Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
  • E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
  • E06B3/6617—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together one of the panes being larger than another
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
  • E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
  • E06B3/663—Elements for spacing panes
  • E06B3/66309—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
  • E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
  • E06B3/67—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light
  • E06B3/6715—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light specially adapted for increased thermal insulation or for controlled passage of light
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B7/00—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
  • E06B7/02—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows for providing ventilation, e.g. through double windows; Arrangement of ventilation roses
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B7/00—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
  • E06B7/02—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows for providing ventilation, e.g. through double windows; Arrangement of ventilation roses
  • E06B2007/023—Air flow induced by fan

Definitions

• the present invention concerns a glazed assembly comprising at least two panes, one of which having a higher energetic absorptance, at least one thermo-electric module and at least one ventilation means, that may improve the thermal management of a building.
• the present invention also concerns a partition comprising the glazed assembly, the use of the glazed assembly positioned in a partition for preheating a fluid circulating from one side to the other side of the partition, the process of preheating a fluid circulating from one side to the other side of the partition thanks to the glazed assembly.
• the move to improved energy performance typically includes a better insulation of the buildings. Improved insulation often goes hand in hand with increased airtightness of the building envelope. While airtightness helps in reducing heat loss or gain, it can also restrict the natural exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Natural exchange or ventilation relies on air movement through cracks, gaps, or open windows, helps remove indoor pollutants, moisture and replenish fresh air. Insufficient natural ventilation due to increased insulation can result in poor indoor air quality. Therefore, ventilation is an important consideration that needs to be considered in parallel to the insulation improvement of a building. The current trend is to consider ventilation as a parameter to take into account for the design and assessment of energy performance of buildings. It is the case for instance in the mandatory energy performance assessments of buildings in Belgium in the PEB (Performance Énerghyroid des Bâtiments) or in France in the DPE (Diagnostic de Performance EnergBio).
• Ventilation may be a natural ventilation, a single-flow or double-flow mechanical ventilation.
• Natural ventilation is a process using natural forces, such as wind and temperature differences or indoor depression created for instance by chimneys, to create airflow and exchange indoor and outdoor air. It relies on openings like windows, doors, cracks, gaps, vents or chimneys to allow fresh air to enter and stale air to exit the building. This has clear disadvantages during cold seasons, when the incoming air is cold. Cold air can create thermal discomfort and must be heated, which has a negative impact on energy performance. Furthermore, the air flow is not controlled with this system.
• Single-flow mechanical ventilation involves the use of mechanical fans typically installed in humid rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, or utility rooms to remove stale air from a building.
• Double-flow mechanical ventilation is a system that uses mechanical fans to both exhaust stale air and supply fresh air to a building in a controlled manner.
• This system ensures a balanced air flow by using two fans: one for extracting stale air from the building typically and another for bringing in fresh air.
• the two air streams pass through a heat exchanger, which allows for the transfer of heat between the outgoing and incoming air streams, improving energy efficiency.
• Air is typically extracted from humid rooms and blown into the dry rooms. With this system, there is an air flow control and the heat exchanger recovers heat from the outgoing air and preheats the incoming air which is advantageous from an energy point of view and from a thermal comfort point of view.
• glazing may play an important role in the flow of incoming air.
• Windows with ventilation vents are available on the market ensuring the supply of fresh air in the building, typically through dry rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms.
• the incoming air is at the temperature of the outside environment.
• air vents with self-regulating valves that supply fresh air in a controlled manner by automatically adjusting the air flow, this system attempts to balance ventilation and excessive cold draughts, but does not fully eliminate these cold incoming air drawbacks.
• a glazed assembly configured to separate a first space, Sp1, from a second space, Sp2, comprising:
• the invention further concerns a partition of a stationary or a mobile object configured to separate an exterior space and an interior space, said partition comprising an opening in which the glazed assembly is positioned with Sp1 being the exterior space and Sp2 being the interior space.
• the invention further concerns the use of the glazed assembly positioned in an opening of a partition of a stationary or a mobile object configured to separate an exterior space and an interior space, with Sp1 being the exterior space and Sp2 being the interior space, for preheating a fluid circulating from the exterior space to the interior space through the ventilation means by transfer of the solar energy absorbed by GP2 to the thermo-electric module coupled on a part of the second glass pane that extends beyond the first spacer assembly on at least one edge and from the thermo-electric module to the fluid.
• the invention also relates to a process for preheating a fluid circulating from an exterior space to an interior space comprising the steps of:
• thermo-electric module comprises further heat transfer means for transferring the heat to preheat the fluid, typically air, in the vicinity of the thermo-electric module.
• thermo-electric module A heat flow or heat pump mechanism is thus generated within the GP2.
• the ventilation means encompassing the thermo-electric module are configured to provide a connection for fluids, typically air, between Sp1 and Sp2.
• fluids typically air
• the present invention relates to a glazed assembly configured to separate a first space, Sp1, from a second space, Sp2, comprising:
• the glazed assembly according to the invention is configured to separate a first space designated as Sp1 from a second space designated as Sp2.
• Each of Sp1 and Sp2 is located on one of the sides of the glazed assembly.
• Sp1 and Sp2 will be respectively the exterior and interior spaces, located on each side of the glazed assembly.
• the glazed assembly comprises a glazing unit with a first and a second glass panes designated respectively as GP1 and GP2.
