called sorption air-conditioning systems, which convert
heat into cold, thus also enabling surplus heat to be
used purposefully in summer, too.
If, in addition, existing buildings are redeveloped
energetically, the CO2 emissions will be reduced
further. In its study “Intelligente Energieversorgung
für Berlin 2037” (“Smart Energy Supply for Berlin
2037”), researchers at the Berlin University of Applied
Science (Technische Universität Berlin) have for
example established that the capital’s entire energy
requirements can be reduced by 45 to 50% solely
through the use of energy savings measures such as
new heating systems and windows.
The fact that the City of Tomorrow (Morgenstadt) will
become reality and that high-performance modules,
collectors and energy-saving windows can be used
universally, across all applications, is however subject
to one key condition: innovations in glass. Modern Glass
façades protect against summer heat and remove the
need for electricity-guzzling air-conditioning systems.
Window panes enhanced with so-called electro-chrome
nano-particles change their translucency when subject
to tension or other trigger factors such as the sun’s rays
or heating and thus serve as sun or glare protection
elements. On the other hand, window façades are
insulated so well that in winter no heat can escape
outside – but, on the other hand, the winter sun’s
energy can penetrate the rooms inside.
In addition, glass protects the sensitive absorber
coatings of the solar modules and collectors against
external weather conditions, and thanks to special
coatings and textures, contributes to more light being
used for electricity and heat production. New flat glass,
which is only a few millimetres thick, could provide
the photovoltaics sector with an additional boost: It
enables the production of particularly stable doubleglazing modules or glass sandwiches with embedded
photovoltaic films.
From 20 to 24 October 2014, Glasstec 2014 in
Düsseldorf, the world’s largest and most international
trade fair for the glass sector, will reflect the growing
significance of glass as a material for climate protection
objectives. Within the framework of the “Intelligent
Building Shells” key theme, a comprehensive look will
be taken at the aspects which are decisive for future-
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orientated, energetically efficient and sustainable
building shells. Using examples of large-format, façade
mock-ups and one-to-one models, the “glass technology
live” special show, which is organised by the University
of Stuttgart, will present the latest developments in the
area of façade and energy.
Among other features, there will be demonstrations
at the special show illustrating how modern heat
insulation, sun protection glazing and switchable
glazing can be integrated into buildings. One example
is provided by the modular-structured “iconic skin”
glass façade created by German company seele. The
façade element appears to be completely homogenous,
without any visible posts or pillars, lateral supports or
other securing elements. The unit consists of internal
and external glass. Between the glass sheets there is a
self-regulating pressure-compensation system, which
ensures passive ventilation through its interaction with
the external climate.
According to seele, the glass sandwich offers excellent
thermal and sound insulation and enables the
integration of solar protection elements. Maximum
element sizes of 3.20 by 15 metres extend over several
storeys to form one vertical, optical unit. The units can
be individually designed: customers can freely choose
the arrangement, form and size of the transparent
areas as well as the printing and colour scheme of the
external and internal glass surfaces.
The Josef Gartner company, a subsidiary of the Italian
Permasteelisa Group, has developed a different type
of functionally stand-alone façade. The special feature
of the CCF façade (Closed Cavity Façade) is that the
space between the inner and outer façade shell is
completely encapsulated. The enclosed chamber is fed
with dried and cleaned air at slight over-pressure so as
to prevent the formation of any condensation and dirt
on the window panes – ensuring they do not have to be
regularly cleaned in a costly, complex process.
In the opinion of the experts, future solutions for the
building shell will include an even greater integration
of photovoltaics. Analysts from US market research
company Nanomarkets estimate that up to 2019 the
value of the Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV)
glass market will more than triple from 823 million to
US$ 2.7 billion. In their current BIPV report they assess