The main goal of the project is to develop a smart window system
that will contribute to meeting the energy efficiency targets of
the building industry by 2020.
This goal will be achieved through a new vacuum insulation
glazing (VIG) solution combined with newly developed and robust
switchable glazing systems mounted in durable and energy efficient
sash and frame.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2010/31/EU)
requires EU Member countries to have intermediate targets in place
for improving the energy performance of new buildings by 2015 and
to ensure that by the end of 2020, all new buildings are nearly
zero energy buildings.
The directive also requires that buildings undergoing major
renovation, meet minimum energy performance requirements. The
directive implies that building regulations will become even
stricter making it necessary to adapt products, components and
processes for low energy buildings to the new requirements.
Why focus on windows?
Windows are clearly a weak link in the modern building envelope
with typically higher U-values than façade elements which often
contain insulation layers of 20 cm or more. There is therefore an
urgent need to improve this situation and develop a window unit
with U-Value closer to or matching that of the facade elements.
For maximum impact and overall effectiveness, the new model
window will be scalable for use in a range of building scenarios
(including renovation/retro-fitting of existing structures), be
inexpensive and easy to install, be lightweight, durable and of
reduced carbon footprint compared to current available
solutions.
The potential is huge
VIG offers the potential of 2-5 times higher insulation performance
with a doubly glazed pane, at the same time providing an extremely
slim and lightweight solution. In addition to high thermal
performance, the smart windows will have improved control functions
including switchable optical properties and exterior surface
protection (anti-fogging, easy to clean, scratch resistant
etc.).
Project start date:
2012-10-01
Project end
date:
2016-09-30
This project has received funding from the European
Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant
agreement n° 314407.