EP4623179A1 - Multiple glazing providing all seasons thermal comfort - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multiple glazing (A) configured to close an opening within a partition separating an exterior space having an exterior temperature, TempExt, from an interior space having an interior temperature, Templn. It extends along a plane, P, defined by a longitudinal axis, X, and a vertical axis, Z. The multiple glazing comprises a first glass pane, GP1, facing the exterior space and having an inner face (11) and an outer face (12); a second glass pane, GP2, facing the interior space and having an inner face (21) and an outer face (22); a peripheral spacer (3) positioned between the inner faces (11,21) of the first and second glass panes, over a perimeter thereof; a transparent pane, TP, having a first surface (31) facing the first glass pane and a second surface (32) facing the second glass pane, and an internal space, SP, defined by the first and second glass panes and by the peripheral spacer. At least a selective solar control coating (4) is located on at least one of the an inner face (11) and/or an outer face (12) of the first glass pane or on the first surface (31) and/or second surface (32) of the transparent pane. The multiple glazing further comprises a displacement means (5) to displace the transparent pane within the internal space, SP, in a direction normal to the plane, P.

Description

MULTIPLE GLAZING PROVIDING ALL SEASONS THERMAL COMFORT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to multiple glazing, in particular multiple glazing for building windows, that are configurated to provide all-seasons thermal comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Current building market trend is to increase natural light and therefore the glazing surface, while minimizing the energy consumption of the building by using multiple glazing having insulating performances. Insulating performances comprise thermal insulation performance, especially for cold exterior temperatures and/or solar control performance especially for hot exterior temperatures.

[0003] Multiple glazing such as double glazing or triple glazing, are common answers to provide thermal insulation. Double glazing typically comprises two glass panes coupled along their periphery by a peripheral spacer creating an internal space. In general, said internal space is evacuated or filled with air and/or inert gas, to further lower heat transfer and/or reduce the sound transmission. Typically, the multiple glazing will further comprise one or more thermal insulating coatings such a low-emissivity coating to reduce the energy transmission by radiation. Such low-emissivity coatings are particularly efficient in energy saving in the winter since they minimize the amount of heat dissipated from the interior of the building to the outside environment.

[0004] Multiple glazing with their low-emissivity coating contributes to the thermal comfort inside the building in cold environmental conditions. In more temperate conditions, they are known to balance thermal insulation with high levels of natural light. In hot environmental conditions however, multiple glazing with their thermal insulation coating might provide some negative effect. Indeed, the low-emissivity coating allows the penetration in the building of a large portion of the sun heat (in the near infrared wavelengths) and the amount of heat dissipated from the interior of the building to the external environment is limited. A triple glazing configuration is even more insulating than a double glazing configuration as a result of a double internal space. Hence, the heat transfer from the interior of the building to the external environment is even more limited. Furthermore, when the temperature of the interior increases, the glass surface of the glass pane facing the interior of the building becomes hot and induces hot thermal radiation. This increases even further the temperature of the interior space. Therefore, in order to provide thermal comfort inside the building in hot exterior conditions, cooling means such as air-conditioning are required. [0005] It is also common to provide solar control performance in multiple glazing. Solar control can be provided by colored and/or mirror glass panes but as well by selective solar control coatings. Selective solar control coatings allow sunlight to enter the building while radiating and reflecting away a large portion of the sun heat (in the near infrared wavelengths). Solar control techniques allow to maintain the inside of the building brighter and much cooler, in particular in the summer period. To provide maximum comfort in hot exterior temperature conditions, it is required to promote dissipation of the heat from the interior of the building to the external environment mainly during the night when the exterior temperature is decreasing. Therefore it would be advisable to favor double glazing rather than triple glazing and preferably multiple glazing without thermal insulating coating such a low-emissivity coating. Indeed, thermal insulation performances of a double glazing having one internal space are lower than thermal insulation performances of a triple glazing having two internal spaces. Heat dissipation from the interior of the building to the outside environment is therefore better with a double glazing.

[0006] Hence, multiple glazing with solar control performances contribute to the thermal comfort inside of the building in hot external temperature conditions. In more temperate conditions, solar control performances are used to balance minimum solar heat impact with high levels of natural light. For cold external temperatures however, high solar control performance might provide some negative effect. Indeed, the high solar control performance limits the amount of energy entering inside the building. Hence, the temperature of the interior of the building decreases and the glass surface of the glass pane facing the interior of the building becomes cold and induces cold thermal radiation decreasing further the inside temperature. Therefore, in order to provide thermal comfort inside the building, in cold external conditions, additional heating is required.

[0007] Several solutions have been proposed in the art to address the technical problem of balancing the thermal insulation properties and the solar control performance of multiple glazing to provide the best performance in both low and high temperatures external environments.

[0008] For example, US4235048 discloses a reversible window unit wherein a double glazing is enclosed in an opening frame pivotally mounted with a fixed frame to function efficiently as a solar energy collector in winter and as a heat shield in summer. The double glazing comprises a layer of metal which provides high reflectance of incident solar energy from one side of a coated transparent substrate and a layer which provides high absorption of incident solar energy by the other side of the coated substrate. US4235048 teaches to position the glazing in one position in the summer and reverse such position in the winter. However it is very complex to design frames for such reversible windows that meet all the requirements to provide proper tightness properties. Complex gaskets systems are required. In addition, those frames are typically heavy construction, require complex rotation and fixations systems to provide safety and security, and not very consumers friendly.

[0009] Another solution provided in the art is the addition of a drop-down blind within the internal space of the double glazing having typically a low emissivity coating. In sunny conditions, the blind is closed to prevent the sun heat to enter the interior of the building. For cold exterior temperatures, the blind is rolled up allowing the sunlight to enter and heat up the interior space. However, it has been found that such technical solution has serious drawbacks: when the blind is unrolled, it indeed blocks up partially the sunlight but also darken greatly the interior space. This can induce the light transmission to decrease substantially up to 1%. The unrolled blind creates two separate artificial cavities within the internal space, that increase the thermal insulation performance of the double glazing and therefore limits the dissipation of the heat from the interior of the building to the external environment. In hot exterior temperature conditions, the unrolled blind has the advantage to prevent sun heat to enter the interior space but has the disadvantage to limit the heat dissipation from the interior space to the exterior space. In cold exterior temperature conditions, the unrolled blind has the advantage to prevent the heat dissipation from the interior space to the exterior space but has the disadvantage to not allow sun heat to enter the interior space while darkening this interior space. Furthermore, the addition of a blind within the internal space of the double glazing induce several technical challenges to ensure a proper, efficient and sustainable rolling up and rolling down of the blind. Multiple glazing with drop-down blind requires also tempered glass in order to avoid glass breakage that can be caused by unbalanced temperatures within the internal space resulting from the position of the blind.

