WO2024046683A1

WO2024046683A1 - Multiple glazing providing all seasons thermal comfort and energy saving

Info

Publication number: WO2024046683A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/071242
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amélia DESMEDT; Pierre Schneider; Laurent Dusoulier; Ingrid Marenne; Baudouin DIERICKX; Véronique EMOND; Christophe Boonaert
Original assignee: Agc Glass Europe
Priority date: 2022-08-30
Filing date: 2023-08-01
Publication date: 2024-03-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multiple glazing (A) configured to close an opening within a partition separating an exterior space from an interior space. The multiple glazing comprises a first glass pane, GP1, having an inner face (11) and an outer face (12); a second glass pane, GP2, 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, that maintains a distance there between. The first glass pane of the multiple glazing faces the exterior space. At least the inner face of the first glass pane (11) comprise a selective solar control coating and/or a low emissivity coating (4). The multiple glazing comprises a Peltier module (5) comprising at least one Peltier element (6). The Peltier module is fixed on the inner face of the first glass pane (11) and/or on the inner face of the second glass pane (21).

Description

MULTIPLE GLAZING PROVIDING ALL SEASONS THERMAL COMFORT AND ENERGY SAVING

1. 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.

2. 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 and/or solar control performances.

[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 high thermal insulating coating such a low-emissivity coating to reduce the energy transmission by radiation. Such low-emissivity coating are particularly efficient in energy saving in the winter since they minimize the amount of energy dissipated to the outside environment. Multiple glazing contributes to the thermal comfort inside the building in winter conditions. In more temperate conditions, low-emissivity coating are known to balance thermal insulation with high levels of natural light. In summer conditions however, high thermal insulating coating might provide some negative effect. Indeed, high thermal insulating coating will limit the amount of energy dissipated to the outside building; the temperature of the glass surface facing the interior of the building increases and becomes higher than the ambient temperature of the inside of the building. The hot inside glass surface gives hot thermal radiation resulting in increasing further the ambient air temperature and requiring more air-conditioning.

[0004] 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. Hence, solar control is key to provide energy saving in hot environmental conditions. Multiple glazing with solar control performances contribute to the thermal comfort inside of the building in summer conditions. In more temperate conditions, solar control performances are used to balance minimum solar heat impact with high levels of natural light. In winter conditions however, high solar control performance might provide some negative effect. Indeed, high solar control performance limits the amount of energy entering inside the building, the temperature of the glass surface facing the interior of the building decreases and becomes lower than the ambient air temperature. The cold inside glass surface gives cold thermal radiation resulting in decreasing further the ambient air temperature and requiring additional heating.

[0005] FR3066526 discloses an active window wherein a glazing is enclosed in an opening frame. The opening frame cooperates with a fixed frame that further comprises an air conditioning system suitable for alternatively heating and cooling the fixed frame. Depending on the material of the frame, the opening frame and the door frame can generate significant convective temperature transfers from the external environment to the internal environment of the building and vice versa.