• Each of GP1 and GP2 has a first face and a second face designated as F11 and F12 for GP1 and F21 and F22 for GP2, and lateral faces defining the thickness of the glass panes.
• GP1 and GP2 may have the same or different dimensions.
• face F11 is oriented towards Sp1
• face F12 and face F21 are in contact with the first internal volume
• face F22 is oriented towards Sp2.
• "Oriented towards” indicates an orientation of a pane face towards a given space and does not imply a contact with that space.
• edges are the peripheral zones of the glass panes. They have an upper and a lower edge which are respectively the edges configured to be above and below the other edges when the glazed assembly is installed in a building and they have lateral edges connecting the upper and bottom edges.
• the glass panes have typically an upper edge, a lower edge and 2 lateral edges.
• the glass panes are rectangular or square and have 2 main faces, 4 lateral faces, an upper edge, a bottom edge and 2 lateral edges.
• the term "glass” in the present invention is understood to mean any type of mineral or organic glasses known to the skilled in the art.
• the mineral glasses may be soda-lime-silicate glass, alumino-silicate glass, alkali-free glass, boro-silicate glass, crystalline and polycrystalline glasses.
• the mineral glass is a soda-lime-silicate glass, alumino-silicate glass or boro-silicate glass. More preferably and for reasons of lower production costs, the mineral glass is a soda-lime-silicate glass.
• the expression soda-lime-silicate glass in the present invention is used in a broad sense and relates to any mineral glass which comprises the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of mineral glass (Comp. A). More preferably, the mineral glass composition (Comp. B) is a soda-lime-silicate-type glass with a base glass matrix of the composition comprising the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of mineral glass.
• compositions for the mineral glass of the present invention comprise the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of mineral glass: Comp. C Comp. D Comp. E 65 ⁇ SiO 2 ⁇ 78 wt% 60 ⁇ SiO 2 ⁇ 78 % 65 ⁇ SiO 2 ⁇ 78 wt% 5 ⁇ Na 2 O ⁇ 20 wt% 5 ⁇ Na 2 O ⁇ 20 % 5 ⁇ Na 2 O ⁇ 20 wt% 0 ⁇ K 2 O ⁇ 5 wt% 0.9 ⁇ K 2 O ⁇ 12 % 1 ⁇ K 2 O ⁇ 8 wt% 1 ⁇ Al 2 O 3 ⁇ 6 wt%, pref 3 ⁇ Al 2 O 3 ⁇ 5 % 4.9 ⁇ Al 2 O 3 ⁇ 8 % 1 ⁇ Al 2 O 3 ⁇ 6 wt% 0 ⁇ CaO ⁇ 4.5 wt% 0.4 ⁇ CaO ⁇ 2 % 2 ⁇ CaO ⁇ 10 wt% 4 ⁇ M
• mineral base glass matrixes for the composition according to the invention are described in published in PCT patent applications WO2015/150207A1 , WO2015/150403A1 , WO2016/091672 A1 , WO2016/169823A1 and WO2018/001965 A1 .
• the mineral glass may have a composition comprising a total iron (expressed in terms of Fe 2 O 3 ) content ranging from 0.002 to 0.06 weight%.
• a total iron (expressed in the form of Fe 2 O 3 ) content of less than or equal to 0.06 weight% makes it possible to obtain a mineral glass with almost no visible coloration.
• the composition comprises a total iron (expressed in the form of Fe 2 O 3 ) content ranging from 0.002 to 0.04 weight%. More preferably, the composition comprises a total iron (expressed in the form of Fe 2 O 3 ) content ranging from 0.002 to 0.020 weight%.
• the composition comprises a total iron (expressed in the form of Fe 2 O 3 ) content ranging from 0.002 to 0.015 weight% for the lowest visible light absorption.
• the mineral glass may also be a tinted mineral glass which has an energetic absorption higher than normal clear glass.
• the tinted mineral glass is composed of a soda-lime -silicate glass comprising the aforesaid components and an added coloring agent.
• Some examples of commercial tinted mineral glasses are Planibel Bronze, Planibel Dark Blue, Planibel Dark Grey, Planibel Green, Planibel Grey, Planibel Linea Azzurra, Planibel Privablue soda-lime glass ranges commercialized by AGC Glass Europe.
• Glass sheets of mineral glass can be obtained by the known methods such as a floating process, a drawing process, a rolling process or any other process known to manufacture a glass sheet starting from a molten glass composition.
• Organic glasses are typically transparent thermoplastic polymers having a Young's modulus of at least 0.5 GPa and a glass transition temperature of at least 70°C.
• transparent denotes a property illustrating the average LT (light transmittance) of visible light transmitted through a material in the visible spectrum of at least 1%.
• transparent relates to a LT of at least 10%, more preferably a LT of at least 50%, most preferably a LT of at least 70%.
• Light transmittance is the percentage of incident light flux, illuminant D65/2°, transmitted by the material.
• the glass transition temperature is a well-known quantity that can be measured according to methods known by the skilled person such as for instance according to ISO 11357-2.
• the Young's modulus is preferably at least 1 GPa, more preferably at least 1.5 GPa.
• the Young's modulus is also a well-known quantity that can be measured according to methods known by the skilled person such as for instance according to ASTM D 638 and D 618 (Procedure A or B) in the case of polymers.
• the organic glasses are well-known by the skilled in the art and some non-exhaustive examples of suitable polymers comprise polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate). The most widely used as organic glasses are typically polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate).
