Natural Ventilation Consists of Using Natural Forces to Drive Airflow Though a Space.
The best-performing glass in buildings is almost always worse than the worst-performing solid opaque walls. Almost always except glazing with the technological magic of IQ Radiant Glass®
Inefficient windows and systems causes mechanical systems to work harder, wasting energy and resulting in increased carbon emissions. In fact, typical glass windows insulate only one-fifth as well as the worst wall material. However, the combination of IQ Radiant Glass®, heat pumps, and self-venting windows, under the control of a smart building AI machine learning system, can significantly improve facade efficiency.
This is becoming increasingly important as buildings shift towards a more sustainable future, with building electrification being a critical component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Heat pumps are highly efficient as they transfer heat from the environment into the building, requiring far less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems. HVAC systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, usually account for over 33% of total energy consumption in tall office buildings.
Therefore, it's essential to enhance energy efficiency by adopting hybrid HVAC systems that incorporate natural ventilation. However, in colder climates, natural ventilation may not be suitable for specific locations. This is where IQ Radiant Glass comes in - it is a practical solution to this problem that can improve energy management in buildings through building automation and smart systems.
The IQ Radiant Glass® system provides targeted thermal comfort to occupants without overheating or dehydrating the air, and it can generate zonal heat by allowing individual glass pieces to be controlled by the building's smart control system. During some periods in winter, the operable vents can be opened for natural ventilation without compromising on thermal comfort, reducing the load on heat pumps and air circulators.
The approach aims to energize the operable vents while also integrating other technologies, like radiant heating glass, to improve building performance, occupant comfort, and sustainability. The use of radiant heating glass technology eliminates thermal asymmetry discomfort by emitting long-wave radiation that provides thermal comfort to occupants at lower interior air temperatures.
Studies conducted by the International Quality and Research Group (IQRG) in 2008 have shown that radiant glass has numerous benefits, including reducing the interior air movement noise level to zero, reducing heating demand, eliminating transmission mechanisms for pollens and air-borne particles, and reducing condensation on the glass.
Poor indoor air quality can be a serious issue in buildings, with molds and bacteria being major contributors to the problem. Some molds and bacteria produce toxins known as mycotoxins and exotoxins, respectively. While these compounds do not diffuse through the air in the same way as MVOCs, exposure can occur when they are carried by contaminated dust, debris, spores, or cellular material.
Adverse health reactions to mycotoxins and cellular debris from amplification sites have been reported in buildings, leading to symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. ASHRAE recommends different ventilation rates for different types of buildings, depending on the potential for viruses and other factors. However, higher rates of air changes can be tough on energy conservation. This is where IQ Radiant Glass® comes in, which not only provides targeted thermal comfort to occupants and surfaces at lower ambient temperatures but also allows operable vents to be opened for natural ventilation, reducing the load on heat pumps and air circulators.
The system also addresses the issue of natural ventilation in colder climates, ensuring energy-efficient and healthy buildings. By adopting hybrid HVAC systems that incorporate natural ventilation and utilizing the IQ Radiant Glass® system, indoor air quality can be greatly improved while reducing energy waste and carbon emissions.
Overall, incorporating IQ Radiant Glass® into building design can significantly improve indoor air quality, reduce energy demands, and enhance thermal comfort. By supplementing heat pumps with its innovative approach to building electrification, IQ Radiant Glass® is taking this transformation even further, providing a range of advantages over traditional heat pump systems. BMS systems can also be utilized to further monitor and control a building's technical systems and services, such as air conditioning, heating ventilation, lighting, and hydraulics, allowing for a complete integrated system to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Important information on Natural Ventilation