Ultra-low emissivity glass coatings European R&D is developing advanced glass coatings today to ensure that the buildings of tomorrow are more energy efficient. Energy © Shutterstock Windows are often responsible for the greatest thermal losses in buildings. Glassmakers have been successful in reducing these losses by applying special coatings, but there is always room for improvement. The Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme charged the 3RD GENLAC consortium with taking coating technology to the next level. Semco Glastechnik in Germany and Scheuten Glasgroep in the Netherlands teamed up to produce coated glass with emissivity (E) values below 5%. Comprehensive testing of the 3RD GENLAC prototypes revealed enticing results. For example, the new coating can withstand heat treatment above 600 degrees Celsius without seriously altering its emissivity and other thermal properties. This is important since heat treatment is often applied to improve other glass characteristics, such as strength. In addition, with respect to aesthetics, the new low-E coating does not induce any undesirable color shifts in the visible spectrum. This applies even when several glass components are combined in a stack. The 3RD GENLAC partners have applied for patent protection for their discovery. Commercialisation of glass products bearing the new low-E coatings will help homeowners and businesses reduce their heating bills in winter and their cooling bills in summer. Significant environmental benefits will also be achieved in tandem with the financial savings.