• Glass sheets of organic glass may be obtained by any method known by the skilled in the art.
• the organic glass may also be a tinted organic glass obtained by adding a coloring agent to the polymer and increasing its energetic absorptance.
• a coloring agent is dyes or pigments. These additives selectively absorb certain wavelengths of solar radiation, converting them into heat.
• the glass panes in the present invention may be selected from single glass sheets or laminates of two glass sheets assembled by a polymer interlayer.
• the polymer interlayer that may be used in the present invention typically comprises a material selected from the group consisting ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyisobutylene (PIB), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polyesters, copolyesters, polyacetals, cyclo olefin polymers (COP), ionomer and/or an ultraviolet activated adhesive, and others known in the art of manufacturing glass laminates. Blended materials using any compatible combination of these materials can be suitable as well.
• EVA ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer
• PIB polyisobutylene
• PVB polyvinyl butyral
• PU polyurethane
• PVC polyvinyl chlorides
• polyesters copolyesters
• COP cyclo olefin polymers
• ionomer and/or an ultraviolet activated adhesive and others known in the art of manufacturing glass laminates.
• polymer interlayers suitable to laminate mineral glass sheets comprise a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinyl butyral, more preferably polyvinyl butyral.
• the polymer interlayer is also designated as a "bonding interlayer" since the polymer interlayer and the glass pane form a bond that results in adhesion between the glass pane and the polymer interlayer.
• Typical thicknesses for polymer interlayers are 0.3 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably 0.75 mm to 1.75 mm.
• Traditional, commercially available polymer interlayers are polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layers of 0.38 mm and 0.76mm, 1.52 mm, 2.28 mm and 3.04mm. To achieve the desired thickness, one or more of those films can be used.
• Polymer interlayers having enhanced energetic absorptance also exist.
• Such polymer interlayers are well-known by the skilled in the art as solar control interlayers, some non-exhaustive examples of which are solar control ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer or polyvinyl butyral, preferably a solar control polyvinyl butyral.
• the glass panes are characterized by a solar direct absorptance in the sense of EN410 herein referred to as energetic absorptance.
• the energetic absorptance of GP2 designated as AE2 is greater than the energetic absorptance of GP1 designated as AE1, AE2 > AE1.
• the inventors have found that when GP1 has a limited energetic absorptance and GP2 has a higher one, a significant amount of solar energy is transmitted through GP1 and available for absorption by GP2 that heats up. This heat is transferred by conduction to GP2e and extracted and transferred from GP2e to the thermo-electric module coupled thereto and is available for preheating the fluid in the vicinity of said heat transfer means.
• the energetic absorptance of GP1, AE1 is thus preferably at most 20%, more preferably at most 15% so that a significant amount of energy remains available for absorption by GP2.
• the energetic absorptance of GP2, AE2 is preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30%
• AE2 is equal to or greater than 10% AE1 (AE2 ⁇ 1.1 AE1), preferably equal to or greater than 15% AE1 (AE2 ⁇ 1.15 AE1), more preferably equal to or greater than 20% AE1 (AE2 ⁇ 1.2 AE1), most preferably equal to or greater than 30% AE1 (AE2 ⁇ 1.3 AE1).
• GP2 is selected from a single tinted mineral glass sheet and a laminate of two mineral glass sheets assembled by a polymer interlayer.
• Said polymer interlayer may be a solar controlled interlayer.
• GP2 may also comprise pre-stressed glass sheet(s) that may optionally be tinted.
• GP2 may alternatively be a double glazing with an internal volume filled with water, aqueous or solvent solutions or gels that are transparent while also having the ability to absorb solar energy and conduct heat.
• GP1 is a single mineral glass sheet such as a soda-lime-silica glass sheet, alumino-silicate glass sheet or boro-silicate glass sheet.
• GP1 is a soda-lime-silica glass sheet.
• GP1 is a soda-lime-silica glass sheet and GP2 is selected from a single tinted mineral glass sheet and a laminate of two mineral glass sheets assembled by a polymer interlayer.
• Said polymer interlayer may be a solar controlled interlayer.
• the glazing unit comprises also a first spacer assembly comprising a first spacer and at least one sealing barrier.
• the spacer is made of any material known by the skilled person such as metal, polymer, ceramic, glass, a composite material reinforced by glass fibers or a mix of several of these materials. Use of warm-edge spacers, often made of polymer reinforced with a metallic foil, are advantageous to reduce thermal fluxes at the periphery of the glass panes.
• the spacer can be solid or hollow. Hollow spacers are able to receive drying materials also designated as desiccants. When the spacer is solid, for instance made of polymer, the desiccative material may be incorporated into the polymer matrix.
• the spacer has typically a thickness ranging from 4 to 32 mm. In standard glazing units, the thickness ranges from 9 to 18 mm.
• the spacer is hold between the glass panes typically by means of at least one sealing barrier consisting of a seal located at each interface between the spacer and the glass panes.
• This first sealing barrier is typically made of materials selected from polyisobutylene, silicone, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, and mixtures or combinations thereof.
• an additional sealing barrier may be present at the interface between on one hand the spacer and the first sealing barrier and on the other hand the exterior of the glazing unit.
• This second sealing barrier is typically made of materials selected from polyisobutylene, silicone, polysulfide, polyurethane or mixtures or combinations thereof.
• the spacer assembly consists either of a spacer and first sealing barrier or of a spacer, a first and a second sealing barrier.
