ABSTRACT Project VIG-SYS-RENO

Exploration of the use of the first fabricable highly insulating vacuum glazing (VG) for highly efficient window systems specifically for the renovation of existing buildings via:

·         Verification of the availability and performance of Vacuum Glazing VG worldwide

·         Concepts for structural optimization and thermal simulations of integrated systems

·         Investigation of typical applications and market potential studies

·         Identification of achievable energy savings for single buildings and settlements

Initial situation and addressed problems:    

Good heat and sun protection is essential for the energy efficiency of buildings. Modern thermal insulation glass is already a very important component. But triple insulating glasses are not only heavy but also have a very large total thickness. This means larger loads for the frame structures, but also higher requirements on the fitting systems. Consequently their deployment potential use especially in thermal retrofit cases (including heritage protected objects) is reduced.

In the past, efforts have been made to develop so-called Vacuum (Insulation) Glazing to replace common Insulating Glasses. Now, for the first time large, industrially manufactured, very thin, light weight, highly heat-insulating VG/VIGes are available from the Synergy Company in Beijing. This makes it possible to design new windows and facade elements (lighter, smaller and thermally more efficient).

Goals and Methods:

The purpose of this exploratory is, to create the basis for further developments of adapted and applicable window systems. This is to be achieved via:

·         Verification of the availability and performance of Vacuum glazingVG worldwide,

·         Design application studies and concepts for structural optimization and building physics as well as thermal simulations of integrated systems

·         Investigation of typical applications and market potential assessment

·         Identification of achievable energy savings for single buildings and settlements

·         Small-scale field tests and LCA calculations.

Expected results: 

The exploration is expected to answer primary questions of constructive installation, thermal insulation, usability and noise insulation and prepare follow-up projects to develop appropriate system solutions.