calculated validated transmittance parameters according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 shows an illustrative diagram of a method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 shows an illustrative example of calculated transmittance parameters on a user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10 shows a diagram of a computer program comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by a computerised device, cause the computerised device to perform a method of designing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 11 shows an example of a manufactured fenestration unit based on calculated validated transmission parameters according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Whilst the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described. Detailed Description Figure 1 shows an example diagram of a prior art method of manufacturing a fenestration unit 100. A fenestration unit production entity 102, e.g. a retailer or supplier, is provided with geometry data 103 for a fenestration unit to be manufactured, such as number of frame portions, number of glazing portions, material of frame portion(s), material of glazing portion(s) from a purchaser e.g. homeowner (not shown). In some cases, transmittance parameters of each frame portion and / or glazing portion may be provided by a frame and / or glazing supplier. In other cases, the fenestration unit production entity 102 inputs the geometry data 103 into a calculator 104, 106 to calculate transmittance parameters of each portion of the fenestration unit to be manufactured for a standard size fenestration unit e.g. a window of 1.23 m x 1.48 m. To calculate a theoretical thermal transmittance value for a standard size fenestration unit (‘U compliance’), the fenestration unit production entity 102 inputs geometry data 103 into either an approved calculator 104 that is certified by an approved validation entity 108, or sends the calculated thermal transmittance values to an approved validation entity 108 for validation. The approved validation entity 208 assesses the approved calculator’s 104 calculations periodically e.g. annually. The approved validation entity 208 assesses whether the calculated thermal transmittance values of the standard size fenestration unit comply with local fenestration unit standards and regulations. The approved calculator 104 or approved validation entity sends a confirmation to the fenestration unit production entity 102 of the compliance of the calculated theoretical thermal transmittance value for a standard size fenestration unit. The fenestration unit production entity 102 manufactures the fenestration unit 110 or instructs a third party to manufacture the fenestration unit. However, a measurement of the thermal transmittance value of the manufactured fenestration unit may not match the theoretical thermal transmittance value for a standard size fenestration unit because of differences between the dimensions of the manufactured fenestration unit and the dimensions of the ‘standard size’ fenestration unit. Figure 2 shows another example diagram of a prior art method of manufacturing fenestration units. An “actual” theoretical thermal transmittance value of a fenestration unit to be manufactured (typically referred to as a ‘U actual’ value) can be calculated based on the dimensions of the fenestration unit to be manufactured 200. The fenestration unit production entity 202 inputs the fenestration unit geometry data 203 to an independent calculator 206 which calculates the thermal transmittance value of the fenestration unit based on the geometry data 203 of the fenestration unit to be manufactured. To ensure that the calculated thermal transmittance values comply with local fenestration unit standards and regulations, an approved validation entity 208 assessed the calculator’s calculations periodically e.g. annually. Additionally or alternatively, the calculator 206 may submit the calculated thermal transmittance values to the approved validation entity 208 to confirm that the “actual” theoretical thermal transmittance values complies with local fenestration unit standards and regulations. The fenestration production unit entity 202 receives the “actual” thermal transmittance values of the fenestration unit to be manufactured from the calculator 206 and a confirmation that the “actual” thermal transmittance values comply with local fenestration unit standards and regulations. The fenestration unit production entity 202 manufactures the fenestration unit 210 or instructs a third party to manufacture the fenestration unit. A problem with such prior art methods is that the process of calculating the “actual” thermal transmittance value of a fenestration unit is complex and intricate, requiring specialised knowledge and resources. Calculating the “actual” thermal transmittance values and obtaining validation from the approved validating entity may take days, weeks or even months, which can be costly. Additionally, errors may occur when manually inputting the fenestration unit geometry data into the calculator 104, 106, 206. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a method 300 of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method comprises obtaining, via a network 308, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions 301. The obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values are stored in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314. The method also comprises obtaining, via the network 308, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions 304 and storing the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314, and retrieving, via the network 308, from a production management database 306 of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured 305, and storing the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314. In the present example embodiments, the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314 is comprised within computerised device 310 which comprises one or more processors 312. In other embodiments, fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314 is comprised externally to computerised device 310. Computerised device 310 may for example comprise a server, virtualised computing resources implemented in ‘the cloud’, or any other computing resource that is capable of carrying out various data processing tasks according to embodiments. The thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured, are obtained and retrieved by computerised device 310 without a user / operator having to manually input the data, which reduces the likelihood of errors. The thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions include thermal transmittance values of different frame materials. The transmittance parameters of the plurality of glazing portions include transmittance parameters of, for example, different panes of coated and / or uncoated glass materials, suspended films, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers e.g. for laminated security glass, spacer bar(s), and material between panes of glass e.g. inert gases such as argon, krypton, xenon, air or a vacuum. The thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions may be obtained periodically, for example, every 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. The transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions may be obtained periodically, for example, every 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. The geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured may be retrieved from a production management database 306 of a fenestration unit production management entity periodically, for example, every 24 hours. The thermal transmittance values of the sample frame portions and the transmittance parameters of the sample glazing portions may be obtained substantially simultaneously, or at different times. The geometry data may be retrieved more frequently than the transmittance values of the sample frame portions and the sample glazing portions. This allows computerised device 310 to continually monitor any changes in the geometry data of a fenestration unit to be manufactured, which improves the accuracy and traceability of the geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured. Additionally, regularly retrieving geometry data for fenestration units to be manufactured is desirable if there are a plurality of fenestration units to be manufactured at different times. The thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and geometry data may be obtained and retrieved via different networks. The thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and geometry data may be retrieved and obtained via the same network 308. The method further comprises computerised device 310 calculating 316, on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values 301, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters 304, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data 305 stored 314 in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314, one or more validated transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations. Fenestration unit manufacturing regulations may differ between countries and change over time. The one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with local and international standards and regulations, for example current International Standard BS EN ISO 10077-1.The one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters are stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314. Thereafter, the method comprises manufacturing 318 the fenestration unit on the basis of the stored calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters. Because the calculated transmittance parameters for a fenestration unit to be manufactured are validated by an approved validation entity, the present method of manufacturing a fenestration unit is more accurate and efficient. Discrepancies between the calculated transmittance parameters and measured transmittance parameters of a fenestration unit after being manufactured are reduced. Figure 4 shows a data flow diagram of a validation process 400 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Validation process 400 is performed to confirm that the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with the one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations (step 412). The validation process 400 of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comprises computerised device 310 transmitting 402, via a network, to an approved validation entity 410, multiple examples of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters based on obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data, from the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314. The approved validation entity 410 assesses each of the transmitted examples of calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters and the associated sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the fenestration unit geometry data to ensure that they comply with local fenestration unit standards and regulations. If the validation entity 410 approves of the multiple examples of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters, computerised device 310 receives 402’, via the network, from the approved validation entity 410, confirmation of the validity of the multiple examples of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters. The computerised device 310 stores the confirmation of the validity of the multiple examples of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314. Multiple examples of calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters are sent to the approved validation entity periodically. For example, thousands of examples of calculated fenestration unit transmittance parameters may be sent to the validation entity 410 every few months. The validation process of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters may be performed periodically e.g. every two months, every six months, and / or every twelve months The present disclosure automates the validation process which reduces the likelihood of making the errors that may be made by manually inputting data such as transmittance parameters of a fenestration unit to an approved validation entity, and reduces variation between the calculated validated transmission parameters and measured transmission parameters of the fenestration unit after manufacturing. The received confirmation of the validity of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters may be a digital certificate. The digital certificate may be in the form of an approval stamp or mark, e.g. a British Standard Institution (BSI) kite mark, UK CA mark, or EU CE mark. A validation process may be performed to confirm the accuracy of the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions (step 414). The validation process of the thermal transmittance values of the frame portions comprises computerised device 310 transmitting 404, via a network, to the approved validation entity 410, the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions. The approved validation entity 410 assesses the transmitted thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions 404. If the validation entity 410 approves of the transmitted thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions 404, computerised device 310 receives 404’, via the network, confirmation of the validity of the accuracy of the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, from the approved validation entity 410. Computerised device 310 stores the confirmation of the accuracy of the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions 404’ in fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314. The validation process of the accuracy of the thermal transmission values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions (step 412) may be