Large windows have become one of the most characteristic elements of 21st century architecture. Without a doubt, their ability to brighten interiors is much greater than just simple windows, but not more beneficial, as large windows are energy wasters.
In order to eliminate this problem, which necessitates the need of air conditioners, a group of engineers decided a few years ago to found IntelliGlass, a Spanish start-up that has developed an air conditioning system installed in the glazing of large buildings.
The origins of IntelliGlass go back to 2005, when the Neotec program at the Spanish Center for Industrial Technological Development provided the opportunity for a group of aeronautical engineers from the Complutense University of Madrid to start developing their project. The first goal was to simply obtain a patent. Two years later, they incorporated and in 2009 delivered their first product consisting of a new type of glazing with water sandwiched in the middle that, powered by a water pump, moves the liquid through a closed circuit. The water is able to absorb heat from the sun’s rays that would normally pass through a window — energy that can be dedicated to other functions, such as to heat a swimming pool. This system can save up to 70% on air conditioning costs.
So far, the only method to prevent overheating in buildings with large windows was to use sunscreens for windows, ie, adhesive films that reflect heat to some extent but not completely. IntelliGlass’ windows are designed as an HVAC system. In other words, it is possible to cool or heat the water circulating inside the panes for climatization during summer and winter while avoiding the use of air conditioning.
In the private sector, the company is focusing on the luxury home market, as the system can be quite expensive for small installations. As of now, only one private home in Valencia has seen the system installed. Other installations have taken place in classrooms at the University of Cuenca’ School of Journalism, in the School of Aeronautical Engineering at the University Complutense in a civic center in the Sierra de Madrid and in another building in Albacete. More