[0010] Therefore there is still a need to design a multiple glazing that provides an improved allseasons thermal comfort that does not require excessive cooling of the interior space in hot exterior temperatures conditions and that does not require excessive heating of the interior space in cold exterior temperatures conditions. Such design should be simple, easy to produce, cost effective and should avoid all technical complexity of reversibility or built-in blinds. Furthermore, there is still a need to configure such all-seasons thermal multiple glazing that can be easily adapted to an existing fixed frame and would be suitable for any applications such as openable or non-openable windows as well as glass doors. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a multiple glazing extending along a plane, P, defined by a longitudinal axis, X, and a vertical axis, Z; and configured to close an opening within a partition separating an exterior space having an exterior temperature, TempExt, from an interior space having an interior temperature, Templn. The multiple glazing comprises a first glass pane facing the exterior space and having an inner face and an outer face; a second glass pane facing the interior space and having an inner face and an outer face; a peripheral spacer positioned between the inner faces of the first and second glass panes, over a perimeter thereof; a transparent pane having a first surface facing the first glass pane and a second surface facing the second glass pane, and an internal space defined by the first and second glass panes and by the peripheral spacer. At least a selective solar control coating is located on at least one of the inner face and/or outer face of the first glass pane or on the first surface and/or second surface of the transparent pane. The multiple glazing further comprises a displacement means to displace the transparent pane within the internal space in a direction normal to the plane, P.

[0012] The displacement means can be selected from the group of mechanical, electronic, mecatronic, magnetic, servomotors, pneumatic, pressure/depression or piezoelectric systems, mechanical levers, cables and/or bimetallic structures.

[0013] Preferably, the multiple glazing has a light transmission of at least 30%, preferably, at least 40%, more preferably of at least 60%; wherein the light transmission is considering the visible transmission between wavelengths 380nm and 780nm with illuminant D65 at a solid angle of observation of 2°, that is transmitted through the multiple glazing.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the at least selective solar control coating, is based on two or three metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver- containing metal alloys. Preferably, the at least one selective solar control coating is located on the inner face of the first glass pane and/or on the first surface of the transparent pane.

[0015] The multiple glazing of the present invention can typically further comprises at least a low emissivity coating, preferably at least a low emissivity coating based on one or more metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys. Preferably, the at least one low emissivity coating is located on the second surface of the transparent pane and/or on the inner face of the second glass pane.

[0016] The transparent pane can be chosen from mineral glass such as soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate, crystalline and polycrystalline glasses, or from organic glass such as polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate). The internal space is typically filled with a predetermined gas selected from the group consisting of air, dry air, argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), carbon dioxide or a combination thereof.

[0017] The transparent pane is positioned within the internal space at a first distance, DI of the first glass pane and at a second distance, D2 from the second glass pane, the distances being measured in a direction normal to the plane, P.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment, when the temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is higher than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt > Templnt), the multiple glazing has a solar factor SHGC, SHGC-hot, and a Ug-Value, Ug-hot, and the distance DI is lower than the distance D2 (D1<D2), preferably comprised between 0.0mm and 5.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 5.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 3.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 3.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 1.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 1.0mm) and even more preferably between 0.1mm and 1.0mm (0.1mm < DI < 1.0mm).

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, when temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is lower than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt < Templnt), the multiple glazing has a solar factor SHGC, SHGC-cold, and a Ug-Value, Ug-cold, and the distance DI is greater than 0 (DI > 0), preferably equal to or greater than 1.0mm (DI > 1.0mm), more preferably equal to or greater than 3.0mm (DI > 3.0mm) and more preferably equal to or greater than 5.0mm (DI > 5.0mm).

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, when temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is higher than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt > Templnt), the multiple glazing has Ug- Ratio defined as the ratio of Ug-hot to Ug-cold higher than 1.00 (Ug-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.25 (Ug-Ratio > 1.25), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.50 (Ug-Ratio > 1.50) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.75 (Ug-Ratio > 1.75). In another preferred embodiment, when temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is lower than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt < Templnt), the multiple glazing has SHGC-Ratio defined as the ratio of SHGC-cold to SHGC-hot higher than 1.00 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.20 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.20), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.40 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.40) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.60 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.60).

[0021] The present invention further relates to a method to provide an all-season thermal comfort in an interior space separated from the exterior space by a partition comprising an opening closed by the multiple glazing of the present invention. Such method incudes the steps of : a) measuring the temperature of the exterior space, exterior temperature (TempExt) b) measuring the temperature of the interior space, interior temperature (Templnt) c) displacing the transparent pane within the internal space of the multiple glazing such that

- when the exterior temperature is greater than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt > Templnt) and preferably equal to or greater than 25°C (TempExt > 25°C), the distance DI is lower than the distance D2 (D1<D2), preferably comprised between 0.0mm and 5.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 5.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 3.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 3.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 1.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 1.0mm) and even more preferably between 0.1mm and 1.0mm (0.1mm < DI < 1.0mm); or

- when the exterior temperature is lower than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt < Templnt), preferably equal to or lower than 15°C (TempExt < 15°C), the distance DI is greater than 0 (DI > 0), preferably equal to or greater than 1.0mm (DI > 1.0mm), more preferably equal to or greater than 3.0mm (DI > 3.0mm) and more preferably equal to or greater than 5.0mm (DI > 5.0mm).

[0022] The present invention further relates to another method to provide an all-season thermal comfort in an interior space separated from the exterior space by a partition comprising an opening closed by the multiple glazing of the present invention. Such method incudes the steps of : a) measuring the temperature of the exterior space, exterior temperature (TempExt) b) measuring the temperature of the interior space, interior temperature (Templnt) c) displacing the transparent pane within the internal space of the multiple glazing such that

- when the exterior temperature is greater than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt > Templnt) and preferably is equal to or greater than 25°C (TempExt > 25°C), the multiple glazing has Ug-Ratio defined as the ratio of Ug-hot to Ug-cold higher than 1.00 (Ug- Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.25 (Ug-Ratio > 1.25), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.50 (Ug-Ratio > 1.50) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.75 (Ug-Ratio > 1.75); or - when the exterior temperature is lower than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt < Templnt), preferably equal to or lower than 15°C (TempExt < 15°C), the multiple glazing has SHGC-Ratio defined as the ratio of SHGC-cold to SHGC-hot higher than 1.00 (SHGC- Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.20 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.20), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.40 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.40) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.60 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.60).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a multiple glazing according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the transparent pane has been positioned very close to the first glass pane for hot exterior temperature conditions.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a multiple glazing according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the transparent pane has been positioned for cold exterior temperature conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The objective of the present invention is to design a very simple and efficient multiple glazing that provides an all-seasons thermal comfort. In particular, the multiple glazing of the present invention is very energy efficient by providing both high thermal insulation performance in a cold exterior temperature conditions and high solar control performance in a hot exterior temperature conditions.

[0026] Another objective of the present invention is to design such all-seasons multiple glazing that is very simple, flexible, easy to produce and cost-effective, and can be easily adapted to any conventional frame as well as to existing frames. By simple, flexible and easy to produce and adaptable, it means that it does not require for example, the complexity of reversibility of the window requiring complex gasket systems, or the incorporation of a blind in the internal space.

[0027] It is a further objective of the present invention to design such all-seasons multiple glazing to be adapted to any kind of frames for openable windows such as casement windows, tilting windows, sliding windows and glass doors as well as non-openable windows.

