Improving window insulation is a great energy saver. Would it not be great if we could use a circular window system to do this? The partners in the SFEER circular windows project think so! With the help of the MOOI-subsidy scheme, 12 partners will develop a circular window renovation process making it possible to reuse glass panels by improving them with insulating smart films and coatings.
Why we work on circular windows
In buildings, windows are one of the components most vulnerable to energy loss. Many of the existing façade windows in the Netherlands consist of low-quality systems that no longer meet energy performance standards. Therefore, a large part of the existing glass used in buildings has to be replaced. The new products provide a viable way to do this. By deploying circular windows, we can accelerate renovation processes and reduce the environmental impact of replacement.
A circular window renovation concept
Within the SFEER project, we are developing a circular window renovation concept. This involves developing a process to reuse existing glass panels in new windows and develop new smart window products to renovate and upgrade windows for optimal energy efficiency and comfort. The SFEER project is developing an innovative thermochromic PVB film, as well as two types of smart retrofit window films, which will contribute to lower emissions. The impact potential of the films will also be quantified during the project.
Who made it possible and who are the collaborators
Our efforts are made possible through funding provided by the Topsector Energie subsidy from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate within the MOOI program. This support makes it possible for a large group of companies, universities, and research institutes to collaborate. Partners in this project include ClimAd Technology, TNO, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Hemubo, GSF Glasgroep, OMT Solutions, Timmermans Hardglass, Sekisui Europe, Ecomatters, Vlakglas Recycling Nederland, and de Alliantie. The circular window project has a four-year duration and will run from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2027.
What will we deliver?
The SFEER circular window project will deliver the following results:
- A process to efficiently disassemble existing windows, clean the glass surface, characterise it, and provide it with insulation coatings, in order to enable the reuse of glass plates;
- The development of a new thermochromic PVB film for laminating recycled glass to make safety glass, including circular design for recycling and reuse of the film;
- New photochromic and thermochromic retrofit window films, including circular design for recycling and reuse of the film.
All products developed within the SFEER circular window project are based on established technologies that have been proven on at least the laboratory scale and are now ready for scale-up and optimisation. These technologies will now be further developed to pilot scale with demonstration tests in a realistic environment.
