The perfect balance between thermal comfort and environmental sustainability: our technologies for solar radiation control

19/05/2022

For several years, glass manufacturers have been required to provide their contribution in terms of reducing energy consumption in buildings or boats, whether for heating and cooling.

Today, products are undoubtedly more efficient and innovative; this is the result of careful design in which all technological resources are exploited to obtain exclusive results from various points of view.

Increasingly, the topic of discussion is about controlling solar radiation and activating a well-rounded system while respecting and protecting the environment. Within this system, the structure itself is built to prevent the dispersion of energy. The energy performance of glass depends, of course, on the quantity and nature of the solar radiation to which it is subjected. For this reason, it is necessary to be extremely familiar with infrared radiation and how to block it. We have also developed know-how in this area of intervention, and we are happy to briefly explain it to you.

 

Our versatile solutions

What is the main objective of a glass plate installed in a building or on a boat? To allow visible spectrum radiation to go through while, at the same time, block other types or radiation, such as, for example ultraviolet radiation or infrared rays.

Let's take a look at the difference between these two types of radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of photochemical degradation of materials (leather, wood, fabrics, plastics and so on), for this reason, in many cases it is appropriate to block it.

On the other hand, infrared radiation is an electromagnetic wave affecting perceived thermal comfort (therefore, instances in which a building may feel overheated).  

Our technological offer in the field of solar radiation control involves solutions integrating solar protection elements that are made of laminated glass. Our detailed specifications include lamination technologies of heterogeneous elements that allow for maximum visibility of exterior views without affecting the aesthetics of the installation structure.

Two solutions are always better than one

Since when managing our production we can be defined as extremely “hard to please,” we have developed two solar radiation control systems, both effective for filtering short-wave and long-wave infrared radiation and promoting energy savings, something very important for our planet.

 

The two systems envisaged are:

-                     Use of a highly-selective multilayer coating on the glass

-                     Application of plastic films and selective filters within the glass.

Since our products are always customised and perfectly calibrated to the customer's needs, based on the customer's request, we evaluate which system is most suitable for the intended use.

In the next article, we will explore the characteristics and various benefits of coating and film application.