• the spacer assembly hermetically couples GP1 and GP2 and maintains them at a certain distance from each other.
• the spacer assembly, GP1 and GP2 thus define an internal volume hermetically sealed and typically filled with an insulating gas which may be selected from air, dry air, argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), carbon dioxide or a combination thereof.
• Said gas or gas mixtures are effective for enhancing thermal insulating performances and/or may be used to reduce sound transmission.
• the gas within the internal volume comprises at least 50% Ar or Kr as such noble gases considerably improve insulation properties.
• the second glass pane, GP2 has a part extending beyond the spacer assembly on at least one edge of GP2, said part or portion is designated as GP2e.
• GP2e protrudes over the spacer assembly towards the exterior of the glazing unit, in the direction opposite to the internal volume.
• GP2e extends beyond the spacer assembly on one edge of GP2 or on several edges of GP2.
• GP2e extension on an edge of GP2 depends on size as well as landscape (larger than higher) or portrait (higher than larger) configuration of the glass assembly closing an opening within a partition separating a first space from a second space.
• GP2e extends beyond the spacer assembly on the upper edge and/or on at least one of the lateral edges of GP2 or GP2e extends in its upper edge and/or on its bottom edge.
• GP2e extends up to a distance of at least 5 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm or even 10 cm beyond the spacer assembly. This distance is adapted, for example made larger for larger glass panes, as a larger GP2e may provide a larger heat exchange area.
• GP2e extends not only beyond the spacer assembly, but also beyond the corresponding edge or the corresponding edges of GP1 so that GP2e protrudes over GP1 on that edge or on these edges.
• GP2e may extend up to a distance of at least 5cm; 7 cm, 8 cm or even 10 cm beyond the spacer assembly. This distance may again be adapted, for example made larger for larger glass panes as a larger GP2e may provide a larger heat exchange area.
• the glazed assembly also comprises at least one thermo-electric module comprising at least one thermo-electric element, preferably a Peltier functioning element.
• the thermo-electric element is preferably fastened to the first face of the second glass pane,F21, on the part of the second glass pane that extends beyond the first spacer assembly, GP2e.
• a Peltier functioning element is an element that is able to transport heat using the Peltier effect.
• the Peltier effect is the cooling of one junction and the heating of the other junction when electric current is maintained in a circuit of material consisting of two dissimilar conductors.
• the Peltier effect produces inside the Peltier functioning element, a temperature difference between two sides when a current is flowing.
• One side is called cold and the other side is called hot.
• Direction of current flow within the conductors ensures the reversibility of the system, the cold side and the hot side can then become the hot side and the cold side respectively.
• the object to be cooled or heated is brought into contact with the cold or hot side of the Peltier functioning element, while the other side of the Peltier functioning element can be brought into contact with a heat or cold transfer means, or may be coupled to a heat or cold removal device.
• conduction and radiation are taken advantage of.
• the fastening of Peltier functioning element to GP2e may for instance be done with thermally conductive adhesive materials, such as for example glues or double-sided adhesives. Such adhesive materials improve thermal conduction at the coupling zone with GP2e.
• thermal conduction at the coupling zone can further be improved by a conductive layer deposited on GP2e, for instance a copper coating.
• the thermo-electric module can comprise two or more Peltier functioning elements, in order to amplify or limit the heat contribution of GP2 to the heating of the fluid surrounding the thermo-electric module.
• the thermo-electric module can have different sizes and can extend up to the full length of GP2e.
• the second space, Sp2 is the exterior space
• GP2 being the more energetic absorbent glass pane
• the first space, Sp1 is the exterior space
• GP2 being the more energetic absorbent glass pane
• the glazing unit faces the interior space, Sp2, when the glazing unit is a double glazing.
• the inventors have found that solar energy transmitted directly or transmitted through GP1 to GP2, is absorbed by GP2 that heats up. GP2's heat is transferred by conduction to GP2e and to the Peltier functioning element of the thermo-electric module, coupled on GP2e.
• the direction of the electrical current of the Peltier functioning element can be switched, such as manually and thereby its cold and hot sides are switched correspondingly.
• the Peltier functioning element of the thermo-electric module may consequently be activated in different positions (during high, moderate, low or no sunlight conditions), that will set the direction of current flow within the Peltier functioning element.
• thermo-electric module may be coupled to a temperature regulation device.
• the temperature regulation device sets the direction of current flow and therefore fix the orientation of the cold and hot sides of the Peltier functioning element.
• the glazing assembly further comprises at least one temperature sensor located on at least one edge of GP2 as part of the temperature regulation device.
• thermo-electric module of the glazed assembly also comprises at least one heat transfer means which is fastened to the thermo-electric element.
• Heat transfer means aim at collecting and extracting heat or cold dissipated from the opposite side of the Peltier functioning element and transferring this heat or cold to the fluid surrounding them.
• opposite in the present invention is commonly understood to mean the side of the Peltier functioning element that is not fastened to GP2e.
• fluid in the present invention is commonly understood to mean material media including gases and liquids.
• the fluid is preferably a gas and preferably air, more preferably atmospheric air, which can equivalently be referred to as ambient air.
• Heat transfer means may include a plurality of heat exchange fins. Heat exchange fins enlarge the heat transfer surface thus increasing heat or cold transfer efficiency from the Peltier functioning element to the surrounding fluid.