[0006] There is still the need to design a multiple glazing that will force the temperature of the glass surface facing the inside of the building to match as closely as possible the ambient air temperature of the room, and so, will avoid excessive heating and cooling inside the building. There is still a need to design a multiple glazing that will provide thermal comfort in all seasons, especially in the case of large glazing surfaces that provide high amount of natural light. There is still a need to design multiple glazing that will contribute to reach the climate goals of energy savings and reduced carbon footprint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] 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 having a bottom edge and a top edge parallel to the longitudinal axis, X, and lateral edges, parallel to a vertical axis, Z; configured to close an opening within a partition separating an exterior space from an interior space. It comprises a first glass pane having an inner face and an outer face; a second glass pane having an inner face and an outer face; and a peripheral spacer positioned between the inner faces of the first and second glass panes, over a perimeter thereof, that maintains a distance there between. The peripheral spacer and the inner faces of the first and second glass panes define an internal space, Sp. The first glass pane faces the exterior space. At least the inner face of the first glass pane comprise a selective solar control coating and/or a low emissivity coating. The multiple glazing comprises a Peltier module comprising at least one Peltier element, and is fixed on the inner face of the first glass pane and/or on the inner face of the second glass pane. Preferably a Peltier module is fixed on the inner face of the second glass pane. [0008] In a preferred embodiment, the inner face of the first glass pane comprises a selective solar control coating (4a). 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. Also preferred is an embodiment wherein the inner face of the second glass pane comprises a low emissivity coating. Preferably 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.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Peltier module is located along the top edge and/or along the bottom edge of the multiple glazing. Preferably, the Peltier module further comprises at least one second Peltier element; more preferably both Peltier elements are fixed on the inner face of the second glass pane. The Peltier module can further comprise at least one thermal exchanger and/or conductive device. Preferably, the Peltier module is coupled to a temperature regulation device.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the first glass pane of the multiple glazing is an electrochromic, thermochromic, photochromic, and/or photovoltaic glass pane, preferably a photovoltaic glass pane providing electricity to the Peltier module. The photovoltaic glass pane can comprise at least one opaque photovoltaic solar cell module located along the top edge and/or the bottom edge of multiple glazing, preferably along the bottom edge of the multiple glazing. The photovoltaic glass pane can also comprise a transparent building integrated photovoltaic module.

[0011] The present invention also encompasses a multiple glazing further comprising a third glass plane, GP3, positioned between the first glass pane and the second glass pane. The second glass pane and/or the third glass pane of the multiple glazing of the present invention can be a vacuum insulating glass pane.

[0012] In one further preferred embodiment, the multiple glazing of the present invention, has an intrinsic U-value equal to or lower than 1, preferably equal to or lower than 0.7, more preferably equal to or lower than 0.6 and/or a solar factor SHGC equal to or lower than 0.5, preferably equal to or lower than 0.4.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a multiple glazing according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the multiple glazing comprises two Peltier modules, each comprising one Peltier element, and an opaque photovoltaic module within the glazing.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a multiple glazing according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the multiple glazing comprises two Peltier modules , each comprising one Peltier element, and a laminated photovoltaic glass pane.

[0015] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a multiple glazing according to yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein the multiple glazing comprises one Peltier module comprising several Peltier elements, and an opaque photovoltaic module outside the glazing. [0016] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a multiple glazing according to yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein the multiple glazing is a triple glazing that comprises two Peltier modules, each comprising two Peltier elements, and an opaque photovoltaic module outside the glazing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The objective of the present invention to provide a multiple glazing that demonstrates thermal comfort in all seasons, especially for large glazing surfaces promoting high amount of natural light.

[0018] The objective of the present invention is to design a multiple glazing that provides a glass surface temperature of the glass pane facing the interior space as close as possible (e.g. up to a difference of 3°C), to the desired ambient air temperature and such at all exterior climatic conditions. The glass surface temperature of the glass pane facing the interior space is neither lower in winter conditions nor higher in summer conditions than the ambient air temperature, to avoid excessive heating and cooling inside the building.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a multiple glazing which is very energy efficient by balancing high thermal insulation and high solar control performances and such by avoiding the negative effect of hot or a cold inside glass surface.

[0020] A further objective is indeed 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 performance of the glazing. An initial investment in an energy efficient glazing can greatly reduce the need of heating and/or cooling and hence the corresponding bill.

[0021] 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 a ambient air temperature, TempAmb, 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. The ambient air temperature within the interior space is typically from 18° to 25°C. In winter, the TempExt is typically lower than TempAmb, whereas in summer, the TempExt is typically higher than the TempAmb. 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.

