How is the application effect of insulating glass in building energy conservation?
Thermal Conduction Control
Reduction of Heat Transfer Coefficient: The heat transfer coefficient (U value) of insulating glass can be as low as 1.8-2.8 W/(m²·K). Compared with traditional single-pane glass (approximately 5.8 W/(m²·K)), the heat loss is reduced by about 60%.
Thermal Insulation of the Gas Layer: The 6-20mm thick dry gas layer (air or inert gas) in the middle forms a thermal resistance barrier, blocking the transfer of heat through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Enhancement of Energy Conservation with Low-E Coating
Reflection of Infrared Radiation: The Low-E (low-emissivity) coating can reflect more than 90% of infrared rays, reducing the loss of indoor heat in winter and the entry of solar radiant heat in summer.
Improvement of Energy Efficiency Ratio: Compared with ordinary insulating glass, Low-E insulating glass can further reduce building energy consumption by 20-30%, especially with significant effects in areas with high air-conditioning loads.
Optimization of Performance by Filling with Inert Gases
Lower Thermal Conductivity: Filling with inert gases such as argon and krypton (whose thermal conductivity is 30-40% lower than that of air) further enhances the thermal insulation effect, especially suitable for extremely cold or hot climate regions.
Reduction of Condensation Risk: The desiccant continuously absorbs moisture, keeping the cavity dry and avoiding the condensation on the inner surface of the glass in winter.
Actual Energy Conservation Cases
Residential Applications: In temperate regions such as Jinan, buildings using insulating glass can reduce air-conditioning energy consumption by 30-40%, decrease the indoor temperature by 3-5℃ in summer, and reduce the demand for heating in winter.
Commercial Buildings: Using insulating glass for curtain walls can reduce the energy consumption of the entire building by 15-25%, meeting the certification standards of green buildings (such as LEED and China Green Building).
Environmental Protection and Economic Benefits
Reduction of Carbon Emissions: Indirectly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and lower CO₂ emissions through energy conservation.
Long-term Cost Savings: Although the initial cost is 2-3 times higher than that of single-pane glass, the service life can be as long as 15-30 years, and the investment payback period is usually 5-8 years.
Applicable Scenarios
Extremely Cold Regions: Reduce the heating load in winter.
Extremely Hot Regions: Block solar radiation and reduce air-conditioning energy consumption.
High Humidity Regions: Avoid the condensation of glass and maintain light transmittance.
Conclusion: Through structural design, material optimization, and process innovation, insulating glass significantly improves the thermal insulation performance of buildings and is one of the core technologies for achieving low-carbon buildings.