[0028] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a multiple glazing that demonstrates thermal comfort in all-seasons, for large glazing surfaces promoting high amount of natural light to enter inside the building in all-seasons while counteracting the negative excessive sun heat in the summer and the negative heat loss in the winter.

[0029] A further objective is to reach the climate control goals of energy savings and reduced carbon footprint. Indeed, the amount (and therefore the cost) of heating and cooling a home is closely related to the performances of the glazing. An initial investment in an energy efficient glazing can greatly reduce the need of cooling and/or heating and the costs thereof.

[0030] The present invention relates to a multiple glazing configured to close an opening within a partition separating an exterior space having an exterior temperature, TempExt, from an interior space having an interior temperature, Templn, such as in general-purpose glazing units, a build wall, automotive glazing units or architectural glazing units,... Typically, the exterior space refers to the exterior of a building and the interior space refers to the interior of a building. Considering the current heat waves, the temperature within the interior space can span nowadays from 18° to 30°C. In winter, the TempExt is typically lower than Templn, whereas in summer, the TempExt is typically higher than the Templn. Indeed, the temperature of the exterior space can extend from -20°C in winter to +40°C and even up to +50°C in summer.

[0031] The insulating performance of a glazing is typically measured by the Ug-value for thermal insulating performance, and by the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) also referred to as the solar factor coefficient for solar control performance.

[0032] The Ug-value calculation of a glazing is a measure of the heat flow between 2 zones per one temperature degree difference and per one square meter. It measures the thermal performance of the glazing. The Ug-value depends of the thermal coefficients of the materials of the glazing and is expressed in W/m²K as provided in standard norm EN 673.

[0033] The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures how readily heat from direct sunlight flows through a glazing. SHGC is the ratio between incident solar energy transmitted through a glazing, and the total energy received by the surface of the glazing facing the exterior space. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1, the lower the value, the less solar heat is transmitted though the glazing and hence, the interior space is maintained fresher and colder. The SHGC calculation is provided in standard norms such as norms EN410 or IS09050. Norm EN410 is typically used for building applications. [0034] Depending on the multiple glazing size, its geographic localization and/or orientation, it is usual to promote multiple glazing achieving high thermal insulating or high solar control performances. Typically, multiple glazing demonstrating high thermal insulating performance is triple glazing having a low Ug-value, such as lower than 1.0. Typically, multiple glazing demonstrating high solar control performance is a double glazing having low SHGC value, such as lower than 0.4.

[0035] The insulating performance of a glazing is defined in particular by its Ug-value that is depending upon its components such as the materials, the thickness of the glass panes and of the spacer, the nature of the filling gas,... However, depending on the seasonal or even daily climate conditions, a low Ug-value can have very positive impact when the exterior temperature is cold and the heat is maintained inside the building by the thermal radiation. However, when the exterior temperature is hot, a low Ug-value can have a negative impact by indeed maintaining the heat inside the building, which results in increasing interior temperature and the required use of cooling means.

[0036] Currently, in order to achieve an efficient multiple glazing in all-seasons, a delicate balance between the thermal insulating performance assessed by the Ug-value and the solar control performances assessed by the SHGC is seeked. Indeed both are beneficial for minimizing the energy consumption of a building but in opposite climatic conditions. In the present invention, the multiple glazing is designated to achieve the most efficient multiple glazing in all-seasons by combining high thermal insulation performance in cold exterior temperatures and high solar control performance in hot exterior temperatures while counteracting their negative contributions.

[0037] The multiple glazing extends along a plane, P, defined by a longitudinal axis, X, and a vertical axis, Z and therefore comprises a bottom edge and a top edge parallel to the longitudinal axis, X, and lateral edges, parallel to a vertical axis, Z. It is well understood that the top edge has a higher Z value than the bottom edge. It is well understood that the lateral edges are substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis, Z and are connecting the top edge to the bottom edge.

[0038] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the multiple glazing (A) comprises a first glass pane, GP1, facing the exterior space and having an inner face (11) and an outer face (12), a second glass pane, GP2, facing the interior space and having an inner face (21) and an outer face (22), and a peripheral spacer (3) positioned between the inner faces (11,21) of the first and second glass panes, over a perimeter thereof. An internal space, SP, is defined by the first and second glass panes and peripheral spacer. The multiple glazing further comprises a transparent pane, TP, having a first surface (31) facing the first glass pane and a second surface (32) facing the second glass pane. At least a selective solar control coating (4) is located on at least one of the inner face (11) and/or the outer face (12) of the first glass pane and/or on the first surface (31) and/or the second surface (32) of the transparent pane. The multiple glazing comprises a displacement mean (5) to displace the transparent pane within the internal space, SP, in a direction normal to the plane, P.

[0039] The transparent pane of the multiple glazing of the present invention is therefore displaced within the internal space to provide a high solar control in summer (hot exterior temperatures) conditions and a high thermal insulation in winter (low exterior temperatures) conditions while counteracting their negative contributions. The transparent pane is positioned within the internal space at a first distance, DI, of the first glass pane and at a second distance, D2, from the second glass pane, the distances being measured in a direction normal to the plane, P at the top edge of the multiple glazing, after completion of the displacement.

[0040] In a first preferred embodiment wherein the temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is higher than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt > Templnt), the transparent pane is positioned within the internal space at a first distance, DI that is lower than the distance D2 (D1<D2), preferably comprised between 0.0mm and 5.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 5.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 3.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 3.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 1mm (0.0mm < DI < 1.0mm) and even more preferably between 0.1mm and 1.0mm (0.1mm < DI < 1.0mm).

[0041] In a second preferred embodiment wherein the temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is lower than the temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt < Templnt), the transparent pane is positioned within the internal space at a first distance DI that is greater than 0 (DI > 0), preferably equal to or greater than 1.0mm (DI > 1.0mm), more preferably equal to or greater than 3.0mm (DI > 3.0mm) and more preferably equal to or greater than 5.0mm (DI > 5.0mm).

[0042] One advantage of the multiple glazing of the present invention is that the transparent pane can be displaced at different positions within the internal space to provide thermal comfort in allseasons according to the exterior temperature. It is indeed considered within the present invention that the transparent pane can have different positions in the spring and summer to match the different hot exterior temperatures. Similarly, it is considered within the present invention that the transparent pane can have different positions in the autumn and winter to match the different cold exterior temperatures. In the same manner, different positions of the transparent pane can be considered to match the exterior temperatures of the day and of the night.

[0043] When the temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is higher than temperature of the interior space Templnt (TempExt > Templnt), the multiple glazing has a solar factor SHGC, SHGC-hot, and a Ug-Value, Ug-hot. When temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is lower than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt < Templnt), the multiple glazing has a solar factor SHGC, SHGC-cold, and a Ug-Value, Ug-cold.

[0044] In order to provide all-seasons thermal comfort by combining high thermal insulation performance in cold exterior temperatures and high solar control performance in hot exterior temperatures while counteracting their negative contributions, the multiple glazing of the present invention will preferably demonstrate the thermal insulating performance assessed by the Ug-value and the solar control performances assessed by the SHGC, discussed below. In a further preferred embodiment, the multiple glazing of the present invention will preferably demonstrate the SHGC- Ratio and Ug-Ratio, defined below.

