Solar activated U-shaped profiled glass for building integration

In the project “SolarProfil”, we are working in cooperation with the companies Flachglas Sachsen GmbH and Eilenburger Fenstertechnik GmbH & Co. KG at the development of a solar thermally activated U-shaped profiled glass. Solar thermally activated means the integration of a solar thermal absorber in the air gap of a double shelled profiled glass structure, which enables the active use of solar energy for space heating, domestic hot water preparation or to support industrial processes. In the present case we use an absorber with gravitational heat pipes in the “dry” connection to the solar circuit. This offers several advantages compared to the direct flow absorber, especially with regard to the application in the facade and specifically to the integration in profiled glass. The installation of the absorber can be optimally integrated into the typical assembly process of the profiled glass system. Furthermore, the hydraulic connection of the collectors can be realized with low pressure drop and by easily venting the solar circuit.

Profiled glass is usually used in industrial and commercial buildings, but also in residential and public buildings such as schools, theatres and museums – mainly where a large amount of daylight is desired or required. However, through the integration of a thermal absorber in the air gap of a double shelled profiled glass, the passive solar gains are reduced. The overall aim of the project is to investigate the combination between passive and active use of solar irradiation for representative façade and building typologies based on system simulations with TRNSYS.