[0022] Therefore, the present invention relates to multiple glazing that will actively heat the glass surface of the glass pane facing the interior space, when the temperature of this glass surface, TempSurf, is lower than the ambient air temperature, TempAmb, and will actively cool the glass surface of the glass pane facing the interior space when the temperature of this glass surface is higher than the ambient air temperature. By preventing the hot or cool thermal radiation from the said hot or cool glass surface, the multiple glazing contributes actively to the temperature control of the interior space of the building. Such active heating or cooling function is provided by one or more Peltier module(s) that are fixed on the inner face of the glass pane facing the interior space and/or on the inner face of the glass pane facing the exterior space.

[0023] The Peltier module comprises at least one Peltier element. Typically, the Peltier module has a hot side and a cold side. When the exterior temperature is cold and the temperature of the surface of the glass pane facing the interior space is lower than the ambient air temperature, the Peltier module will heat the glass pane facing the interior space at least up to the ambient air temperature. This allows to reduce the need of heating of the interior space. When the exterior temperature is hot and the temperature of the surface of the glass pane facing the interior space is higher than the ambient air temperature, the Peltier module will cool the surface of the glass pane facing the interior space at least up to the ambient air temperature. This allows to reduce the need of air conditioning of the interior space.

[0024] Electricity is required for the Peltier module to function. Direction of current flow ensures the reversibility of the cold and hot side of the Peltier module. Electricity supply can be brought by a regular external source to the multiple glazing and/or can be brought by a photovoltaic module that forms part of the multiple glazing. Preferably, the electricity supply is brought by a photovoltaic module thereby rendering the glazing autonomous.

[0025] The insulating performance of a glazing is typically measured by the U-value for thermal insulating performance, and the solar heat gain coefficient also referred to as the solar factor coefficient for solar control performance.

[0026] The U-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 intrinsic thermal performance of the glazing. The intrinsic U-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. Alternatively, a simplified equation allows to evaluate the effective thermal insulating performance of glazing within its environment at a fixed point in time: the instant U-value of a glazing is based upon its surface temperature (tempSurf) at a fixed point in time, to which corresponds fixed external and internal temperatures. The instant U-value can be estimated by the following equation (1) :

□instant = (TempAmb - TempSurf) / (0.125 x (TempAmb - TempExt)) (1) wherein :

TempAmb is the ambient temperature of the interior space;

TempSurf is the temperature of the surface of the glass pane facing the interior space; TempExt is the temperature of the exterior space. Whatever the climatic conditions, the lower the U-value, the better the thermal insulation performance of a glazing is, meaning that a higher amount of heat is maintained inside the building, i.e. and that the resistance of the glazing to heat flow is greater.

[0027] A second performance factor is the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) that 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 cooler. The SHGC calculation is provided in standard norms such as norms EN410 or IS09050. Norm EN410 is typically used for building applications.

[0028] Depending on the multiple glazing size, its geographic localization and/or orientation, it is usual to promote multiple glazing achieving thermal insulating and/or solar control performances. Typically, multiple glazing demonstrating high thermal insulating performance have a low intrinsic U- value, such as lower than 1.5. Typically, multiple glazing demonstrating high solar control performance have low SHGC, such as lower than 0.6.

[0029] The insulating performance of a glazing is defined in particular by its intrinsic U-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 intrinsic U-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 intrinsic U-value can have a negative impact by indeed maintaining the heat inside the building, which results in increasing ambient air temperature which leads to the required use of cooling means. By regulating the temperature of the glass surface of the glass pane facing the interior space as close as possible to the desired ambient air temperature, the multiple glazing of the present invention allows to counteract such negative effect reaching in a surprising way, a lower instant U-value. As expressed in the instant U value equation, the difference between TempAmb and TempSurf can be limited, limiting as well the conductive and radiative heat flow. This results in an instant U-value lower than the intrinsic U-value.