performed periodically e.g. every two months, every six months, and / or every twelve months. The received confirmation of the accuracy of the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions may be a digital certificate. As mentioned above, the digital certificate may be in the form of an approval stamp or mark, e.g. a British Standard Institution (BSI) kite mark, UK CA mark, or EU CE mark. This ensures that the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 310 has thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions that comply with local standards and regulations. The method may comprise performing a validation process to confirm the accuracy of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions (step 416). The validation process of the transmittance parameters of the glazing portions may comprise computerised device 310 transmitting 406, via a network, to the approved validation entity 410, the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions. The approved validation entity 410 assesses the transmitted transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample glazing portions 406. If the validation entity 410 approves of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of glazing portions 406, computerised device 310 receives 406’, via the network, confirmation of the validity of the accuracy of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample glazing portions, from the approved validation entity 410. Computerised device 310 stores the confirmation of the accuracy of the of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample glazing portions 406’ in fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 314. The validation process of the accuracy of the transmission parameters of a sample of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions may be performed periodically e.g. every two months, every six months, and / or every twelve months. The received confirmation of the accuracy of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample glazing portions 406’ may be a digital certificate. As mentioned above, the digital certificate may be in the form of an approval stamp or mark, e.g. a British Standard Institution (BSI) kite mark, UK CA mark, or EU CE mark. This ensures that the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 310 has transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions that comply with local standards and regulations. The validation process ensures that the calculated transmittance parameters, the obtained thermal transmittance values of the frame portions and transmittance parameters of the glazing portions, which may be obtained from external sources, comply with local standards and regulations, and consequentially makes the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 310 a validated database for calculating transmittance parameters. In embodiments, the step of calculating 316 validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured uses a weighted average of the obtained sample thermal transmittance values of the at least one fenestration unit frame portion and the obtained sample transmittance parameters of the at least one fenestration unit glazing portion. In embodiments, the weighted average comprises allocating a higher weighting to at least one fenestration unit frame portion or at least one fenestration unit glazing portion which has a larger effect on the transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit to be manufactured. For example, if one or more of the glazing portions has / have bigger dimensions than one or more of the frame portions, the transmittance parameters of the one or more glazing portions have a higher weighting than the thermal transmittance value of the one or more frame portions. In some embodiments, the weighted average comprises allocating a higher or lower weighting to the transmittance parameters of one or more types of glazing portions. For example, there may be a higher weighting on the transmittance parameters of argon gas between two panes of noncoated glass material, than the transmittance parameters of air between two panes of non-coated glass material. The weighted average balances the transmittance effects of different materials having different dimensions / properties, which improves the accuracy of the calculated transmittance parameters. Figure 5 shows a data flow diagram showing a process 500 of providing access to calculated validated transmittance parameters according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 500 comprises computerised device 310 assigning an access code to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured. The access code is stored in fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 310. The access code is transmitted 504, via a network, from the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 310 to a fenestration unit production management entity 502. The access code provides, via the network, access 506 to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, via a secure data access interface. The access code protects the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters, for example, from external manipulation of the data by unauthorised users. The secure data access interface may be a virtual access portal, wherein inputting the access code provides access to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters. The fenestration unit production management entity 502 may for example access the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters via the secure data access interface on a smart device (see example embodiment of Figure 7). The fenestration unit production management entity 502 may transmit data, via the secure data access interface, that is related to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit to be manufactured, to the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 310 as described in more detail with reference to Figure 7 below. Computerised device 310 may apply a digital watermark to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters to confirm the validity of the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters. Computerised device 310 may transmit, via a network, the applied digital watermark on the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters to the fenestration unit production management entity 502. As shown in the embodiments of Figure 8, a digital watermark 820 may be applied to the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters 316 and displayed to an end user via a secure data access interface e.g. on a smart device. The digital watermark authenticates the validity of the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters. Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a method 600 of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 shows more detailed embodiments of a method 600 of manufacturing a fenestration unit. Computerised device 610 obtains, via a network 608, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions from a frame supplier 601. The frame supplier 601 may be a frame manufacturer, retailer or supplier. The frame supplier 601 has a plurality of frame portions and thermal transmittance values associated with the plurality of frame portions. Computerised device 610 obtains, via the network 608, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions from a glazing supplier 604. The glazing supplier 604 may be a glazing manufacturer or supplier. The glazing supplier 604 may be an Approved glazing testing laboratory. The glazing supplier 601 has a plurality of glazing portions and thermal and optical transmittance values associated with the plurality of glazing portions. Computerised device 610 retrieves, via the network 608, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured from a fenestration unit production management entity 602. The production management entity 602 may be a fenestration unit manufacturer, retailer or supplier. The geometry data may include specific types of glazing portions of the fenestration unit to be manufactured, for example types of glass, gas, coating, and / or spacer bar material. The geometry data may include types of frame portions of the fenestration unit to be manufactured, for example types of frame material, colour, and / or dimensions of the frame portions. The geometry data is retrieved from a production management database 606. The production management database 606 may comprise one or more of a Material Requirement Planning (MRP) component, and an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) component. MRP and ERP are software-based inventory and supply management systems designed for businesses. For example, the fenestration unit production management entity 602 may use one or more of the MRP and ERP to manage the process of producing one or more fenestration units. The production management database 606 is continually updated during the fenestration unit production process, and as such, the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 614 retrieves updated geometry data. The one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters may be transmitted, via the network 608 to the fenestration unit production management entity 602. The one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters may be transmitted to the fenestration unit production management entity 602 via a different network used to retrieve the geometry data. In some embodiments, fenestration unit production management entity 602 manufactures 618 a fenestration unit on the basis of the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters. In alternative embodiments, fenestration unit production management entity 602 instructs a third party e.g. a fenestration unit manufacturer, to manufacture the fenestration unit. Figure 7 shows an illustrative diagram of a method 700 of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiments of Figure 7, one or more end users 724 have access to one or more calculated validated transmittance parameters 720. As described with reference to Figure 5 above, an access code is assigned to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters 716 for the fenestration unit to be manufactured. The access code provides, via the network 708, access to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters 716 for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, via a secure data access interface 720. In the present embodiment, there is a secure data access interface 720 on a smart device 722. The one or more end users 724 may have access to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters 716 by entering the access code into the secure data access interface 720 on the smart device 722. The one or more end users 724 may be one of the following: fenestration unit production management entity; a homeowner; National House Building Council (NHBC; UK only); Local Authority Building Control; Competent Person Scheme (UK only); Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC; UK only). It will be appreciated that the access code may be provided to any authorised end user, and the end users are not limited to those listed above. The one or more end users 724 may have permission to transmit data via the secure data access interface 720 to the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 710. For example, the one or more end user 724 may transmit Building Information Modelling data which may include a list of materials and material supplier details; Insurance Backed Guarantee certificate against a fenestration unit installer; Competent Person Scheme Certificates e.g. FENSA or CERTASS, which identifies the certification of the fenestration unit’s installer; and / or fire safety certificate. This is not an exhaustive list, and it will be appreciated that other reasonably expected data related to the fenestration unit to be manufactured may be transmitted via the secure data access interface 720 to the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 710. The reciprocity of transmitting data via the secure data access interface 720 enables the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 710 to be a single and direct source of validated data relating to a fenestration unit that can be accessed by an end user with an access code. In other embodiments, the one or more end users 724 may only have permission to access the calculated validated transmittance parameters and may not have permission to transmit data via the secure data access interface 720 to the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 710. Figure 8 shows an illustrative example of calculated transmittance parameters 800 on a user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiments of Figure 8, one or more calculated validated transmittance parameters 800 are displayed on a user interface e.g. a smart device. As mentioned above with reference to Figures 5 and 7, the one or more calculated validated transmittance parameters may be accessed by one or more end users by entering an access code into the secure data access interface. The one or more calculated validated transmittance parameters may be presented in a table 800 with a digital watermark 820 to confirm the validity of the calculated validated transmittance parameters. The one or more calculated validated transmittance parameters may comprise the following: calculated validated thermal transmittance value of the fenestration unit based on the obtained thermal transmittance values of the sample frame portions, obtained transmittance parameters of the sample glazing portions, and geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured (U Actual) 802 in watts per square metre-kelvin (W / (m2K); validated thermal transmittance of a fenestration unit based on thermal transmittance values of frame portions and transmittance parameters of glazing portions of a fixed sample size (U Compliance) 804 in watts per square metre-kelvin (W / (m2K); Solar Heat Gain Factor 806 (g-value, to measure the solar energy transmittance of a fenestration unit e.g. window), Visible Light Transmittance Rating 808 (a value between 0 and 1, wherein a value of 0 represents no light is transmitted, and a value of 1 represents maximum light is transmitted), Acoustic Attenuation 810 (dB); Air leakage (m3h, the volume of air per metre cubed that pass per hour); Condensation Resistance 814 (% internal relative humidity (RH)); and Window Energy Rating Band 816 (UK) (based on thermal transmittance value of the fenestration unit to be manufactured and the solar heat gain factor). Example values for each of the transmittance parameters are provided in the table, but it will be appreciated that the values can vary depending on the obtained sample thermal transmission value of the frame portions, obtained sample transmission parameters of the glazing portions, and retrieved geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured. Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a method 900 of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 900 comprises obtaining, via a network, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions (step 901); obtaining via the network, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions (step 904), and retrieving, via the network, from a production management database of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured (step 902). The obtained thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, the obtained transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and the retrieved geometry data are stored in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database (step 910). The method further comprises a step of calculating (step 912), on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database, one or more validated transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations. In step 914, the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters are stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database. The method also comprises a step of manufacturing a fenestration unit on the basis of the stored calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters (step 916). Figure 10 shows an example embodiment of a computer program comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed by a computerised device, cause the computerised device to perform a method of designing a fenestration unit 1000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The computerised device is configured to perform the method of designing a fenestration unit comprising obtaining, via a network, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions 1001, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; obtaining, via a network, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions 1004, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; and retrieving, via a network, from a production management database of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured 1002, and storing the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database. The computerised device is configured to perform calculating, on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values 1001, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters 1004, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database 1002, one or more validated transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit to be manufactured 1016, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations and storing the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database. The computerised device is configured to store the one or more validated transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit to be manufactured in a memory 1018. Figure 11 shows an example fenestration unit manufactured based on calculated validated transmittance parameters 1100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The fenestration unit is a window. It will be appreciated that the fenestration unit may be any type of window and / or door known to the skilled person. For example, a window or door that is glazed, unglazed, or partially glazed, French doors, sliding patio doors, bifold doors, roof windows, composite-type doors, and / or safety doors e.g. fire or damage-proof doors. The window of the present embodiment comprises four perpendicular frame portions 1102a, b, c, d surrounding a rectangular glazing portion 1104. In other examples more or fewer frame portions may be present. The present example has a single glazing portion framed by the four frame portions 1102a, b, c, d. It will be appreciated that in other examples, more than one glazing portion may be present. In the present example, there is a number 1106 on a lower right corner of the glazing portion 1104. The number may be located anywhere on the glazing portion or frame portions. The number is an access code, such that an end user may access the one or more calculated validated transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit via a secure data access interface, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 7. In other example embodiments, the number may be an order number for the specific fenestration unit design. Measured transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit 1100 should match the calculated validated transmittance parameters calculated using the method of the first aspect of the present disclosure. The measured transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit 1100 should match the calculated validated transmittance parameters calculated in the system of the second aspect of the present disclosure. The measured transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit 1100 should match the calculated validated transmittance parameters calculated using the computer program of the third aspect of the present disclosure. Whilst the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present disclosure, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the present disclosure that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the present disclosure, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit comprising at least one frame portion and at least one glazing portion, the method comprising:obtaining, via a network, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;obtaining, via a network, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;retrieving, via a network, from a production management database of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured and storing the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;calculating, on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database, one or more validated transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations, and storing the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; andmanufacturing the fenestration unit on the basis of the stored calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters.

2. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to claim 1, comprising performing a validation process to confirm that the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with the one or more fenestration unit manufacturingregulations, the validation process of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comprising:transmitting, via a network, to an approved validation entity, multiple examples of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters, based on the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data, from the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;receiving, via the network, from the approved validation entity, confirmation of the validity of the multiple examples of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters to the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database, and storing confirmation of the validity of the multiple examples of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database.

3. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to claim 2, wherein the received confirmation of the validity of the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comprises a digital certificate.

4. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to any preceding claim, comprising performing a validation process to confirm the accuracy of the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, the validation process of the thermal transmittance values of the frame portions comprising:transmitting, via a network, to an approved validation entity, the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions;receiving, via the network, from the approved validation entity, confirmation of the accuracy of the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, and storing the confirmation of the accuracy of the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database.

5. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to claim 4, wherein the received confirmation of the accuracy of the thermal transmittance values of the plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions comprises a digital certificate.

6. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to any preceding claim, comprising performing a validation process to confirm the accuracy of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, the validation process of the transmittance parameters of the glazing portions comprising:transmitting, via a network, to an approved validation entity, the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions;receiving, via the network, from the approved validation entity, confirmation of the accuracy of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and storing the confirmation of the accuracy of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database.

7. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to claim 6, wherein the received confirmation of the accuracy of the transmittance parameters of the plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions comprises a digital certificate.

8. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of calculating validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured comprises calculating a weighted average of the obtained sample thermal transmittance values of the at least one fenestration unit frame portion and the obtained sample transmittance parameters of the at least one fenestration unit glazing portion.

9. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to claim 8, wherein calculating the weighted average comprises allocating a higher weighting to the at least onefenestration unit frame portion or the at least one fenestration unit glazing portion which has a larger effect on the transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit to be manufactured.

10. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to any preceding claim, comprising:assigning an access code to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured; andproviding, via a network, access to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, via a secure data access interface using the assigned access code.

11. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to claim 12, comprising transmitting, via the network, the assigned access code to the fenestration unit production management entity.

12. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to any preceding claim, comprising applying a digital mark to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters to confirm the validity of the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters.

13. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to claim 10, comprising transmitting, via a network, the applied digital mark to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters to the fenestration unit production management entity.

14. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the digital mark applied to the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters is a digital watermark to authenticate the validity of the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters.

15. A method of manufacturing a fenestration unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the production management database comprises one or more of:a Material Requirement Planning (MRP) component; andan Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) component.

16. A system for manufacturing a fenestration unit comprising at least one frame portion and at least one glazing portion, the system comprising one or more processors configured to:obtain, via a network, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, and store the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;obtain, via a network, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and store the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;retrieve, via a network, from a database of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured and store the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;calculate, on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database, one or more validated transmittance parameters for the fenestration unit to be manufactured, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations, and store the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; andmanufacture the fenestration unit on the basis of the stored calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters.

17. A computer program comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed by a computerised device, causes the computerised device to perform a method according any of claims 1 to 15.

18. A computer program comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed by a computerised device, cause the computerised device to perform a method of designing a fenestration unit comprising:obtaining, via a network, thermal transmittance values of a plurality of sample fenestration unit frame portions, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values in a fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;obtaining, via a network, transmittance parameters of a plurality of sample fenestration unit glazing portions, and storing the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database;retrieving, via a network, from a production management database of a fenestration unit production management entity, geometry data of the fenestration unit to be manufactured and storing the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database; andcalculating, on the basis of the obtained sample fenestration unit frame portion thermal transmittance values, the obtained sample fenestration unit glazing portion transmittance parameters, and the retrieved fenestration unit geometry data stored in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database, one or more validated transmittance parameters of the fenestration unit to be manufactured, wherein the one or more calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters comply with one or more fenestration unit manufacturing regulations, and storing the calculated validated fenestration unit transmittance parameters in the fenestration unit manufacturing regulation compliance database.

19. A fenestration unit manufactured in accordance with claim 18.s

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