[0045] Hence, in a preferred embodiment, when temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is higher than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt > Templnt) the multiple glazing of the present invention has a Ug-Ratio defined as the ratio of Ug-hot to Ug-cold that is higher than 1.00 (Ug-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.25 (Ug-Ratio > 1.25), more preferably higher than 1.50 (Ug-Ratio > 1.50) and even more preferably higher than 1.75 (Ug-Ratio > 1.75). Preferably, the multiple glazing has high thermal insulating performance in cold exterior temperatures by having a Ug-cold value lower than 1.0 (Ug-cold < 1.0), preferably equal to or lower than 0.8 (Ug-cold < 0.8), more preferably equal to or lower than 0.7 (Ug-cold <0.7). Typically, in hot exterior temperatures, the multiple glazing has a lower thermal insulating performance by having a Ug-hot value equal to or higher than 1.0 (Ug-hot > 1.0), preferably a Ug-hot value comprised between 1.0 and 1.5 (1.0 < Ug- hot < 1.5), more preferably a Ug-hot value comprised between 1.0 and 1.3 (1.0 < Ug-hot < 1.3), and more preferably a Ug-hot value comprised between 1.1 and 1.3 (1.1 < Ug-hot < 1.3).

[0046] Hence, in another preferred embodiment, when temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is lower than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt < Templnt), the multiple glazing of the present invention has a SHGC-Ratio defined as the ratio of SHGC-cold to SHGC-hot that is higher than 1.00 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or high than 1.20 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.20), more preferably higher than 1.40 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.40 ) and even more preferably higher than 1.60 (SHGC- Ratio > 1.60). Preferably, the multiple glazing of the present invention demonstrates in hot exterior temperatures, a high solar control performance by having a solar factor SHGC lower than 0.40 (SHGC- hot < 0.40), preferably equal to or lower than 0.35 (SHGC-Hot < 0.35); and demonstrates in cold exterior temperatures a decrease of solar control performance by having a solar factor SHGC equal to or higher than 0.40 (SHGC-cold > 0.40).

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention wherein the temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is higher than temperature of the interior space Templnt (TempExt > Templnt). The multiple glazing (A) is a double glazing comprising a first glass pane, GP1, having an inner face (11) and an outer pane face (12); a second glass pane, GP2, having an inner face (21)and an outer pane face (22); a peripheral spacer (3) positioned between the inner faces of the first and second glass panes, defining the internal space, SP; and a transparent pane, TP, having a first surface (31) facing the first glass pane and a second surface (32) facing the second glass pane. The first glass pane, GP1, faces the exterior space. The first surface of the transparent pane (31) comprises a selective solar control coating (4) and the inner face of the second glass pane (21) comprises a low emissivity coating (6). The multiple glazing comprises a displacement mean (5) to displace the transparent pane within the internal space, SP, in a direction normal to the plane, P. The displacement means is a magnetic system interacting with another magnetic system located outside of the second glass pane (no represented). In hot exterior temperatures, the transparent pane is positioned at a first distance DI, from the first glass pane lower than the second distance D2, from the second glass pane. The distance DI is very small and is not represented at proper scale in Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a double glazing of the present invention designed for hot exterior temperatures wherein the transparent pane is positioned in the internal space close to the first glass pane. The transparent glass pane is so close to the first glass pane than the multiple glazing mimics a conventional double glazing comprising two glass panes coupled along their periphery by a peripheral spacer creating an internal space. The transparent pane has a solar control coating on its first face providing high solar control performance by avoiding the sun heat to enter the interior space. Furthermore, this position of the transparent pane provides thermal insulating performance similar to a conventional double glazing allowing some heat dissipation from the interior space to the exterior space.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention similar to the double glazing described in Figure 1 but wherein the temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is lower than temperature of the interior space Templnt (TempExt < Templnt). In such cold exterior temperatures, the transparent pane is positioned in the middle of the internal space, at a first distance DI, greater than 0mm (Dl>0).

[0050] Figure 2 illustrates a double glazing of the present invention designed for cold exterior temperatures wherein the transparent pane is positioned within the internal space not close to the first glass pane but at the same distance from both first and second glass panes. In such configuration, the double glazing mimics a conventional triple glazing and a high thermal insulating performance by avoiding heat dissipation from the interior space to the external space. Despites the solar control coating on the first face of the transparent pane; its location away from the first glass pane allows some penetration of the heat sun in the interior space. The multiple glazing designed in cold exterior temperatures results in a decrease of solar control performance.

DISPLACEMENT MEAN

[0051] In order to provide thermal comfort in all-seasons and demonstrate an improved balance between the thermal insulating performance assessed by the Ug-value and the solar control performances assessed by the SHGC, the multiple glazing of the present invention comprises a displacement means to displace the transparent pane within the internal space from one position into another position, in a direction normal to the plane, P. Such displacement can be achieved in any manner and can comprise any intermediate steps whereby the transparent pane is displaced vertically, and/or horizontally and/or is tilted.

[0052] By displacement means it is herein understood as a device for displacing the transparent pane, TP, within the internal space, SP, in a direction normal to the plane, P. The displacement mean can be selected from the group of mechanical, electronic, mecatronic, magnetic, servomotors, pneumatic, pressure/depression or piezoelectric systems, mechanical levers, cables and/or bimetallic structures any other means able to displace the transparent pane within the internal space. Preferably, the displacement means is a magnetic system.

[0053] The multiple glazing can comprise more than one displacement means. The displacement means can be positioned at the bottom edge, a top edge and/or at any lateral edges. The displacement means can comprise one or more displacement element(s). Some displacement means and/or some displacement elements can be comprised by the transparent panel. COATINGS

[0054] The multiple glazing of the present invention comprises, at least a selective solar control coating (4) located on at least one of the inner face (11) and/or outer face (12) of the first glass pane or on the first surface (31) and/or second surface (32) of the transparent pane. Preferably, the at least one selective solar control coating is located on the inner face (11) of the first glass pane and/or on the first surface (31) of the transparent pane.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the multiple glazing of the present invention further comprises at least a low emissivity coating (6). Preferably, the at least one low emissivity coating is located on the second surface (32) of the transparent pane and/or on the inner face (21) of the second glass pane.

[0056] Preferably, the multiple of the present invention comprises at least one selective solar control coating located on the an inner face (11) of the first glass pane and/or on the first surface (31) of the transparent pane and at least one low emissivity coating located on the second surface (32) of the transparent pane and/or on the inner face (21) of the second glass pane.

[0057] Two main types of insulating coating are known in the art and can be added to faces of the glass panes of insulated glazing units. These are: (1) layers obtained by gas pyrolysis, mainly based on oxides and (2) systems of layers that comprise one or more metal layers that selectively reflect infrared radiation. Metal layers form typically part of a set of layers comprising additional protective dielectric layers to control the selectivity of the filters formed. These sets are produced essentially by sputtering techniques..