[0030] Currently in order to achieve the most efficient multiple glazing, a delicate balance must be achieved between the thermal insulating performance assessed by the intrinsic U-value and the solar control performances assessed by the SHGC. Indeed both are very beneficial for minimizing the energy consumption of a building but in opposite climatic conditions. The multiple glazing of the present invention is designed to combine high thermal insulation and high control solar performances while counteracting their negative contribution by actively heating or cooling the surface of the glass pane of the multiple glazing that faces the interior space. Whatever the exterior climatic conditions, the multiple glazing of the present invention actively limit the temperature difference between the temperature of the glass pane surface, TempSurf, facing the interior space and the temperature of the interior space, TempAmb. The heat flow between the interior and the exterior spaces is thereby greatly limited and can even be reduced to zero.

[0031] Consequently, the intrinsic U-value of the multiple glazing reflecting the intrinsic thermal insulating performance of the glazing per se is actively impacted and the actual performance assessed by the instant U-value, is greatly reduced and even approaching zero. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the multiple glazing of the present invention demonstrates a very high thermal insulating performance by having an intrinsic U-value equal to or lower than 1 (intrinsic U-value < 1), preferably equal to or lower than 0.7 (intrinsic U-value <0.7), more preferably equal to or lower than 0.6 (intrinsic U-value <0.6). Hence, in another preferred embodiment, the multiple glazing of the present invention demonstrates high solar control performance by having a solar factor SHGC equal to or lower than 0.5 (SHGC < 0.5), preferably equal to or lower than 0.4 (SHGC < 0.4). Preferably, the multiple glazing of the present invention demonstrates both performances of intrinsic U-value equal to or lower than 1, preferably equal to or lower than 0.7, more preferably equal to or lower than 0.6 and the solar factor SHGC < 0.5, preferably equal to or lower than 0.4.

[0032] 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.

[0033] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the multiple glazing (A) comprises a first glass pane, GP1, having an inner face (11) and an outer face (12); a second glass pane, GP2, 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, that maintains a distance there between. The peripheral spacer (3), the inner faces of the first (11) and second (21) glass panes define an internal space, Sp. The first glass pane, GP1, faces the exterior space.

[0034] Within the multiple glazing of the present invention, at least the inner face of the first glass pane (11) comprise a selective solar control coating and/or a low emissivity coating, preferably a selective solar control coating (4a), more 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. In a preferred embodiment, the inner face of the second glass pane (21) comprises a low emissivity coating (4b), preferably 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. Preferably, within the multiple glazing of the present invention, the inner face of the first glass pane comprises a selective solar control coating and the inner face of the second glass pane comprise a low emissivity coating.

[0035] The multiple glazing of the present invention comprise a Peltier module (5) being fixed on the inner face of the first glass pane (11) and/or on the inner face of the second glass pane (21). Such Peltier module can be fixed by example via a thermal glue or any other suitable means. The Peltier module comprises at least one Peltier element (6) which provides to the Peltier module a hot side and a cold side. The Peltier module can further comprise at least one heat or cold transfer device such as a conductive device and/or one or more other Peltier element(s), in order to conduct cold or heat from a zone to another zone; and/or at least a heat or cold removal device such as a thermal exchanger, in order to dissipate the cold or heat flow.

[0036] Several embodiments of the present invention are described in Figures 1 to 4.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention wherein 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); and a peripheral spacer (3) positioned between the inner faces of the first and second glass panes, defining the internal space, Sp, The first glass pane, GP1, faces the exterior space. The inner face of the first glass pane (11) comprise a selective solar control coating (4a) and the inner face of the second glass pane (21) comprises a low emissivity coating (4b). The multiple glazing comprises a first Peltier module (5) fixed at the top edge of the multiple glazing, on the inner face of the second glass pane (21) and a second Peltier module (5) fixed at the bottom edge of the multiple glazing on the inner face of the second glass pane (21). Each Peltier module (5) comprise one Peltier element (6) that is in direct contact with the inner face of the second glass pane (21) and a thermal exchanger (7a). The multiple glazing further comprises a photovoltaic module (8) that comprises an opaque solar cell, located behind the first glass pane, and that will provide the electric supply to the 2 Peltier modules. Electricity supply to the Peltier modules can be also brought by a regular external source to the multiple glazing (not represented). The multiple glazing further comprises a temperature sensor (10) located on the outer face (22) of the second glass pane, as part of the temperature regulation device (9).

