Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Nanogel Windows
Cinzia Buratti and Elisa Moretti
Abstract This chapter deals with the application of highly energy-efficient win-
dows and skylights with silica nanogel as a strategy in the building refurbishment.
Aerogel windows seem to have the largest potential for improving the thermal
performance and daylight in fenestration industry, because of very low conductivity,
density, and a good optical transparency. A state-of-the-art review of nanogel win-
dows in building applications is firstly presented. Then, the proprieties of nanogel
glazings in terms of thermal, lighting, and acoustic insulation solutions are discussed.
Finally, the potential of the nanogel windows for energy saving in order to achieve a
nearly zero-energy building is described, thanks to the results of a case study.
1 Introduction
In developed countries, a lot of buildings are constructed before 1970: they
demand high energy, due to outdated heat production systems and insufficient
insulation of the envelope. Many of these buildings will not be demolished and
rebuilt in the near future, so retrofit would be more efficient in terms of energy
saving, emissions reduction, and sustainability; moreover, the indoor comfort
conditions could be improved.
Glass façades have an important role in buildings, both for daylighting and
thermal comfort. In highly glazed buildings, the energy demand is greater than the
one for buildings with conventional façades, since the glazing systems have
thermal performance lower than opaque walls and are influenced by radiation.