[0058] Suitable pyrolytic transparent conductive oxide-based coatings (hereinafter referred to as pyrolytic TCO-based coating) to be coated on the glass pane faces and/or transparent surfaces of the multiple glazing according the present invention are typically tin oxide-based or niobium doped titanium oxide coatings. For better emissivity performances, the pyrolytic-TCO-based coating comprises a layer of doped tin oxide. In particular, the pyrolytic TCO-based coatings comprises a layer of tin oxide doped with fluorine (SnO2:F) or with antimony (SnO2:Sb), preferably doped at a level of 0.5 atomic% to 4 atomic% of fluorine (F) or antimony (Sb), more preferably doped at a level of 0.5 atomic% to 2 atomic% of fluorine. Pyrolytic coatings have the advantage of being obtained directly on the glass production lines and are then cost effective.

[0059] Low emissivity layers deposited by sputtering techniques have higher emissivity performance than pyrolytic layers and therefore are preferably used in insulated glazing. High performance coatings are generally stacks of multiple layers wherein a functional layer, that is the layer mainly responsible for acting on solar radiation and/or long-wavelength infrared radiation, is a metallic coating layer. It is well known that such metal-based insulating coatings are the standard choice of insulating coatings for best opto-energetical performance, whether it is for solar control performance or for low-emissivity performance. These insulating coatings that are based on metallic functional layers may comprise one or more metallic functional layers, for example two or three metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys. Metal-based insulating coating comprises an alternating arrangement of n infrared reflecting metallic functional layers and n+1 dielectric films, with n > 1, such that each functional layer is surrounded by dielectric films.

[0060] The selective solar control coating is preferably based on two or three metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys. Selective solar control coating ensures solar control performances during summer conditions which can reach 40°C and even up to 50°C. In the scope of the present invention, a selective solar control coating is intended to mean a coating specifically designed to allow solar radiation in the visible and in the near infrared to pass through the coated glass pane, while reflecting solar radiation in the far infrared, responsible for heat increase.

[0061] The low emissivity coating, is preferably based on one or more metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys. Low emissivity coating ensures thermal insulation performances during winter conditions. In the scope of the present invention, a low emissivity coating is intended to mean a coating developed to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and long wave infrared light (heat) that can pass through glass without compromising the amount of visible light that is transmitted.

[0062] The selective solar coatings and the low emissivity coating based on metallic coating based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys may typically be provided by physical vapor deposition methods.

[0063] Examples of selective solar control coatings include stacks of thin layers comprising 2 or 3 silver layers surrounded by dielectric layers comprising oxides, nitrides or oxynitrides of tin, zinc, titanium, silicon, and mixtures or alloys thereof. In some instance, at least one dielectric layer positioned between 2 silver layers may comprise at least one layer of absorbent material. In specific instances, the silver layers may be provided with metallic barrier layers of nickel, chromium, palladium, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, and mixtures or alloys thereof, or of zinc oxide.

[0064] Examples of low emissivity coatings include stacks of thin layers comprising 1 silver layer surrounded by 2 dielectric layers comprising oxides, nitrides or oxynitrides of tin, zinc, titanium, silicon, and mixtures or alloys thereof.

[0065] Other suitable coatings are anti-reflective coatings, anti-fog coatings, that can be provided on at least one the glass panes of the multiple glazing unit, to provide for further functionalities.

GLASS PANES and TRANSPARENT PANE

[0066] The expression "glass pane" is herein understood to encompass a single monolithic glass pane, a laminated glass pane being an assembly of at least 2 monolithic glass sheets connected by a polymer interlayers, an vacuum insulating and/or an interactive glass pane that can be an electrochromic, thermochromic, photochromic, or a photovoltaic glass pane. Preferably for the multiple glazing of the present invention, the term glass pane encompasses a single monolithic glass pane or a laminated glass pane, more preferably a monolithic glass pane. The glass panes can be chosen among float clear, extra-clear or colored glass. Typically, the glass sheets are soda-lime-silica glass, aluminosilicate glass or borosilicate glass; preferably soda-lime-silica glass. Textured, structured, printed glass are suitable. The glass sheets can optionally be edge-ground for safety.

[0067] The multiple glazing of the present invention further comprises a transparent pane. The transparent pane can be a glass pane as described above and therefore chosen from mineral glass such as soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate, crystalline and polycrystalline glasses. The transparent pane can also be an organic glass such as polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate).

[0068] The term "transparent" denotes a property illustrating the average TL (light transmission) of visible light transmitted through a material in the visible spectrum of at least 30%. Preferably, transparent relates to a TL property of at least 40%. More preferably, transparent denotes a TL of at least 50%. Ideally, transparent denotes a TL of at least 60%. In present description and claims, to quantify the light transmission (also called luminous transmission/transmittance orTL) of a glass sheet, one considers the visible transmission with illuminant D65 for a sheet thickness of 4 mm (TLD4) at a solid angle of observation of 2° (according to standard IS09050). The visible transmission (TL) represents the percentage of radiation flux emitted between wavelengths 380 nm and 780 nm which is transmitted through the transparent pane.

[0069] In the present description and claims, quantification of the light transmission (also called luminous transmission/transmittance or TL) of a multiple glazing is similar to the quantification described for the light transmission for the transparent pane. According the present invention, the multiple glazing has a light transmission of at least 30%, preferably, at least 40%, more preferably of at least 60%; wherein the light transmission is considering the visible transmission between wavelengths 380nm and 780nm with illuminant D65 at a solid angle of observation of 2°, that is transmitted through the multiple glazing.

[0070] The glass panes of the multiple glazing can be a laminated glass pane. The polymer interlayer typically comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyisobutylene (PIB), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), autoclave-free polyvinyl butyral (Autoclave-free PVB), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polyesters, copolyesters, polyacetals, cyclo-olefin polymers (COP), ionomers and/or an ultraviolet activated adhesive, and others known in the art of manufacturing glass laminates. Reinforced acoustic insulation can be provided with a polymer interlayer with specific acoustic performance, such as specific PVBs (Saflex® acoustic PVB interlayer from Eastman or Trosifol® acoustic PVB interlayer from Kuraray).

[0071] In the embodiment wherein the displacement means requires some external energy source, it can be contemplated that photovoltaic modules are added on the outer pane face (12) of the first glass pane GP1 and/or the glass pane GP1 can be a photovoltaic glass pane integrating a photovoltaic polymer interlayer as a part of the photovoltaic module. In photovoltaic modules, polymers, should exhibit the appropriate optical properties (e.g., a wide range of absorption and low energy gap), good durability and stability (not undergoing any phase transitions or degradation in the temperature range in which the system is working), and relevant electronic structure.

[0072] Typically, the thickness of the glass panes within the multiple glazing are comprised between 3mm and 12mm, preferably between 4mm and 10mm and more preferably between 4mm and 8mm. The thickness is measured in the direction normal to the plane, P. The thickness of the transparent pane within the multiple glazing is comprised between 1mm and 10mm, preferably between 2mm and 8mm , more preferably between 2mm and 6mm, and even more preferably between 2mm and 4mm. [0073] Typically, the glass panes are annealed glass panes. However, to provide a multiple glazing with higher mechanical performances and/or to improve further the safety, it can be contemplated to use prestressed glass for one or more glass pane(s) of the multiple glazing. By prestressed glass, it is meant herein a heat strengthened glass, a thermally toughened safety glass, or a chemically strengthened glass.