• the contact between the Peltier functioning element and the heat transfer means has to conduct heat or cold dissipated from the Peltier functioning element as much as possible, by any suitable means.
• the coupling of Peltier functioning element to heat transfer means may for instance be done with thermally conductive adhesive materials, such as for example glues or double-sided adhesives to improve thermal conduction.
• the thermal conduction can further be improved by a conductive layer such as a copper coating.
• the heat transfer means is coupled to the Peltier functioning element and may optionally extend beyond GP2e in the direction opposite to the internal volume.
• Electricity is required for the Peltier element to function.
• Direction of current flow ensures the reversibility of the cold and hot side of the Peltier functioning element.
• Electricity supply can be brought by a regular external source to the glazing unit, by a photovoltaic solar cell module that forms part of the glazing unit and/or by a Seebeck functioning element.
• the electricity supply is brought by a Seebeck functioning element and/or a photovoltaic module thereby rendering the glazing autonomous. More preferably the electricity supply is brought by a Seebeck functioning element, being preferably located within the thermo-electric module.
• a photovoltaic solar cell module When the electricity supply is provided by a photovoltaic solar cell module, it is located on the face of the glazed assembly that when positioned within a partition, faces the exterior space.
• the photovoltaic solar cell module can be positioned as a strip along one edge of the glass pane facing the exterior space, preferably in close proximity to the thermo-electric module, typically GP1 when Sp1 is the exterior space. It is preferred that the photovoltaic solar cell module is located on the ventilation cap to maximize the sun light reaching GP2 and thereby the absorption of heat by GP2.
• the photovoltaic module can be further coupled to an energy storage device, such as a battery, which is particularly advantageous in summer conditions where the solar energy is more prominent than in winter conditions.
• thermo-electric module is fastened on GP2e on each of said edges.
• GP2e may:
• thermoelectric module coupled on at least one edge of GP2
• certain position(s) of one thermo-electric module coupled on at least one edge of GP2 can be preferred.
• one thermoelectric module is at least coupled on the upper edge and/or one of the lateral edges of GP2.
• one thermoelectric module is at least coupled on the upper edge and/or on the bottom edge of GP2.
• the at least one thermo-electric element of the thermo-electric module is preferably fastened to GP2e on F21 and is a Peltier functioning element.
• the at least one heat transfer means is fastened to the at least one thermo-electric element that is preferably a Peltier functioning element.
• any thermo-electric module is preferably coupled to GP2e on face F21.
• the glazed assembly aims at being positioned in a partition of a stationary or a mobile object, for instance a façade wall of a building, with Sp1 being the exterior space and Sp2 being the interior space.
• the thermo-electric modules are available for preheating air coming from the exterior space.
• the Peltier functioning element fastened to the face of the second glass pane on GP2e that faces Sp1 has been set up to provide its cold side in contact with GP2e and its hot side exposed to Sp1, the exterior space. Therefore, the Peltier functioning element by cooling GP2e, amplifies the glass heat pump mechanism within the GP2. Indeed, the heat absorbed by GP2 is transferred by conduction to GP2e and the Peltier functioning element by cooling the GP2e, amplifies the heat conduction mechanism within GP2. The other side of the Peltier functioning element being the hot side, heat is transferred to heat transfer means fastened thereto. This mechanism amplifies the heat contribution of GP2 to preheat the fluid coming from the exterior space, typically air, in the vicinity of the heat transfer means.
• the glazed assembly also comprises at least one ventilation means which encompasses the at least one thermo-electric module and fluidly connects spaces Sp1 and Sp2.
• the ventilation means is configured to allow a connection for fluids between Sp1 and Sp2, i.e. it allows the existence of a fluid continuum between Sp1, the inside of the ventilation means and Sp2. It is also configured to encompass the thermo-electric module so that the fluid present inside the ventilation means surrounds the heat transfer means of the thermo-electric module and advantageously benefits from be preheating by the heat transfer means.
• thermo-electric modules When the glazed assembly comprises several thermo-electric modules, they are all encompassed within the ventilation means to ensure the fluid circulation in the vicinity of the heat transfer means of the thermo-electric modules. Depending on the position of the thermo-electric module, one or more ventilation means might be necessary.
• the ventilation means may optionally comprise self-regulating valves that limit the circulation of the fluid near the heat transfer means.
• the ventilation means comprises a ventilation cap defining a ventilation path between Sp1 and Sp2, said ventilation cap:
• the ventilation means is fastened to the glazing unit.
• the glazed assembly comprises frame elements with a fastening or integration of the ventilation means to one or more frame elements is not excluded.
• the ventilations means can be arranged flush with at least one face of the glazing unit.
• the ventilation path may be configured to allow air circulation from the exterior to the interior space.
• the thermo-electric module(s) is/are positioned in the ventilation path thereby allowing preheating air from the exterior space circulating through the ventilation path.
• the glazing unit further comprises:
• GP3 has a first and second faces designated as F31 and F32 and lateral faces defining the thickness of the glass pane.
• GP3 has an upper, a lower and lateral edges connecting the upper and bottom edges.
• GP3 has typically an upper edge, a bottom edge and 2 lateral edges.
• GP3 is rectangular or square and has 2 main faces, 4 lateral faces, an upper edge, a lower edge and 2 lateral edges.
• GP1, GP2 and GP3 may have the same or different dimensions.
• the glazing unit comprises a second spacer assembly comprising a second spacer and at least one sealing barrier and an optional second sealing barrier as described supra.
