InDeWaG Vision
InDeWaG project tackles the cost reduction goal for construction of nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) and provides energy efficient performance solution by using Water Flow Glazing (WFG) facades and Radiant Interior Walls. The distinguishing characteristic of a smart glazing is the reduction of both heating and cooling demand during the whole year by means of energy efficient elements. Design, evaluation and industrial manufacturing of WFG modules will be the final result of InDeWaG project.
WFG modules will lead to a significant improvement in the smart glazing facade market, introducing a new product that could readily adapt in response to changing climatic conditions or occupants preferences. The expected impact on costs is considered significant due to reduction of energy costs, heating and cooling demand.
OBJECTIVES
The first objective of the project is to understand the spectral and thermal behavior of an ideal transparent facade with optical properties, such as Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and Visible Transmittance (VT) that could readily adapt in response to changing climatic conditions or occupant preferences.
Glazings are required to be energy efficient elements rather than mere transparent insulators. While in winter solar heat gains should be maximized, in summer they can produce overheating.
If the solar heat gain is not controlled dynamically, an advanced glazing can actually be detrimental in terms of overheating problems. The distinguishing characteristic of a smart glazing is the reduction of both heating and cooling demand during the whole year.
The second objective of the project is to design, evaluate, and manufacture prototype-industrialized modules. Industrial Development of Water Flow Glazing Systems (InDeWaG) tackles the cost reduction goal and ZEB performance by using Water Flow Glazing facades (WFG) and Radiant Interior Walls (RIW), while minimizing the size of HVAC systems and the total energy needs of the building. A distinguishing characteristic of water flow glazing is an active water chamber layer, which transports energy within the glazing. This solution is based on circulating water in a closed circuit allowing the solar heat gain from the outer environment to be controlled dynamically. In this case, the water flow does not influence the visual transmittance of the glazing but the temperature of the glass panes, which are in contact with the water.
Based on the project's progress we believe that WFG modules will lead to a significant improvement in the smart glazing facade market. A study of the socio-economic impact, which analyzed the achieved energy savings, is forthcoming. The WFG is already considered to be more economically viable than other facade solution, because it can save construction and installation costs and reduce energy demand.