[0074] In order to improve the mechanical resistance during displacement, the transparent pane is preferably a prestressed glass. It can be contemplated to use further at least a prestressed glass pane for the first and/or second glass pane (s) to provide higher mechanical performances and/or improve further the safety.

[0075] Preferably, the glass composition comprises the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of glass (Comp. A). More preferably, the glass composition (Comp. B) is a soda-lime-silicate-type glass with a base glass matrix of the composition comprising the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of glass.

[0076] Other preferred glass comprises the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of glass:

SPACER

[0077] Within the multiple glazing of the present invention, the peripheral spacer maintains a certain distance between the first and the second glass panes. The peripheral spacer extends along the edges of the glazing and is positioned between the inner faces of the first and second glass pane, GP1 and GP2 over a perimeter thereof, and maintains a distance there between. The peripheral spacer and said inner faces define the internal space, SP.

[0078] Typically said spacer comprises a desiccant and has typically a thickness comprised between 6 mm to 32 mm. In general, the internal space SP is filled wherein the internal space is filled with a predetermined gas selected from the group consisting of air, dry air, argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), carbon dioxide or a combination thereof, preferably from argon or a mixture of air and argon.

[0079] In its role of maintaining an internal space SP, the peripheral spacer must of course provide proper tightness properties. It is critical for a peripheral spacer to prevent the release of inert gas from the internal space SP and/or also to prevent the entry of water vapor. The peripheral spacer is typically an object of elongated shape and constant cross section. The peripheral spacer may be a solid, a partly solid or a hollow element. [0080] Examples of peripheral spacer include metal spacer, ceramic spacer, glass spacer, polymeric spacer, and combinations or composites thereof. Examples of polymeric peripheral spacer include polyisobutylene-butyl mixture, silicone rubber foam, polypropylene, PVC, styrene acrylo nitrile or biopolymers, and mixtures or combinations of these. Further examples of polymeric peripheral spacer include transparent rigid materials such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide and/or polyester, which may provide transparency along the edges. Metal, ceramic or glass peripheral spacers are also suitable materials. Examples of metal include galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy. Examples of composite peripheral spacer include polypropylene/stainless steel. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral spacer within the multiple glazing is a warm edge peripheral spacer that has a better thermal performance than standard aluminum spacer bar. The definition of a warm edge peripheral spacer is a thermally improved spacer having a thermal conductance value of < 0.007 W/K calculated according to EN10077-1 annex E.

WINDOW

[0081] The present invention further covers a window that comprises the multiple glazing of the present invention, a fixed frame, and sealing elements mounted on the fixed frame and/or on the multiple glazing for sealingly closing the opening of the partition when the multiple glazing is in the closed position. Windows, whether openable such as casement windows, tilting windows, sliding windows, and glass doors as well as non-openable windows, typically comprise a multiple glazing coupled to a fixed frame mounted in an opening of a wall or similar. The multiple glazing can be a framed glazing or a frameless glazing.

METHOD

[0082] The present invention further refers to a method to provide an all-season thermal comfort in an interior space separated from the exterior space by a partition comprising an opening closed by the multiple glazing of the present invention as described above. The method comprises the step of measuring the temperature of the exterior space, exterior temperature (TempExt) and measuring the temperature of the interior space, interior temperature (Templnt). The method further comprise the step of displacing the transparent pane within the internal space of the multiple glazing such that : when the exterior temperature is greater than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt > Templnt) and preferably equal to or greater than 25°C (TempExt > 25°C), the distance DI is lower than the distance D2 (D1<D2), preferably comprised between 0.0mm and 5.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 5.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 3.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 3.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 1.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 1.0mm) and even more preferably between 0.1mm and 1.0mm (0.1mm < DI < 1.0mm), or when the exterior temperature is lower than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt

< Tern pint), preferably equal to or lower than 15°C (TempExt < 15°C), the distance DI is greater than 0 (DI > 0), preferably equal to or greater than 1.0mm (DI > 1.0mm), more preferably equal to or greater than 3.0mm (DI > 3.0mm) and more preferably equal to or greater than 5.0mm (DI > 5.0mm).

[0083] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method to provide an all-seasons thermal comfort in an interior space separated from the exterior space by a partition comprising an opening closed by the multiple glazing of the present invention that comprises further a low emissivity coating, as described above. Such method comprises the steps of measuring the temperature of the exterior space, exterior temperature (TempExt) and measuring the temperature of the interior space, interior temperature (Tern pint). It further comprises the step of displacing the transparent pane within the internal space of the multiple glazing such that : a) when the exterior temperature is greater than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt > Templnt) and preferably is equal to or greater than 25°C (TempExt > 25°C), the multiple glazing has Ug-Ratio defined as the ratio of Ug-hot to Ug-cold higher than 1.00 (Ug-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.25 (Ug-Ratio > 1.25), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.50 (Ug-Ratio > 1.50) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.75 (Ug- Ratio > 1.75) OR b) when the exterior temperature is lower than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt

< Templnt), preferably equal to or lower than 15°C (TempExt < 15°C), the multiple glazing has SHGC-Ratio defined as the ratio of SHGC-cold to SHGC-hot higher than 1.00 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.20 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.20), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.40 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.40) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.60 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.60).

[0084] The temperatures can be measured by any conventional means in that art. In one embodiment, the displacement of the transparent pane can be automatically achieved according to predicted exterior and interior temperatures provided by a weather prediction application connected to the displacement means of the multiple glazing. [0085] As described above in relation to the multiple glazing, the glazing used in the method of the present typically comprises a displacement mean is selected from the group of mechanical, electronic, mecatronic, magnetic, servomotors, pneumatic, pressure/depression or piezoelectric systems, mechanical levers, cables and/or bimetallic structures. Preferably, the multiple glazing has a light transmission of at least 30%, preferably, at least 40%, more preferably of at least 60%. The light transmission is considering the visible transmission between wavelengths 380nm and 780nm with illuminant D65 at a solid angle of observation of 2°, that is transmitted through the multiple glazing. Preferably, the transparent pane is chosen from mineral glass such as soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate, crystalline and polycrystalline glasses, or from organic glass such as polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate). Preferably, the internal space is filled with a predetermined gas selected from the group consisting of air, dry air, argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), carbon dioxide or a combination thereof.

[0086] Preferably, the selective solar control coating, is based on two or three metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys and is typically located on the inner face (11) of the first glass pane and/or on the first surface (31) of the transparent pane. Preferably, the multiple glazing further comprises at least a low emissivity coating, more preferably located on the second surface (32) of the transparent pane and/or on the inner face (21) of the second glass pane. Typically the low emissivity coating is based on one or more metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys.