• the second spacer assembly may be composed of the same elements as the first spacer assembly or may be different.
• the second spacer assembly hermetically couples GP3 either to GP2 or to GP1 and maintains them at a certain distance from each other.
• GP2 is sandwiched between GP1 and GP3 or GP1 is sandwiched between GP3 and GP2, respectively.
• faces F31 and F22 are in contact with the second internal volume and F32 is oriented towards Sp2.
• faces F32 and F11 are in contact with the second internal volume and F31 is oriented towards Sp1.
• the spacer assembly, GP2 and GP3 or the spacer assembly, GP1 and GP3 thus define a second internal volume which is filled with an insulating gas or gas combination, as defined supra, which may have the same composition as in the first internal space or a different one.
• the spacer of the first spacer assembly and the spacer of the second spacer assembly may have the same or preferably of different thicknesses.
• the energetic absorptance of GP3, AE3 may either be higher, equal or lower than the energetic absorptance of GP2, it is preferably equal or lower than the energetic absorptance of GP2, more preferably lower than the energetic absorptance of GP2.
• GP2 is thus a glass pane having a higher energetic absorptance than both GP1 and GP3.
• the energetic absorptance of GP2, AE2 is equal to or greater than 10% AE3 (AE2 ⁇ 1.1 AE3), preferably equal to or greater than 15% AE3 (AE2 ⁇ 1.15 AE3), more preferably equal to or greater than 20% AE3 (AE2 ⁇ 1.2 AE3), most preferably equal to or greater than 30% AE3 (AE2 ⁇ 1.3 AE3).
• the second spacer assembly hermetically couples GP3 to GP2 and defines a second internal volume between them with faces F31 and F22 in contact with said second internal volume and F32 oriented towards Sp2.
• GP2 is sandwiched between GP1 and GP3.
• GP3 may be a single glass sheet or a laminate of two glass sheets assembled by a polymer interlayer as described supra.
• GP3 is preferably is a single mineral glass sheet such as a soda-lime-silica glass sheet, alumino-silicate glass sheet or boro-silicate glass sheet. More preferably, GP3 is a soda-lime-silica glass sheet.
• GP1 and GP3 are preferably soda-lime-silica glass sheets and GP2 is preferably selected from a single tinted mineral glass sheet and a laminate of two mineral glass sheets assembled by a polymer interlayer.
• Said polymer interlayer may be a solar controlled interlayer.
• the at least one thermo-electric module is preferably coupled to the face of GP2e that faces Sp1 (F21).
• the glazed assembly comprises a second thermo-electric module, is preferably coupled to the face of GP2e that faces Sp2 (F22).
• the second thermo-electric module comprises at least one thermo-electric element, preferably a Peltier functioning element, and at least one heat transfer means. This is of particular interest when the glazed assembly is positioned such that Sp1 being the exterior space and Sp2 being the interior space. In this case, the heat transfer means fastened to each thermo-electric elements are available for preheating air circulating from the exterior space to the interior space.
• GP2e extends beyond the first spacer assembly on at least one edge of GP2 and beyond the corresponding at least one edge of GP1 so that GP2e protrudes over GP1 on at least that edge and F21 of GP2e is thus exposed to Sp1.
• a thermo-electric module is coupled to F21 of GP2e.
• GP2e extends beyond the first spacer assembly on at least one edge of GP2 and beyond the corresponding at least one edge of GP1 and further extends beyond the second spacer assembly on that/those same edge(s) of GP2 and beyond the corresponding at least one edge of GP3.
• GP2e protrudes over GP1 and over GP3 on at least that edge, and F21 of GP2e is thus exposed to Sp1 and F22 of GP2e to Sp2.
• a thermo-electric module is coupled to F21 of GP2e and a second thermo-electric module is coupled to F22 of GP2e.
• a thermo-electric module is coupled to F21 of GP2e and an insulating material may be fastened to F22 of GP2e.
• the glazed assembly will preferably further comprise a second thermo-electric module coupled to the face of the second glass pane (F22) on GP2e that faces Sp2 and the Peltier functioning element of this second thermo-electric module located at the second face (F22) of GP2 on GP2e, is switched off.
• the Peltier functioning element of the first thermo-electric module by cooling GP2e part, amplifies the glass heat pump mechanism within GP2.
• the other side of the Peltier functioning element being the hot side, heat is dissipated to the heat transfer means.
• thermo-electric module This mechanism amplifies the heat contribution of GP2 to preheat the fluid coming from the exterior space, typically air, in the vicinity of the heat transfer means.
• first and second thermo-electric modules functions in boosting mode in order to promote the heat dissipation towards heat transfer means.
• the Peltier functioning element of the second thermo-electric module has been activated to provide its cold side fastened to GP2e for enhancing the glass heat pump mechanism operated by the first thermo-electric module via its hot side exposed to the interior space.
• At least a part of at least one pane face of the glazing unit comprises a functional coating. That is to say that when the glazing unit comprises two glass panes GP1 and GP2, at least a part of at least one of F11, F12, F21 and F22 comprises a first functional coating. When the glazing unit comprises three glass panes GP1, GP2 and GP3, at least a part of at least one of F11, F12, F21, F22, F31 and F32 comprises a first functional coating.
• the glazing unit may also comprise several functional coatings on at least part of several glass pane faces.
• the functional coatings are infrared (IR) reflecting and/or absorbing coatings, for example solar control coatings or low-emissivity (lowE) insulating coatings.
