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The insulating window filled with water
Almost everyone knows that air conditioning in buildings is not only expensive, but that it is a huge problem due to the resulting carbon emissions.
The impact of the construction sector on global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is huge! If we also add that the world is experiencing the largest wave of urban growth in human history, we have a good problem!
We just have to see the following two graphs to see it more clearly …
We need to build more to accommodate the new users that are coming to the cities. Directly! We did not meet the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement (Eliminate all GHG emissions from the construction sector by 2040)
We know that the building envelope has a great impact on energy savings and, in particular, its weakest points: the gaps!
Although the area they occupy can be small in a building, their insulation capacity is much worse than the surface of a normal wall, and small changes can lead to energy savings of up to 25% for the entire building (See energy saving tips at home).
Many experts are influencing that improving the insulating capacity of the gaps, that is, the carpentry in windows, including outdoor roller blinds or awnings, and doors, is the most viable solution that exists to strongly influence savings energetic.
This is where the prototype of water filled windows WFG supported by Loughborough University whose results published in Science Direct are more than promising.
According to the project director, Dr. Gutai (Academic of the School of Architecture, Construction and Civil Engineering) has found a material that can save more energy than the technologies currently being used on the market - including double and triple glazed joinery -,Water! Simple as that.
Using water in carpentry can save more energy than the technologies that are currently being used in the market
The keys to the energy simulation practiced with the prototype already built:
- The WFG system is able to use water absorption effectively to improve the energy performance of glass.
- The water layer reduces the load for effective heating and cooling, minimizing daily and seasonal peaks.
- The WFG system saves energy in all major regions (all climatic regions except polar) with a saving of: 47% -72% compared to double glass (with low emissivity) and 34% -61% compared to triple glass (Remember our article on PVC windows)
The new window prototype demonstrates how the "Water-Filled Glass" (Water-Filled Glass WFG) can revolutionize the design and thermal performance of buildings when used as part of a larger heating or cooling system.
The WFG system consists of a sheet of water trapped between a glass panel forming the window - the water is practically invisible - with a mechanism to move the water according to our needs.
What if! There are built two mini prototype buildings with this system, in Hungary and Taiwan (To compare in different climates) using the mechanism "Glasses filled with water" as part of a larger mechanical system.
The WFG system involves connecting the panels that make up the water-filled windows to a storage tank using pipes hidden in the walls, so that the fluid can circulate.
It allows homes to cool and heat themselves, without the need for an additional power supply for most of the year.
In hot weather, buildings stay cool as water absorbs both external and internal heat; the hot water moves to the storage tank, which can be in the foundation or placed somewhere in the building.
The heat is stored in the tank and, if the temperature drops, it can be recirculated back to the walls to reheat the building using a monitoring system similar to that of central heating (Alternatively, the stored heat can be used for the water supply hot).
The The main reason this process saves energy is because the absorption and pumping of water require much less energy than conventional air conditioning systems (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning).
The technology also has other benefits, including acoustics, less need for 'shading' (methods used to avoid overheating and greenhouse effect), and there is no need to color the glass to improve energy efficiency according to hours, so it also has aesthetic benefits.
Dr. Gutai has also developed a more sophisticated version of the system by adding a heat pump, which can heat and cool the water depending on the season.
It's new glazing system can turn glass into a unique opportunity for the field of sustainable construction. It shows us that thinking holistically about buildings and their components leads to a more efficient and sustainable built environment.
Two other interesting articles that can add value, the new solar windows that are making their way on the market and the article on glazing in enclosures.
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