Comparative Analysis of IGU Spacers Using a Guarded Hot Box

Ennio Mognato, Alberto D’Este, Fabio Peron

To exploit in full the energy saving potential of high thermal resistance IGUs, they have to be coupled with systems which have high thermal performances as well. Traditional metal spacers can double the thermal transmittance of the edge area against the central area of the IGU and even using "warm edge" spacers the heat loss at the edge area is greater than in the center of the glazing. Nowadays there are several types of double-glazing spacer on the market differing form each other in the materials used. This paper took aim at getting characterization of the thermal performance of some commercial types of double-glazing spacer claimed having low thermal transmittance. Full scale specimens (1000 mm x 800 mm) were tested by Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro using the hot box apparatus of the VeniceIUAV University of Architecture. First results are presented.

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The Authors

Mr. Ennio Mognato Settore Vetro Piano Per Edilizia Stazione Sperimentale Del Vetro Ennio Mognato is Responsible of the Glass for Building Department in Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro Murano – Venezia - Italy. His past experience regards chemical and physical aspect in glass materia... Read more