Weight reduction through thin glass
Thin glass technology is in fact ready for series production now. As regards the relevant values of heat insulation (Ugvalue), total energy transmittance (g value) and light transmission (tV), thin thermal glass has the same values as conventional triple glazing and even exceeds those values. The Saint-Gobain Isolierglas-Center in Germany, for instance, has produced 3 mm triple glazing units for quite a while now – since 2008. The two function glass units made by this company, SGIC Climatop N Light and SGIC Climatop Lux Light, are 25 per cent lighter than standard thermal glass. Thanks to their low emission coatings, they reach Ug values between 0.8 W/m2K and 0.5 W/m2K, depending on the model.
In its choice of material, the Saint-Gobain Isolierglas-Center decided against the use of thermally toughened glass. Although the hardening of the individual panels makes it possible to achieve bigger dimensions, this does not apparently pose any problems. Climatic stress may lead to
 
substantial deformation, which has a detrimental effect on the edge seal and therefore shortens the useful life of the thermal glass. Also, any deformation of large panels may cause distorted mirror images while looking at the glass. When asked about concerns that non-toughened thin glass may lead to a greater risk of breakage, Wolfgang Böttcher, Head of Technical Marketing at Saint-Gobain Glass Solutions Germany, said that a certain amount of experience with thin glass is indeed required in production, in logistics and on the part of windows manufacturers, but that this should not pose any problems. SGIC Climatop Light thermal glass can be used without toughening for dimensions up to 1.4 x 2.2 metres.
Another pioneer in the use of thin thermal glass is the German manufacturer Energy Glas GmbH. The company has majored on thin glass engineering since 2013, featuring three thermally pre-tensioned thin panels (TBG plus and ESG units). Its two products have the following technical specifications: Neutralux Advanced Light (3-2-3 structure): Weight: 20 kg/m•, Ug value: 0.5 W/m•K, light transmission: 73%, g value: 52%, Neutralux Ensolar Light (3-3-3 structure): Weight: 22.5 kg/m•, Ug value: 0.6 W/m•K, light transmission: 74%, g value: 65%. These panels can be made with a structure of 3 mm / 2 mm / 3 mm in TVG plus / ESG up to a size of 1.5 x 2.5 m. For bigger dimensions the panels are made thicker to meet the relevant structural requirements.
One of the benefits of using toughened glass, according to the company, is that the risk of breakage can be reduced to almost zero in both internal and external logistics and that the risk of injury is much lower in any post-installation breakage. Thanks to pre-tensioned thin glass units, the company’s thermal glazing is apparently far more resistant to thermal impact. Energy Glas GmbH sees no increased risk that the panels might buckle. 

Sensible alternative, but not suitable everywhere
Triple glazing with thin panels is a sensible alternative to conventional structures, but not a pat answer to all weight issues, as it is not suitable for all thermal glass applications. This applies both to ultra-large panels and for applications where the law specifies greater minimal thicknesses, /5
 
e.g. for fall protection purposes.
Nonetheless, thermal glass with thin panels can be used in a large number of cases. As long as climatic stress has been calculated with sufficient accuracy in a given location, so that the structural stability of the glass meets the relevant requirements, then “lightweight” thermal panels are a very good way to complement traditional triple glazing. Wolfgang Böttcher explains the reasons: “It varies from case to case what kind of dimensions can be realised and with what kind of panel thicknesses. There are instances where the proportions of thicker panels are rather excessive and where it therefore makes sense to use thinner ones instead.” The Rosenheim Institute for Window Engineering (ift Rosenheim) recently published a research report entitled “Area Weight of Thermal Multiple Glazing”1 (2013), showing methods, design principles and the limits of weight reduction through the use of thinner glass and transparent plastic panels and film. 

 
Glasstec 2014 will feature a range of solutions whereby the glass industry is seeking to master future challenges in this segment of highly insulating thermal multiple glazing. The leading global trade fair for the glass industry will be held in Düsseldorf from 21 to 24 October. As well as presenting a wide range of constructional glass, the international trade fair will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest production and finishing technologies as well as the entire spectrum of glass applications.
Vacuum insulated glass as a complementary product
One alternative to thin glass and plastic film and panels is to use vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) which has a double-glazing structure and is barely 10 mm thick and therefore very light. Both convection and thermal conductivity are virtually eliminated through the evacuation of air in the space between the two panels. This space is less than 1 mm wide. In combination with low-emission coating, this ensures excellent thermal insulation. To ensure that the high atmospheric pressure of 10 tonnes per square metre does not cause the panels to collapse, barely visible spacers are placed between the two panels.
 
Industrially manufactured vacuum-insulated glass is already being made by two companies: Nippon Sheet Glass Co. in Japan and Beijing Synergy Vacuum Glazing Technology Co. Ltd. in China. The insulation values of NSG glass, however, are no more than either 1.2 or 1.1 W/m2K, depending on the model. This level can also be achieved with conventional double glazing. Beijing Synergy says that its vacuum-insulated glass reaches a Ug value of up to 0.3 W/m2K. However, due to the high thermal stress on the edge sealing systems that are used by the two Asian companies (i.e. the glass solder), these product solutions cannot be used as single panels, but only as hybrid solutions in an insulated glass structure, involving a counter-panel. 

Moreover, both systems have visible evacuation valves.
Some European companies are working intensively on VIG solutions that do not need such valves and which can be used as single elements (i.e. without counter-panels), allowing variable use in conjunction with float glass, single-sheet safety glass and laminated safety glass, achieving a Ug value of 0.5 W/m2K. Two research projects have so far been conducted in Germany (VIG – vacuum-insulated glass2 and ProVIG – production engineering for vacuum-insulated glass3). The consortium of companies and research institutions favours an edge sealing system using welded metal sheets. This solution is thought to have the greatest chances that the VIG edge seal as an element will withstand any potential strain over a period of 25 years or more.
At the moment the consortium is working on suitable system engineering under a project called VIG-S. The purpose is to work towards a vacuum-tight and mechanically robust edge seal that meets the requirements for industrial implementation, so that a decision for realisation can then be made. Another project, Winsmart4, which is currently being conducted by European research institutions and companies, focuses on developing vacuum glass with a tin edge. The aim is readiness for series production, but the final results are likely to take at least another three years.
If the two consortiums that operate in Europe achieve their aim of boosting the long-term stability of the edge seal for individual elements, then vacuum-insulated glass can develop into a serious alternative to
triple glazing and can in many cases help towards a reduction of unit weights.
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