Energy savings

Why dynamic solar shading

Energy savings through heat gain management

Dynamic solar shading is a must to create a high performance facade!

The windows in a facade are the weakest link in terms of energy transfer, in both directionss. Modern glass has developed at an impressive pace, yet glass can still not offer the dynamic g, U and LT values needed to cater for the varying needs throughout the year and thus to optimize both indoor climate and energy performance.

The only way to solve this, is by applying an intelligent combination of some basic functions in the building. Dynamic solar shading and correct choice of glass type, combined with presence-controlled heating, cooling and light. Science has proven it years ago and now the market is expressing demand for it. In terms of solar shading the "key to success" lies in how shading is controlled.

Our dynamic cooling and heating strategies aim to reduce the energy consumption rate that is required to operate a building, while ensuring a comfortable climate for the occupants. Basically, this can be summarized as: supporting cooling when this is required, and supporting heating when this is required (you can read more about dynamic insulation below):

  • Comfort and energy efficiency during the cold season calls for a heating strategy: capturing solar heat gain, storing it in thermal mass, retaining it through insulation and transmitting it to the building as needed.
  • Comfort and energy efficiency during the hot season calls for a cooling strategy by preventing unwanted heat gains from the sun and keeping the need for artificial cooling at a minimum.

Principles of Dynamic Insulation™

Dynamic Insulation™ works by positioning the shading devices on the facade in accordance with the need at any given time, day or season, in order to manage the thermal exchange between the outside and inside of the building.

Principle of Dynamic Insulation in hot season (during the day) and in cold season (during the night).

In accordance with the need at any given time, day or season...

Dynamic Insulation™ creates very useful and flexible g-values (SHGC coefficient) and U-values by positioning the shading devices on the facade in accordance with the need at any given time, day or season. This leads to improved management of the thermal exchange between the outside and inside of the building. This result can only be obtained by using a properly programmed automation system.

The overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value) measures the rate of heat transfer through a window area; the lower the U-value, the better the insulation. To measure the performance of Dynamic Insulation™, U-values for the glazing and shading devices must be combined: single-glazing with a shading device can actually provide a U-value that is superior to double-glazing.  An example:

  1. Single glazing: U=5,9
  2. Double glazing: U=2,7
  3. Triple glazing: U=1,8
  4. Double glazing with roller shutters: U<1,8

Impact on energy savings

Dynamic solar shading has an impact on various factors, thus reducing the energy consumption of the building, throughout the building's life cycle.

Key parameters which combined play an important part of the planning and design to optimize a solution for a building:

  • g: the % of energy entering the room through the glass alone (same as Solar Heat Gain Coefficient - SHGC)
  • gtot: the % of energy entering the room through the glass and shading
  • U: the measurement on the insulation ability of the Shade and Glass
  • Lt: the light transmission coefficient (LT)
Reducing the energy consumption of the building, throughout the building's life cycle:
  • Allow for to “rightsizing” of installed HVAC equipment
  • Improve U values by reducing heat loss
  • Allow for using less coated glass 
  • Significantly reduce heat gain 
  • Maximize the use of natural daylight 
  • Reduce requirement/use of for artificial lighting

The solar heat gain coefficient

The above graph shows a selection of glass specifications - featuring Single Clear, Double Clear and further adding various levels of selective coatings, showing the g and LT values for each glass type.

By using clear glass combined with dynamic solar shading you will be able to «open or close» the energy flow through the window according to what is required at any given time during the day, week, month or season. Manage heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. You will also have a solution that can manage glare. This is the idea behind the "dynamic g value".

The value of flexibility...

The solar heat gain coefficient (g-value or SHGC) measures the solar energy transmittance through windows. The gtot value is the combined g value for a glass combined with solar shading.

The gtot (or gsystem) required in most buildings today needs to be as low as 0.10-0.15, which is far below what glass alone can provide.

By using non-coated clear, or even Low-Iron, glass combined with dynamic solar shading you will have the flexibility to change the gtot according to current needs and always be able to maintain the highest possible LT value (Light Transmission).

Ideally, the g value should be at a low in the summer to reduce heat gain and high in the winter to take advantage of a free source of heat.

This can be achieved by combining shading devices and choice of glass in a smart way in order to reduce the heating and cooling needs to the absolute minimum possible. You will soon realize the added value of flexibility compared with the static situation using glass alone. This is the basis of Dynamic Insulation™.

Contact us to learn more about the benefits of dynamic solar shading!

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