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention similar to the double glazing described in Figure 1 but wherein the first glass pane, GP1, is a photovoltaic glass pane being a laminated glass pane comprising a photovoltaic module (8) that is a transparent photovoltaic film, and that will provide the electric supply to the 2 Peltier modules. [0039] Figure 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention wherein 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); and a peripheral spacer (3) positioned between the inner faces of the first and second glass panes, defining the internal space, Sp, The first glass pane, GP1, faces the exterior space. The inner face of the first glass pane (11) comprise a selective solar control coating (4a) and the inner face of the second glass pane (21) comprises a low emissivity coating (4b). The multiple glazing comprises a single Peltier module (5) fixed at the top edge of the multiple glazing, on the inner face of the second glass pane (21) and on the inner face of the first glass pane (11). The Peltier module (5) comprises a first and a second Peltier elements (6) wherein a first Peltier element is in direct contact with the inner face of the second glass pane (21) and wherein a second Peltier element is in direct contact with the inner face of first glass pane (11). The Peltier module further comprises additional Peltier elements located between the first and the second Peltier elements, arranged in a head-to-tail sequence and fixed to each other via a thermal glue or any other suitable means. Those additional Peltier elements function as a conductive device. The multiple glazing further comprise a photovoltaic module (8) that comprises an opaque solar cell, located on the outer face of the first glass pane (12), that will provide the electric supply to the Peltier module. The multiple glazing further comprise a temperature sensor (10) located on the outer face (22) of the second glass pane as part of the temperature regulation device (9).

[0040] Figure 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention wherein the multiple glazing (A) is a triple 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); and a third glass pane, GP3, positioned between the first glass pane, GP1, and the second glass pane, GP2. The triple glazing comprises 2 peripheral spacers (3) : one positioned between the first and third glass panes, defining a first internal space, Sp, and one positioned between the third and second glass panes, defining a second internal space, Sp. The first glass pane, GP1, faces the exterior space. The inner face of the first glass pane (11) comprise a selective solar control coating (4a) and the inner face of the second glass pane (21) comprises a low emissivity coating (4b). The multiple glazing comprises a first Peltier module (5) fixed at the top edge of the multiple glazing and a second Peltier module (5) fixed at the bottom edge of the multiple glazing. Each Peltier module (5) comprises a first and a second Peltier elements (6); a first Peltier element is in direct contact with the inner pane of the second glass pane (21) and a second Peltier element is in direct contact with the inner pane of the first glass pane (11). Each Peltier module further comprises a conductive device (7b) located between the two Peltier elements (6). The multiple glazing further comprises a photovoltaic module (8) that comprises an opaque solar cell, located on the outer face of the first glass pane (12), that will provide the electric supply to the Peltier modules. The multiple glazing further comprise a temperature sensor located on the outer face (22) of the second glass pane as part of the temperature regulation device (9).

MULTIPLE GLAZING

[0041] 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.

[0042] The multiple glazing (A) of the present invention comprises a first glass pane, GP1, having an inner face (11) and an outer face (12); a second glass pane, GP2, having an inner face (21) and an outer face (22). In a preferred embodiment to further improved thermal insulation performance, i.e. a lower intrinsic U-value, the multiple glazing can further comprise a third glass plane, GP3, positioned between the first glass pane and the second glass pane. In such configuration, two internal spaces will be created within the multiple glazing. One can contemplate further embodiments with more than 3 glass panes.

[0043] 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 (or GP3 if present) over a perimeter thereof, and maintains a distance there between. The peripheral spacer and said inner faces define an internal space, Sp.