EXAMPLES

[0087] The following example is intended to be used for illustrative purpose only. A multiple glazing of the present invention is illustrated in hot exterior temperature configuration (Case 1) and in cold exterior temperature configuration (Case 2) and demonstrate the all-seasons performance of the multiple glazing of the present invention versus a conventional double glazing designed to provide a delicate balance between solar control and thermal insulating performances .

[0088] A multiple glazing has been configured with the first glass pane being an extra clear glass, and the second glass pane and the transparent glass pane being clear glass. A magnetic system located at top and bottom edges of the multiple glazing is used to displace the transparent pane within the internal space. The first glass pane is facing the exterior space. The selective solar control coating described in Table 1 below was provided on the first surface of the transparent pane. The low emissivity coating described in Table 1 below was provided on the inner face of the second glass pane.

[0089] Table 2 illustrates different configurations of the multiple glazing wherein the transparent pane has been positioned at different positions within the internal space according to the temperature of the exterior space. Case 1 and case 2 illustrate a double glazing which is energy efficient and provides the thermal insulation values (Ug-value) and the solar control values (SHGC) of the multiple glazing designed for hot or cold external temperature conditions. The Ug is calculated according to norm EN673 and SHGC is calculated according to norm EN410. The transparent pane is considered as a conventional glass pane for the calculations.

[0090] Within the present invention, the solar control performance of the multiple glazing responds to the hot or cold external temperatures and is represented by the SHGC value. In case 1 wherein the exterior temperature is higher than the interior temperature, the transparent pane is positioned at 0.1mm from the first glass pane. Such multiple glazing with high solar control performance has a SHGC- hot value of 0.3 and allows to avoid excessive heating of the interior space by the sun heat. In contrast, in case 2 wherein the exterior temperature is lower than interior temperature, the transparent pane is positioned at 12.0mm from the first glass pane. Such multiple glazing has a SHGC-cold of 0.4 and therefore allows more penetration of the sun heat inside the building compared to case 1.

[0091] Within the present invention, the thermal insulation performance of the multiple glazing responds to the hot or cold external temperatures and is also represented by the Ug value. In case 1 wherein the exterior temperature is higher than the interior temperature, the transparent pane is positioned at 0.1mm from the first glass pane and the Ug-value is 1.2. Dissipation of the heat from the interior of the building to the outside environment is then enhanced. In contrast, in case 2 wherein the exterior temperature is lower than interior temperature, the transparent pane is positioned at 12.0mm from the first glass pane. The multiple glazing has a the Ug-cold value of 0.7 and is very effective in maintaining the heat within the interior space.

[0092] Table 1 [0093] In order to promote the penetration of a high amount of natural light, it is preferred that the multiple glazing has a visible light transmission (TL) of at least 40% to promote natural light and limit the use of artificial lightening and the corresponding use of electricity.

[0094] For reference, a conventional double glazing that is designed to provide a delicate balance between solar control and thermal insulation performances, has typically a solar factor coefficient SHGC close to 0.4 and U-value close to 1.0. The insulating performances values of the conventional double glazing are fixed and not adjustable according to the hot or cold exterior temperatures

Table 2

[0095] Case ljepresents the_hpt_exterigr temperat_u_re_conditjons_ wherein the exterior temperature is higher than the interior temperature. Typically, TempExt is about 35°C and Templnt is about 27 °C. In such design, the transparent pane has been displaced at a distance DI from the first glass pane of 0.1mm (Dl=0.1mm) and at a distance D2 from the second glass pane of 23.9mm (D2 = 23.9mm). In the configuration of case 1, the double glazing provides a SHGC value of 0.3 (SHGC-hot = 0.3) and an Ug-value of 1.2 (Ug-hot = 1.2). The transparent pane is positioned close to the first pane. The multiple glazing designed for hot exterior temperature conditions, provides improved solar control performance by avoiding the sun heat to enter in the interior space (SHGC-hot = 0.3) and decreases the thermal insulation performance by improving dissipation of the heat from the interior space to the exterior space (Ug-hot = 1.2) compared to the reference double glazing having a solar control performance of SHGC close to 0.4 and a thermal insulation performance of Ug close to 1.0.

[0096] Case 2jepres_ejn :s the co d_exterioj j:emjj_ejature_cDjn djtions wherein the exterior temperature is lower than the interior temperature. Typically, TempExt is about 0°C and Templnt is about 20 °C. In such design, the transparent pane has been displaced at a distance DI from the first glass pane of 12.0mm (Dl=12.0mm) and at a distance D2 from the second glass pane of 12.0mm (D2 = 12.0mm). In the configuration of case 2, the double glazing provides Ug value of 0.7 (Ug-cold = 0.7) and a SHGC value of 0.4 (SHGC-cold = 0.4). The transparent pane is located within the internal space and mimics a triple glazing design. The multiple glazing designed for cold exterior temperature conditions allows the sun heat to enter the interior space (SHG-cold = 0.4) and avoids dissipation of the heat to the exterior space (Ug-cold =0.7) compared to the reference double glazing having a solar control performance of SHGC close to 0.4 and a thermal insulation performance of Ug close to 1.0.

[0097] The Ug-Ratio of Ug-hot/Ug-cold is 1.71. This ratio indicates that when the exterior temperature is higher than the interior temperature, the glazing of the present invention as illustrated in case 1 has the advantage to dissipate the heat outside of the building 1.71 times more than compared to the same glazing designed in case 2 when the exterior temperature is lower than the interior temperature. The thermal insulation performance of the multiple glazing within the present invention is then adjustable and can be decreased in hot exterior temperature conditions.

[0098] The SHGC-ratio of SHGC-cold / SHGC-hot is 1.33. This ratio indicates that when the exterior temperature is lower than the interior temperature, the double glazing as illustrated in case 2 has the advantage to promote sun heat to enter the interior space 1.33 times more compared to the same glazing designed in case 1 when the exterior temperature is higher than the interior temperature. The solar control performance of the multiple glazing of the present invention is then adjustable and can be decreased in cold exterior temperature conditions.

[0099] As illustrated above, in hot exterior temperature conditions, the multiple glazing of the present invention enables to limit sun heat penetration in the interior space while improving dissipation of the heat to the exterior space mainly during the night when the exterior temperature is decreasing, and accommodating high amount natural light. Therefore, a comfortable temperature can be maintained in the interior space while allowing to limit or even avoid the use of cooling means such as air-conditioning. Air-conditioning solutions which are not compatible with the reduction of CO2 emissions, can be limited or avoided. [0100] Similarly, in cold exterior temperature conditions, the multiple glazing of the present invention enables to promote sun heat penetration while improving the thermal insulation performance and accommodating high amount natural light. Therefore, a comfortable temperature can be maintained in the interior space while allowing to limit the need of heating. Subsequent heating needs are not compatible with the reduction of CO2 emissions.

[0101] This example demonstrates that the multiple glazing of the present invention provides an improved all-seasons thermal comfort by limiting and even avoiding cooling needs of the interior space in hot external temperature and by limiting the heating needs of the interior space in cold exterior temperatures conditions. The energy needs in all seasons and the subsequent CO2 emissions are therefore substantially reduced.

[0102] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. It is further noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features, and preferred features, described herein and recited in the claims or in the described embodiments.