• IR infrared
• lowE low-emissivity
• the position and nature of the functional coating may be adapted according to thermal management needs, for example for increased insulating properties in colder regions of for increased solar control needs in hotter regions.
• Functional coatings may comprise a transparent conductive oxide or comprise at least one functional, infrared reflecting, layer comprising silver, and include one or more layers, and in many embodiments it may be multilayer coating.
• Low-emissivity functional coatings for example includes at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer (e.g., based on silver) sandwiched between at least first and second dielectric layers. Since one example function of low-emissivity coatings is to block certain amounts of IR radiation and prevent the same from reaching the building interior, the solar management coatings may include at least one IR blocking (i.e., IR reflecting and/or absorbing) layer.
• Example IR blocking layer(s) which may be present in coatings are of or include silver (Ag), nickel-chrome (NiCr), gold (Au), and/or any other suitable material that blocks significant amounts of IR radiation. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that IR blocking layer(s) of lowE coating need not block all IR radiation, but only need to block significant amounts thereof. In certain embodiments, each IR blocking layer of coating is provided between at least a pair of dielectric layers.
• Example dielectric layers include silicon nitride, titanium oxide, silicon oxynitride, tin oxide, zinc stannate, and/or other types of metal-oxides and/or metal-nitrides.
• each IR blocking layer may also be provided between a pair of contact layers of or including a material such as an oxide and/or nitride of nickel-chrome or any other suitable material.
• Example low-emissivity coatings which may be provided on substrates are described in Patents WO03106363A1 , WO2004071984A1 , WO2006048462A1 , WO2009115595A1 , WO2009115596A1 , WO2009115599A1 , WO2006048463A1 , WO2006067102A1 , WO2006122900A1 , WO2007138097A1 , WO2008113786A1 , WO2011147875A1 , WO2011147864A1 , WO2013079400A1 , WO2014191472A1 , WO2014191474A1 , WO2014191484A1 , WO2014
• functional coatings herein are not limited to these particular coatings, and any other suitable functional coatings capable of blocking amounts of IR radiation may instead be used.
• Functional coatings herein may be deposited on glass sheets in any suitable manner, including but not limited to sputtering, vapor deposition, and/or any other suitable technique.
• the glazing unit comprises a functional coating on at least a part of the first face of GP2 (F21) or on at least a part of the second face of GP1 (F12).
• the functional coating is on at least a part of the first face of GP2 (F21).
• the functional coating is on at least a part of the second face of GP1 (F12).
• a second functional coating may be present on at least a part of F22, i.e. both faces of GP2 may be at least partially covered by a functional coating.
• Producing a glass pane with a functional coating on each face involves additional costly process steps such as cleaning the glass surface before the application of any additional coating not obtained directly on the float glass production line, so that alternatively, a second functional coating may be present on at least a part of F31.
• the glass panes energetic absorptances in the present invention may be adjusted by the energetic absorptance of a glass sheet composition used, its tint and thickness, by the use of polymer interlayers, and/or also by the choice of a functional coatings deposited on at least one pane face.
• the light transmittance of the glazing unit is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%.
• the present invention further concerns a partition of a stationary or a mobile object configured to separate an exterior space and an interior space, said partition comprising an opening in which a glazed assembly according to any of the embodiments or combination of embodiments hereinabove is positioned with Sp1 being the exterior space and Sp2 being the interior space.
• the stationary object may typically be a building and the mobile object may be for instance a vehicle, a rapid transit system such as a train, tram or the like.
• the interior space is the space inside the object and the exterior space is the space outside the object.
• the heat of GP2 is transferred to GP2e by conduction, extracted and transferred from GP2e to the thermo-electric module coupled thereto, module having a Peltier functioning element using the Peltier effect for extracting heat.
• the heat transfer means dissipates the heat.
• the ventilation means encompassing the thermo-electric module, fluidly connects Sp1 and Sp2, i.e. the ventilation means allows the existence of a fluid continuum between Sp1, the inside of the ventilation means and Sp2. Therefore, the fluid present in the ventilation means in the vicinity of the heat transfer means of the thermo-electric module advantageously benefits from the available heat It is preheated to a temperature above the temperature of the exterior environment. A heat flow or heat pump mechanism is thus generated within the second glass pane, GP2.
• the ventilation means manages the dissipation of the heat generated by the first thermo-electric module and the second thermo-electric module towards the ventilation path.
• the ventilation means contributes advantageously to the thermal management of the building by limiting excessive heating of the interior space in cold exterior temperatures conditions.
• the partition is preferably a partition of a building, more preferably a façade wall of a building separating the exterior space, i.e. the environment outside the building, from the interior space of the building.
• the glazed assembly thus provides the air intake needed to ventilate the interior space, while ensuring thermal comfort by preheating the incoming air. It is particularly suitable for a building having natural or single-flow mechanical ventilation, since in these cases, glazing is a major entry point for incoming air.
• the present invention also concerns the use of a glazed assembly according to any of the embodiments or combination of embodiments hereinabove, wherein the glazed assembly is positioned in an opening of a partition of a stationary or a mobile object configured to separate an exterior space and an interior space, with Sp1 being the exterior space and Sp2 being the interior space, for preheating a fluid circulating from the exterior space to the interior space through the ventilation means by transfer of the solar energy absorbed by GP2 to the thermo-electric module to GP2e and from the thermo-electric module to the fluid.