[0044] Typically said spacer comprises a desiccant and has typically a thickness comprised between 4 mm to 32 mm, preferably 4 to 22 mm preferably 4 to 16 mm, more preferably 6 to 12 mm. In general, the internal space Sp is filled with air and/or inert gas selected from dry air, argon, xenon, krypton, or mixtures thereof, preferably from argon or a mixture of air and argon. The nature of gas and the distance between GP1 and GP2 (or GP3 if present) are selected to provide appropriate reduction of heat transfer and/or sound transmission.

[0045] 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 or hollow element.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment to further improved thermal insulation performance meaning providing an improved lower intrinsic U-value, the second glass pane and/or the third glass pane of the multiple glazing is a vacuum insulating glazing also referred to as VIG. A vacuum insulating glazing unit is typically composed of at least two glass panes separated by an internal volume in which a vacuum has been generated. In general, in order to achieve a high-performance thermal insulation (Thermal transmittance, Ug, being Ug<1.2 W/m²K) the absolute pressure inside the glazing unit is typically 0.1 mbar or less and generally at least one of the two glass panes is covered with a low- emissivity coating.

PELTIER

[0048] The multiple glazing of the present invention comprises a Peltier module (5) being fixed on the inner face of the first glass pane (11) and/or on the inner face of the second glass pane (21); preferably at least on the inner face of the second glass pane (21). Such Peltier module can be fixed by example via a thermal glue or any other suitable means. The Peltier module comprises at least one Peltier element (6) which provides to the Peltier module a hot side and a cold side. The Peltier module can comprise further at least one heat or cold transfer device such as a conductive device and/or one or more Peltier element(s), in order to conduct cold or heat from a zone to another zone; and/or at least a heat or cold removal device such as a thermal exchanger, in order to dissipate the cold or heat flow.

[0049] As commonly understood, a Peltier element is an element that is able to transport heat using the Peltier effect. The Peltier effect is the cooling of one junction and the heating of the other when electric current is maintained in a circuit of material consisting of two dissimilar conductors. Hence, the Peltier effect produces inside the Peltier element, a temperature difference between two sides when a current is flowing. One side is called cold and the other side is called hot. Direction of current flow within the conductors ensures the reversibility of the system, the cold side and the hot side can then become the hot side and the cold side respectively. The object to be cooled or heated is brought into contact with the cold or hot side of the Peltier module, while the other side of the Peltier module can be brought into contact with a heat or cold transfer device, or may be coupled to a heat or cold removal device. In the present invention, conduction and radiation are taken advantage of in the present Peltier module.

[0050] The Peltier module can be fixed within the internal space, Sp, defined by the peripheral spacer (3), the inner faces of the first (11) and/or second (21) glass panes. In a preferred embodiment, the Peltier module can be fixed outside of the internal space, i.e. fixed on the inner face of the first glass pane (11) or on the inner face of the second glass pane (21) but outside the peripheral spacer (3) such as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. In such embodiment, the cooling and heating benefits are provided directly to the glass panes. The Peltier module can have different size and can extend up to the full length of the top edge, to the full length of the bottom edge, can extend to one or two of the lateral edges of the multiple glazing. It can even extend along the full perimeter of the multiple glazing.

[0051] Typically, the Peltier module (5) is a separate element from the peripheral spacer (3). However, in some embodiment of the present invention, it can be contemplated that the Peltier Module is encompassed within the peripheral spacer or replace part of the peripheral spacer.

[0052] The Peltier module comprises at least one Peltier element as illustrated in Figures 1-2. The Peltier module can comprise a first and a second Peltier elements as described in Figures 3 and 4.Preferably, a first Peltier module and a second Peltier module are fixed on the inner face of the second (21) glass pane. Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment wherein the Peltier module comprise a first Peltier element, a second Peltier element separated by several additional Peltier elements; arranged in a head-to-tail sequence and fixed to each other via a thermal glue or any other suitable means. Those additional Peltier elements function as a conductive device.

