Advanced window incorporating vacuum glazing

Vacuum glazing product named SPACIATM, being an unique product with very high levels of thermal insulation properties in a very small thickness, is described in detail. The construction and manufacturing process of SPACIATM are reported. Its design, which was originally established by R.E. Collins et al. of the University of Sydney, has been adjusted in order to meet the requirements of the Japanese market and the requirements of mass production process. SPACIATM is found to have several unique features including airborne sound insulation as well as thermal insulation. Energy required for air conditioning was simulated for Japanese houses with various glazings, and it was revealed that SPACIATM could save the energy efficiently. Finally, hybrid IG unit, where vacuum glazing is incorporated into a conventional IG unit, is proposed for further improvement of thermal insulation.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.