TECHNOLOGY I MATERIALS
surface weight of triple insulation glazing is desirable and would in principle be possible through the use of thinner glass or transparent plastics. Thinner glass could be used in all three levels, i.e. on the outside, the room side as well as the central pane of triple insulation glazing.” He said that within the framework of the project, however, no general investigation of all the principle factors was possible.
The weight can also be reduced by the use of synthetic film in the inter-pane space. Graphics: ift Rosenheim
Machine manufacturer Lisec recently received the 2012 Austrian State Prize in the “Research and Innovation” category in recognition of its special pre-stress technology. It enables the manufacture of flexible and robust glass in a thickness of only 2 mm without optical distortions. According to the company, the light thin glass is outstandingly suited for use in modern architecture. When it comes to the thin glass used in insulation glass theme, critics point the increased breakage risk of the thinner glass panes. Their objection: although the glass is lighter through the reduced thickness of the individual planes, at the same time edge breakage risk is increased. The supporters of thin glass in contrast point to the higher durability of the thermally hardened glass.
Joint research project
In order to explore the possibilities of weight reduction in multi- pane insulation glazing on a well-founded, secure basis, the renowned Rosenheim Institute of Window Technology (Institut für Fenstertechnik - ift Rosenheim), in cooperation with the German Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association (Bundesverband Flachglas), has launched the “Energy-efficient multi-pane insulation glass – Investigations into technical measures aimed at the reduction of glass pane weight” project.
The aim of the project is to investigate which measures can be used to reduce the surface weight of multi-pane (insulation) glass and the effects resulting from this. Dipl.-Phys.
Norbert Sack, Head of Research and Development at the ift and project director, explains in this connection: a reduction in the
An alternative to synthetic film is the positioning of plastic plates in the inter-pane space. Graphics: ift Rosenheim
In view of the relevant heat insulation (Ug-value), total energy
transmission (g-value) and translucence (V) values, insulation glass using thin glass comes closest to matching the values of conventional triple insulation
glass.And in the area of sound-proofing too, the integration of sound-proof film or varying glass thicknesses ensures a high level of protection
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www.solar-international.net I Issue V 2012
On the contrary, decision-making bases for an assessment and future implementation should be developed. BF Executive Director Jochen Grönegräs adds: “We have included an assessment programme especially for 3 x 3 mm format insulation glass in the project in order to increase awareness for this theme. If the calculation bases are taken into account, it is definitely possible to manufacture insulation glass in the 3 x 3 format.”
In view of the relevant heat insulation (Ug-value), total energy transmission (g-value) and translucence (V) values, insulation glass using thin glass comes closest to matching the values of conventional triple insulation glass. And in the area of sound-proofing too, the integration of sound-proof film or varying glass thicknesses ensures a high level of protection.
While the trade world is still conducting an intensive discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of using thinner glass, individual insulation glass manufacturers are pressing ahead in the competition for optimized insulation values. Even at this stage, on the Internet you can find references to quadruple insulation glazing, which with 3 mm-
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