Low-emissivity (low-e) glass is a type of glass that has a microscopically thin, transparent coating applied to its surface. This coating is designed to minimize the amount of heat transfer through the glass while allowing visible light to pass through. Here are some of the main specifications and characteristics of low-e glass:
1.Thermal Insulation: Low-e glass helps to improve the thermal insulation of a building by reducing heat transfer. The low-e coating reflects a significant portion of the long-wave infrared energy (heat) back to its source, whether that's the interior or the exterior of the building. This helps to keep the interior of the building cooler in hot climates or warmer in cold climates, resulting in increased energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling costs.
2. Solar Heat Gain Control: Low-e glass can also provide solar heat gain control by selectively blocking a portion of the sun's infrared radiation. This helps to reduce the amount of solar heat that enters the building, thereby preventing overheating and reducing the reliance on air conditioning systems.
3. Visible Light Transmission: Low-e glass is designed to maintain high levels of visible light transmission, allowing natural daylight to penetrate into the building. This helps to create a bright and comfortable interior environment while reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
4. U-Value: The U-value of low-e glass measures its overall thermal conductivity or heat transfer coefficient. A lower U-value indicates better insulation properties. Low-e glass typically has lower U-values compared to regular clear glass, helping to reduce heat loss or gain through windows.
5. SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): The SHGC of low-e glass represents the fraction of solar heat that is transmitted through the glass. A lower SHGC indicates better solar heat control. Low-e glass is available in different variations, allowing for customization of the SHGC to suit specific climate conditions and energy efficiency goals.
6. Coating Placement: Low-e coatings can be applied to different surfaces of the glass, including the interior or exterior surface, or in between multiple glass layers in an insulated glass unit (IGU). The placement of the low-e coating affects its performance and can be chosen based on factors such as climate, orientation of the building, and desired performance characteristics.
It's important to note that the specific performance characteristics of low-e glass can vary depending on the manufacturer, product type, and coating technology used. Consulting with glass manufacturers or suppliers can provide more detailed information on the specifications and performance of their specific low-e glass products.
ecific low-e glass products.