[0103] It is well understood by persons skilled in the art that, as used herein the terms "a", "an" or "the" means at least "one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", and the like, relate to the invention as it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression "substantially" mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5%.

[0104] Furthermore, the terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. When it is described that a constituent element (e.g., a first constituent element) is "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or is "connected to" another constituent element (e.g., a second constituent element), it should be understood that the constituent element may be directly connected to the another constituent element or may be connected to the another constituent element through another constituent element (e.g., a third constituent element).

Claims

1. A multiple glazing (A) extending along a plane, P, defined by a longitudinal axis, X, and a vertical axis, Z; configured to close an opening within a partition separating an exterior space having an exterior temperature, TempExt, from an interior space having an interior temperature, Templn; the multiple glazing comprising : i. a first glass pane, GP1, facing the exterior space and having an inner face (11) and an outer face (12), ii. a second glass pane, GP2, facing the interior space and having an inner face (21) and an outer face (22), ill. a peripheral spacer (3) positioned between the inner faces (11,21) of the first and second glass panes, over a perimeter thereof, iv. a transparent pane, TP, having a first surface (31) facing the first glass pane and a second surface (32) facing the second glass pane, v. an internal space, SP, defined by the first and second glass panes and by the peripheral spacer characterized in that at least a selective solar control coating (4) is located on at least one of the inner face (11) and/or outer face (12) of the first glass pane or on the first surface (31) and/or second surface (32) of the transparent pane, and in that the multiple glazing further comprises a displacement means (5) to displace the transparent pane within the internal space, SP, in a direction normal to the plane, P.

2. A multiple glazing according to claim 1 wherein the displacement mean is selected from the group of mechanical, electronic, mecatronic, magnetic, servomotors, pneumatic, pressure/depression or piezoelectric systems, mechanical levers, cables and/or bimetallic structures.

3. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, having a light transmission of at least 30%, preferably, at least 40%, more preferably of at least 60%; wherein the light transmission is considering the visible transmission between wavelengths 380nm and 780nm with illuminant D65 at a solid angle of observation of 2°, that is transmitted through the multiple glazing.

4. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding wherein the transparent pane is chosen from mineral glass such as soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate, borosilicate, crystalline or polycrystalline glasses, or from organic glass such as polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate).

5. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least selective solar control coating, is based on two or three metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys.

6. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one selective solar control coating is located on the inner face (11) of the first glass pane and/or on the first surface (31) of the transparent pane.

7. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the multiple glazing further comprises at least a low emissivity coating (6), preferably at least a low emissivity coating based on one or more metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys.

8. A multiple glazing according to claim 7 wherein the at least one low emissivity coating is located on the second surface (32) of the transparent pane and/or on the inner face (21) of the second glass pane.

9. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the internal space is filled with a predetermined gas selected from the group consisting of air, dry air, argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), carbon dioxide or a combination thereof.

10. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the transparent pane is positioned within the internal space at a first distance, DI of the first glass pane and at a second distance, D2 from the second glass pane, the distances being measured in a direction normal to the plane, P, wherein the temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is higher than temperature of the interior space Templnt (TempExt > Templnt), wherein the multiple glazing has a solar factor SHGC, SHGC-hot, and a Ug-Value, Ug-hot, and wherein the distance DI is lower than the distance D2 (D1<D2), preferably comprised between 0.0mm and 5.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 5.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 3.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 3.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 1.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 1.0mm) and even more preferably between 0.1mm and 1.0mm (0.1mm < DI < 1.0mm).

11. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 wherein the transparent pane is positioned within the internal space at a first distance, DI of the first glass pane and at a second distance, D2 from the second glass pane, the distances being measured in a direction normal to the plane, P, wherein the temperature of the exterior space, TempExt, is lower than temperature of the interior space, Templnt (TempExt < Templnt), wherein the multiple glazing has a solar factor SHGC, SHGC-cold, and a Ug-Value, Ug-cold, and wherein the distance DI is greater than 0 (DI > 0), preferably equal to or greater than 1.0mm (DI > 1.0mm), more preferably equal to or greater than 3.0mm (DI > 3.0mm) and more preferably equal to or greater than 5.0mm (DI > 5.0mm).

12. A multiple glazing according to claims 10 and 11 having Ug-Ratio defined as the ratio of Ug-hot to Ug-cold higher than 1.00 (Ug-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.25 (Ug-Ratio > 1.25), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.50 (Ug-Ratio > 1.50) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.75 (Ug-Ratio > 1.75).

13. A multiple glazing according to claims 10 and 11 or to claim 12 having SHGC-Ratio defined as the ratio of SHGC-cold to SHGC-hot higher than 1.00 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.20 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.20), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.40 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.40) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.60 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.60).

14. A method to provide an all-season thermal comfort in an interior space separated from the exterior space by a partition comprising an opening closed by the multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims; comprising the step of

(1) measuring the temperature of the exterior space, exterior temperature (TempExt)

(2) measuring the temperature of the interior space, interior temperature (Templnt)

(3) displacing the transparent pane within the internal space of the multiple glazing such that a. when the exterior temperature is greater than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt > Templnt) and preferably equal to or greater than 25°C (TempExt > 25°C), the distance DI is lower than the distance D2 (D1<D2), preferably comprised between 0.0mm and 5.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 5.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 3.0mm (0.0mm < DI < 3.0mm), more preferably between 0.0mm and 1mm (0.0mm < DI < 15.0mm) and even more preferably between 0.1mm and 1.0mm (0.1mm < DI < 1.0mm), or b. when the exterior temperature is lower than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt < Templnt), preferably equal to or lower than 15°C (TempExt < 15°C), the distance DI is greater than 0 (DI > 0), preferably equal to or greater than 1.0mm (DI > 1.0mm), more preferably equal to or greater than 3.0mm (DI > 3.0mm) and more preferably equal to or greater than 5.0mm (DI > 5.0mm).

15. A method to provide an all-season thermal comfort in an interior space separated from the exterior space by a partition comprising an opening closed by the multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims 12 and 13, comprising the step of

(1) measuring the temperature of the exterior space, exterior temperature (TempExt)

(2) measuring the temperature of the interior space, interior temperature (Templnt)

(3) displacing the transparent pane within the internal space of the multiple glazing such that a. when the exterior temperature is greater than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt > Templnt) and preferably is equal to or greater than 25°C (TempExt > 25°C), the multiple glazing has Ug-Ratio defined as the ratio of Ug-hot to Ug-cold higher than 1.00 (Ug-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.25 (Ug-Ratio > 1.25), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.50 (Ug-Ratio > 1.50) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.75 (Ug-Ratio > 1.75); or b. when the exterior temperature is lower than the temperature of the interior space (TempExt < Templnt), preferably equal to or lower than 15°C (TempExt < 15°C), the multiple glazing has SHGC-Ratio defined as the ratio of SHGC-cold to SHGC-hot higher than 1.00 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.00), preferably equal to or higher than 1.20 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.20), more preferably equal to or higher than 1.40 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.40) and even more preferably equal to or higher than 1.60 (SHGC-Ratio > 1.60).