Vacuum-insulated glass will see a steady growth in the years ahead, driven by strict government regulations and energy-efficient building. The market worldwide is valued at US$4.5 billion in 2017, with a predicted CAGR of over 4% for the forecast period. Growth is expected to be mainly driven by the building and construction industry, where the use of vacuum insulated glass plays a vital role in energy-efficient buildings.
Vacuum insulated glass market is expected to grow due to a variety of improvements and developments. Major players in the market are expanding their distribution channels and new products will take over their market. Panasonic Corporation has recently bought a majority share in Ficosa International S.A. (Spanish automotive parts & system supplier Ficosa International S.A.). The acquisition will help Panasonic to strengthen its position in the auto industry. AGC Inc.'s decision to increase the price of architectural glass-related items in Japan is another notable competitor move. Flat glass products can expect price increases of 10% - 15%.
Panasonic developed tempered, vacuum-insulated glass that features transparent pillars for support of the vacuum layer. The vacuum layer is exposed to 200 MPa pressure, which is 2,000 times higher than the normal atmospheric pressure. While pillars typically are made of high quality metal, Panasonic created a transparent insulation material which preserves the vacuum layer's structural integrity. The company plans on launching this new vacuum insulated glas during its fiscal Year.
Although the technology behind evacuated glazing units remains in its infancy stages, it is rapidly improving and bringing new benefits to the market. It meets the thermal requirements for net-zero energy windows. It is a promising, new technology for both residential and commercial uses. To fully reap the benefits of this material, however, there are still many researches to be done. It can save money and energy if used correctly. It can also be used as a part of retrofit projects.
Insulating glass with either argon, krypton or other gases can help reduce heat loss and increase energy efficiency. These gases are far more effective than air in insulating the glass. The glass's R-value would rise to 14 and its U-factor would drop from 0.07 to 0.03, which would be a significant improvement. Vacuum insulated glass is made by placing tiny spacers in between the glass. The spacers are placed between the glass by approximately one-to two inches and can be seen as a thin matrix when viewed closely.
There are two types vacuum glass. These two products are high-performance energy-saving. They can reduce the use of building materials and carbon emission while improving the quality life for the general public. While this technology is still under development, it can be applied directly to existing glass surfaces. Vacuum insulated glasses are widely used in commercial and residential buildings when used correctly. While there are certain limitations to Andersen's welding insulating glass, its main benefit is its versatility and affordability.
Vacuum insulated glass offer the opportunity to retrofit timber doors or windows into a repairable frame. The rapid growth of the construction industry has also led to the influx of new practices in private development. Glass and sinewy materials have become commonplace, and land organizations have begun installing soundproofing to reduce the risk of noise contamination. The benefits of vacuum insulated glass go beyond aesthetics. They are also anti-theft and anti-explosion.
Over a 25-year span, researchers discovered that units with small gaps were more likely than units with larger gaps between their inner and outer panes. A small gap in between the two panes could cause water to pool, leading to a more likely chance of a cracked unit. These gaps can be particularly problematic in areas of high atmospheric pressure. These factors and wet weather make it extremely difficult to install vacuum-insulated commercial windows.
Another advantage of vacuum-insulated glass is its resistance to condensation. The desiccant is used for removing moisture from the space. This prevents condensation between the glass panes. Another advantage of vacuum-insulated glass is that it is non-transparent. The process of making these windows can be very complicated. In 1997, the University of Sydney in Australia successfully completed their first commercial project. It was a joint venture between the University and Pilkington parent company Nippon Sheet Glass.