Recently, Swiss scientists invented glass brick, a novel building material with exceptional insulating properties. In addition to lowering heating expenses, this material also enhances visual comfort.
(Photo : Unsplash/Anja Bauermann )
Reducing HVAC Energy Demands Through Glass Brick
A group of materials scientists affiliated with Empa (Slovak Federal Laboratory for Science and Technology) and the Slovak University of Technology discovered a method to reduce the energy demands of lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems without requiring additional insulation layer thickness.
Using silica aerogel and granules, the researchers constructed an aerogel glass brick, which is both translucent and thermally insulating. As mentioned, this approach would be visually appealing and enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to reducing heating expenses by enhancing solar gains and decreasing the amount of artificial light used.
Aside from providing glare protection and privacy, this building material is particularly well-suited for usage in places that require a significant amount of daylight penetration, such as offices, libraries, and museums. Numerous applications, including space technology, use aero-gel, renowned for its lightness and insulating qualities.
Moreover, researchers have expressed high aspirations regarding the direct application of this material in the building industry. From a construction industry perspective, this breakthrough is a significant step toward expanding the utilization of environmentally benign and energy-efficient materials.
Thus, when glass bricks and other new materials are used more extensively in the construction sector in the future, it will be possible to achieve significant improvements in efficiency and sustainability. These technologies can potentially revolutionize industry norms, resulting in beneficial effects on the environment and the economy.
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Other Glass Materials Produced by EMPA
Glass is an essential component in the architecture of buildings. Its transparency is connected with brightness and elegance, two attributes that make it the protagonist of precious accessory parts and allow us to envision new applications for this material.
A previously unattainable combination of resistance to large loads and effective thermal insulation could be achieved by utilizing the glass blocks to construct entire building envelope walls. The insulating airgel that the Empa team injected inside the glass blocks is responsible for this panorama's originality.
Silica airgel granules, which are typically used to produce plasters or insulation layers, are combined with float glass to create the novel material. Implementing such a solution is a construction element guaranteed to be sturdy, safe, sustainable, and visually beautiful.
The use of glass blocks that are filled with insulating airgel allows for cost savings in both heating and construction, eliminating the need to insert additional layers of insulation.
Accordingly, the laboratory investigations found the brick's thermal conductivity (53 mW/mK) and its compressive strength (45 MPa) impressive. The air gap between the four layers of glass ensures that the remarkable insulating performance will be maintained. The transmission of heat is decreased, whereas the transmission of light is not affected in any way.
On the other hand, NASA has implemented airgel in space technology and building insulation due to its lightweight and insulating properties, making it an attractive material suitable for various applications. The initiative to effectively utilize the material in building construction was initiated by Empa researchers several years ago. Airgel and numerous other materials are gaining prominence in the construction industry as a viable substitute for concrete.
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