Article | REF: N4408 V1

Insulating glazing: light and energy

Author: Michel CHAUNAC

Publication date: February 10, 2014, Review date: April 26, 2023

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ABSTRACT

The new technologies allow the glazings and the windows to play with the sun to save the energy while assuring(insuring) a contact with the outside world and the creation of a comfortable inside.Having shown in this article how are characterized the glazing with regard to the light and to the solar energy, we shall indicate how it is possible to act on these two characteristics by means of the tint of glasses or by the deposit of thoughtful coats or still by associating with the glazing of the eclipses. We shall see how act these capacities on the thermal and visual comfort and how they allow to master the energy.

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AUTHOR

  • Michel CHAUNAC: Member of the "Glass Experts" Association - Formerly scientific and technical advisor to Saint-Gobain Vitrage in Paris, France

 INTRODUCTION

Natural light is at the origin of life, as well as the diversity of atmospheres and climatic changes.

Glazing is the interface between the outside world and the inside of a building.

Well-chosen, it determines the quality of the building, both architecturally and in terms of interior ambience.

Solar radiation is a source of energy that sometimes needs to be harnessed to reduce heating costs in winter, and to optimize thermal comfort by avoiding overheating in summer, while at the same time reducing heat loss.

Today's reinforced thermal insulation glazing combines good light transmission with high thermal performance. Energy losses are reduced in winter, and thermal comfort is increased. What's more, the surface temperature of the glass is higher, reducing the sensation of a "cold wall" and lowering the risk of condensation.

On the other hand, it's often necessary to limit the entry of solar energy, which can increase the "greenhouse effect", particularly for east, south and west-facing orientations.

Thermal discomfort in hot weather, whether air-conditioned or not, must be dealt with using low-solar factor glazing and, if necessary, additional protection such as blinds or sunshades.

Good sun protection, combined with appropriate ventilation, means that air-conditioning can be dispensed with in many cases.

After demonstrating the characteristics of glazing in relation to light and solar energy, this article goes on to show how these two characteristics can be influenced by tinting glass, depositing reflective coatings, or combining glazing with shading devices. We'll see how these measures affect thermal and visual comfort, and how they help control energy consumption.

A table of symbols is presented at the end of the article.

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KEYWORDS

application   |   energy   |   light   |   building   |   Insulating glazing


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