Innovations in Glass

Energy savings with the “iplus E” series of thermal insulation glass / New “ipasol” glasses: energy efficiency for sunny regions / Temperable low-E-coating “iplus ET” optimizes logistics / Product studies from Interpane’s think tank E & B

Improved thermal insulation, lower total energy transmittance, and better handling: Interpane revealed optimized glass technology at the fensterbau. The improved “iplus E” glass series for thermal insulation of down to 0.5 W/m²K (as per EN 673) was presented. Three new low-transmissive ipasol façade glasses with g-values of down to 15 percent enable energy-efficient architecture even in the hottest regions of the world. Another product designed at the Interpane E & B think tank is the new temperable low-E coating “iplus ET”. Two project studies of this research and development centre cast some light on the future of coating technology.

The emphasis of Interpane´s exhibition was clearly on the energy efficiency of glass for residential, business, and public buildings. Even the standard version with argon filling of the new base glass “iplus E” improves the heat insulation and reaches values of Ug = 1.1 W/m2K. The passive energy gain (g-value = 60 % as per EN 410), excellent color neutrality (Ra,D = 97) and high transparency (tL = 80 %) round off its performance and provide for a pleasant living and working environment in light rooms.

High-end glasses such as the triple insulation glazing “iplus 3C E” improve the heat insulation to values of down to Ug = 0.5 W/m2K. At the same time, they make use of the (free) energy of the sun to heat the room to save even more energy. iplus 3C E has been designed for low-energy and passive houses, but is suitable for anyone who is building or renovating, and for those who want to escape sky rocketing energy prices.

The multifunctional glazing “iplus city E” has been designed for noisy urban areas. It combines efficient thermal insulation (Ug-value = 1.1 W/m2K), sound-proofing (Rw up to 38 db), and increased burglary-resistance (P4A safety rating as per EN 356).

ipasol façade glazing now with g-values of down to 15 percent

Three new solar control glasses with excellent solar factor were presented for the first time. ipasol neutral 60/31 is characterized by its high light transmittance. The extremely low g-value of ipasol platin 25/14 and ipasol platin 31/17 lowers the effort for air conditioning – even for large-surface glass façades and in sunny regions. In addition, all types of glazing also provide effective thermal insulation (Ug = 1,1 W/m²K).

The ipasol façade glazing series now offers suitable solutions for all transmittance classes and for virtually any architectural concept: from high light transmittance (ipasol neutral 73/39) to extremely low g-values, from a neutral appearance to colored glazing; from low-reflection to high-reflecting façades; including color-matched spandrel panels.

Temperable thermal insulation glass

Basic glass partners can now manufacture their own tempered safety glass or heat-strengthened glass using panes with the temperable low-E coating “iplus ET” and any kind of conventional convection oven after they have been cut to size, or obtain them from producers within the Interpane partner network. The time-consuming dimensioning at the glass manufacturer is eliminated and the logistic effort is reduced dramatically. The glass remains color-neutral even after tempering and can be used together with the thermal insulation glass "iplus E" as mixed glazing. The light transmittance (tL) reaches values of 77 %, the thermal insulation value is Ug = 1.1 W/m²K. With a g-value of 60 %, the glazing achieves passive energy gains.

About the research and development

Two current project studies developed at Interpane Entwicklungs- und Beratungsgesellschaft (E & B) provided some insight into the future of the company’s coating technology at the fensterbau. Interpane is currently developing a temperable solar control coating entitled “ipasol T Color”. The highly transmissive coating “iplus HT”, also a study, significantly reduces the surface reflection of glass while simultaneously increasing the transmission. This coating would therefore be perfect for thermal solar collector covers or triple glazing for passive houses.