Double-Pane Insulating Glazing with Aerogel Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-pane insulating glazing units face challenges in achieving narrow width and exceptional thermal insulation, particularly through suppression of heat transfer by radiation, convection, and conduction, while triple-pane units are wider and heavier.
Innovation Solution
A double-pane insulating glazing unit design incorporating an aerogel layer and a low-emissivity coating within the between-pane space, separated by a gas gap, which enhances thermal insulation properties without a third glass pane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If triple-pane IG units are used to achieve greater thermal insulation properties, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but unit width increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates aerogel, a highly porous material with exceptional insulation properties, into the between-pane space. The aerogel layer provides superior thermal resistance per unit thickness compared to conventional gas fills, enabling double-pane units to achieve triple-pane level insulation without the additional width and weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite insulation system combining aerogel material with low-emissivity coatings on the glass panes. This composite approach multiplies the thermal insulation effects, allowing the double-pane unit to match or exceed triple-pane performance while maintaining a narrower profile
2Loss of energy
If triple-pane IG units are used to achieve greater thermal insulation properties, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but unit weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Aerogel's extremely low density (typically 0.003 to 0.1 g/cm³) provides high insulation value without adding significant weight. The patent leverages this property to achieve superior thermal performance in a double-pane unit without the weight penalty of adding a third glass pane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential insulation function from the third glass pane by using aerogel material that provides equivalent or superior insulation in a thinner, lighter package within the between-pane space of a double-pane unit
3Loss of energy
If aerogel is incorporated into double-pane IG unit to enhance thermal insulation, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the between-pane space into distinct functional zones: an aerogel layer for conduction resistance, a gas gap for convection control, and low-emissivity coatings for radiation control. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together to achieve superior overall insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The gas gap acts as an intermediary layer between the aerogel and the low-emissivity coating, preventing direct contact while maintaining the insulating benefits of both components. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall assembly by using standard spacer technologies rather than requiring complex integration methods
4Loss of energy
If low-emissivity coating and aerogel layer are placed close together to maximize insulation, then thermal insulation is improved, but heat transfer by radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas gap serves as a thermal break and radiation barrier between the low-emissivity coating and aerogel layer. This intermediary space disrupts direct radiative heat transfer paths while maintaining the insulating effectiveness of both the coating and aerogel
Solution Approach 2:
The gas gap is filled with an inert or low-conductivity gas that minimizes convective heat transfer and reduces radiative exchange between the coating and aerogel, creating a thermally inert environment that enhances overall insulation performance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves a U factor of 0.11 to 0.21 Btu/(h·ft²·°F), visible transmission of 0.64 to 0.76, and haze of 0.5% to 4%, providing effective thermal insulation with a narrow profile.
Implementation Method 1
The double-pane insulating glazing unit has a low-emissivity coating on an interior surface of a first one of the two glass panes
Implementation Method 2
The double-pane insulating glazing unit has an aerogel layer on an interior surface of a second one of the two glass panes
Implementation Method 3
The low-emissivity coating and the aerogel layer are separated from each other by a gas gap, which contains a gaseous atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a double-pane insulating glazing unit having a single between-pane space. The single between-pane space is located between the two glass panes. Preferably, the double-pane insulating glazing unit is devoid of a third glass pane. The double-pane insulating glazing unit has an aerogel layer located in the between-pane space.