The flight of imagination of architects is often limited by stringent technological requirements. Openwork and air towers made of glass and steel are not always possible to build in our climate due to the fact that it is necessary to use structures that can reliably retain heat inside the building. Classic glass is not very suitable for these purposes.
Taking into account all the requirements of our time, the universal movement for energy efficiency, low-emission glass was developed. The introduction of this material into production allows full use of all its aesthetic and economic advantages.
Operating principle
The term "emission" means the ability to reflect thermal radiation. At low emissivity values, the room will lose less heat. This indicator - surface emitter (E) in energy-saving glasses is 4 times less than in ordinary glasses. To create such a heat-reflecting surface, a layer of metal oxides is applied to the glass. The electrons in this thin film are so densely arranged that long waves of infrared radiation simply cannot pass through them, and most come back.
As a result, low-emission glass transmits short ultraviolet solar radiation, and heat is accumulated indoors. Outward infrared waves of thermal radiation are no longer emitted, reflected from the surface.
K-glass
Low emission glass has two varieties. The material with a hard coating is K-glass. Metallization of the surface is carried out when the glass is in a hot state. As a result of a chemical reaction, the molecules of metal oxides penetrate the structure of the glass itself. The result is a coated material that successfully resists abrasion and wear. It can be processed like ordinary glass and stored as much as you like.
The disadvantage is its high cost, so glass is used in buildings where stringent operational requirements are put forward - in greenhouses, greenhouses, conservatories.
i-glass
A more common type is soft-coated i-glass. Silver oxides are sprayed onto the surface using high vacuum equipment. I-glass is much cheaper than its predecessor and retains heat one and a half times better. Moreover, such a material has many disadvantages. The low-emission coating of the glass is susceptible to damage, making the surface easy to scratch. Metal oxides actively react with oxygen, so the shelf life in the open air is quite limited. This problem is solved by the fact that it is used in double-glazed windows with a polarized surface inward or used in a multilayer glass coating.
Double-glazed windows
A double-glazed window with low emission glass will help to seriously reduce heating costs. Calculations showed that this way you can save up to 700 liters of fuel equivalent per year.
In this case, you can change the heating scheme of the premises. On the surface of a window with ordinary glass, the temperature is not higher than +5 degrees at an external temperature of -20 degrees. Windows with low emission glass help to achieve an indicator of +14 degrees. That is, it becomes possible to redistribute heat sources, since the structure will no longer be a pronounced cold zone. Now it will be possible to spend time quietly by the window without fear of freezing. Also, the threat of condensation disappears, since moisture is formed only on a cold surface in a warm room.
Window single-chamber double-glazed windows with low-emission glass are more effective than double-chamber from the classic. This makes it easier to design and lower heating costs. Calculations show that the cost of low emission glass pays off due to energy savings in 1.5-2 years.
Energy-saving technologies are at the forefront today. Low emission glass is being actively introduced in Europe. In Russia, this is still a relatively new trend. The use of such a novelty will make it possible to embody the latest architectural trend - transparent facades. At the same time, purely practical tasks are solved - saving fuel on heating.
So, gradually introducing into the double-glazed windows, low-emission glass becomes a familiar material.