DOE Partnership to Create Window Prototype

December 7, 2006 // Published as a news service by IHS

When widely implemented in the marketplace, the high-performance features of the prototype are touted to save billions of dollars annually in energy costs, according to the DOE.

"DOE is investing in research to develop and commercialize the products of tomorrow, such as this next generation of window so that by 2020 we can build homes that are zero net energy," said Andy Karsner, DOE assistant secretary of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The prototype incorporates dynamic electrochromic glass (SageGlass) that can be electrically controlled to change from clear to dark.

The prototype also includes other technology innovations such as low emissivity (Low E) glass coatings, an unsealed internal plastic triple pane, krypton gas and an insulating frame.

This is the first time that all of these technologies have been optimized in an integrated fashion, said the DOE.

Continued research and development (R&D) is designed to lower the cost of advanced energy-saving glass and is promoted as allowing today's prototypes to be incorporated into affordable, mass produced products from many window suppliers. Consumers can purchase dual pane dynamic windows from Sage Electrochromics.

The DOE said its long-term window development goal is to produce windows that are as energy efficient as today's walls. By incorporating advanced technologies, windows can actually become a net-energy provider for homes. Advances in window technology will also ensure that their solar heat gain is very low in summer, which could potentially mitigate electricity demand.

According to the DOE, the window R&D program has a record of successfully partnering with industry to bring new technology to the marketplace. Thirty years ago, the DOE invested approximately $4M in a series of R&D projects coordinated by the LBNL. The resulting Low E glass coatings, which reflect near- and long-wave radiation, reportedly saved the nation more than $8B in energy costs.

Today, more than 50% of windows sold have Low E glass, saving millions in energy costs. Consumers in the market for windows should look for those carrying the Energy Star label.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).