• the solar energy absorbed by GP2 is transferred to GP2e by conduction and extracted from GP2e by the thermo-electric module coupled thereto. The heat is thus available to preheat to the fluid coming from the exterior space, typically air, present in the ventilation means in the vicinity of the heat thermo-electric module.
• the present invention also relates to a process for preheating a fluid circulating from an exterior space to an interior space, comprising the steps of:
• the fluid circulation from the exterior space to the interior space may for instance be induced by a depression in the interior space.
• the depression may be the result of indoor air escaping the building envelope for instance through cracks, gaps, open windows or chimneys as may be the case with natural ventilation; or may be due to the use of mechanical fans used to remove stale air from the building in the case of a single-flow ventilation.
• the circulation may also be forced by a fan.
• a first triple glazing unit, example 1, according to embodiments of the present invention was prepared.
• GP1 was a 4mm thick clear soda-lime glass sheet bearing a low emissivity functional coating on F12.
• GP3 was a 4mm thick clear soda-lime glass sheet bearing a low emissivity functional coating on F31.
• GP2 was a 6mm thick bronze colored tinted soda-lime glass sheet.
• the first and second internal volumes are filled with a gas comprising 90% Ar.
• the first internal volume is of 10mm thickness and the second internal volume is of 12mm thickness.
• Both functional coatings are thermal insulation coatings ⁇ iplus 1.1' commercialized by AGC Glass Europe.
• a second triple glazing unit, example 2 was prepared.
• GP1 and GP3 were 4mm thick clear soda-lime glass sheets both bearing a lowE insulating coating iPlus 1.1 on their faces respectively in contact with the first internal volume, F12, and the second internal volume, F31.
• GP2 comprised two extra-clear, or low-iron, 4mm thick soda-lime glass sheets joined by a 0.38mm thick grey PVB polymer interlayer.
• the first and second internal volumes are filled with a gas comprising 90% Ar.
• the first internal volume is of 10mm thickness and the second internal volume is of 12mm thickness.
• a third triple glazing unit, example 3, according to embodiments of the present invention was prepared.
• GP1 and GP3 were 4mm thick extra-clear, low-iron soda-lime glass sheets, glass sheets bearing no functional coatings.
• GP2 comprised two clear 4mm thick soda-lime glass sheets joined by a 0.72mm thick clear PVB polymer interlayer.
• the first and second internal volumes are filled with a gas comprising 90% Ar.
• the first internal volume is of 10mm thickness and the second internal volume is of 12mm thickness.
• GP2 bears on F21 a functional coating, the thermal insulation coating 'iplus 1.1'.
• GP2 further bears on F22 a functional coating, a solar control coating, 'Stopray Vision 60 commercialized by AGC Glass Europe.
• GP2 is sandwiched between GP1 and GP2; and GP2e extends by 10cm beyond the first spacer assembly.
• a first thermo-electric module is coupled on GP2e facing Sp1 (F21) to form the corresponding glazed assemblies. The heat absorbed by GP2 may be extracted and transferred towards the first thermo-electric module.
• Comparative examples 1 to 3 are the same corresponding triple glazing units but without the thermo-electric module, the heat absorbed by GP2 is not extracted nor transferred towards the thermo-electric module.
• Table 1 illustrates simulated opto-energetical properties of the examples 1 to 3 in simulated working conditions where a glazed assembly comprising the different triple glazing units of examples 1 to 3, is positioned as a window in a building wherein the first space Sp1 is the exterior space and the second space Sp2 is the interior space.
• the solar factor also designated as the solar heat gain coefficient, measures how readily heat from direct solar energy flows through a glazing.
• Solar factor is the ratio between incident solar energy transmitted through a glazing, and the total solar energy received by the surface of the glazing facing the exterior space.
• SF is expressed as a percentage: the higher is the value, the greater the solar energy is transmitted through the glazing, the more solar heat penetrates in the interior and the warmer is the interior space kept.
• the SF calculation is provided in standard norms such as EN410 or ISO9050. Norm EN410 is typically used for building applications.
• the solar factor (SF) was calculated by simulation for examples 1 to 3 wherein - for evaluation purposes, all solar energy absorbed by the second glass pane is estimated to be reemitted towards the interior space providing a theoretical higher solar factor (SF) during cold exterior temperature conditions (moderate or low sun light conditions).
• the U-values and light transmittance (LT) of the examples 1-3 and the comparative examples are not impacted as the glass composition, glass pane thickness, coating, spacers and internal volume of the triple glazing units are identical,
• the glass assemblies of examples 1 to 3 provide higher solar performance than triple glazing unit of the comparative examples.
• the higher solar factor is understood that heat from the sunlight absorbed by the second glass pane is therefore available for transfer by conduction to GP2e and from GP2e to the thermo-electric module. The available heat is then dissipated towards the exterior space. The air flows from the exterior to the interior spaces passing through the ventilation means can be preheated in the vicinity of the thermo-electric module before reaching the interior space.
• the glazing assemblies according the invention can thus contribute to a better thermal comfort by limiting the energy consumption for heating the air entering into the interior space to room temperature and so contribute to the energy performance of buildings. wherein the higher SF values of the examples of the present invention, corresponds to 100% of the heat absorbed by GP2 being extracted and re-emitted.

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  • 2024-03-06 EP EP24161856.0A patent/EP4613965A1/fr active Pending

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