[0053] As exemplified in the Figures, in a preferred embodiment, the Peltier module is located along the top edge and/or along the bottom edge of the multiple glazing. In winter conditions, the temperature of surface of the glass pane facing the interior space becomes lower than the ambient air temperature. The Peltier module along the bottom edge of the multiple glazing is preferred since the hot side of the Peltier module fixed to the inner face of the glass pane facing the interior space generates an ascending conductive and radiative heat flow. In summer conditions, the surface of the glass pane facing the interior space becomes higher than the ambient air temperature. The Peltier module along the top edge of the multiple glazing is preferred since the cold side of the Peltier module fixed to the inner face of the glass pane facing the interior space generates a descending conductive and radiative cold flow. In a more preferred embodiment, in order to reinforce the conductive and radiative cold or heat flow and to speed up the temperature adjustment of the glass surface facing the inside of the building, one Peltier module is located along the top edge and one Peltier module is located along the bottom edge of the multiple glazing.

[0054] Whatever the winter or summer conditions described above, depending on the size, geographic localization and/or the orientation of the multiple glazing, further Peltier modules may be required along lateral edges to adjust the temperature of the glass surface facing the inside of the building for providing thermal comfort in all seasons, especially for large glazing surfaces, and reaching the climate control goals of energy cost savings and reduced carbon footprint.

[0055] The Peltier element provides to the Peltier module a hot side and a cold side. One side of the Peltier element can be directly in contact with the inner face of the glass pane facing the inside space and/or with the inner face of the glass pane facing the exterior space as exemplified in Figures 1-4. By directly is commonly understood that the Peltier module is fixed directly on the glass pane whether the glass pane is coated, partially coated or not coated. Alternatively, the Peltier module comprises at least one Peltier element that is coupled to a heat or cold transfer device such as a conductive device, for example an aluminum profile or any other suitable device, which is directly in contact with the inner face of the glass pane facing the interior or exterior space. The heat or cold transfer device has the function to conduct the cold or heat generated by the Peltier element from a zone to another zone depending on the direction of current flow within the conductors that ensures the reversibility of the system.

[0056] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 1-2, the other side of the Peltier element is fixed via a thermal glue or any other suitable means to a heat or cold removal device such as a thermal exchanger. On this other side, the heat or cold removal device can be in direct contact with the inner face of the glass pane facing the exterior or interior space, may be aligned with the surface of the outer face of the glass pane facing the exterior or interior space, or it can even extend along the full perimeter of the multiple glazing. The heat or cold removal device has the function to dissipate the cold or heat generated by the Peltier element depending on the direction of current flow within the conductors that ensures the reversibility of the system.

[0057] In one embodiment as exemplified in Figures 3-4, the Peltier module can comprise a first and a second Peltier elements coupled to a heat or cold transfer device which is located between the first and the second Peltier elements. The heat or cold transfer is fixed to the first and second Peltier elements via a thermal glue or any other suitable means. The heat or cold transfer device can be a conductive device, for example an aluminum profile or any other suitable device, as well as several Peltier elements arranged in head-to-tail sequence and fixed to each other via a thermal glue or any other suitable means. The heat or cold transfer device has the function to conduct cold or heat from one zone to another zone in order to contribute to temperature adjustment within the multiple glazing. [0058] In order to provide the optimal use of the heating and cooling functions of the multiple glazing of the present invention and thereby contributing actively to the temperature adjustment within the interior space of the building in all seasons, the Peltier module can be coupled to a temperature regulation device to allow the user to set a comfortable temperature to be achieved by the multiple glazing. Whatever the exterior climatic conditions, by actively limiting the temperature difference between the temperature of the glass pane surface, TempSurf, facing the interior space and the temperature of the interior space, TempAmb, the heat flow limitation between the interior space and the exterior space is then reduced or even approaching zero depending on the intrinsic thermal insulating efficiency of the multiple glazing. Consequently, the intrinsic U-value of the multiple glazing reflecting the thermal insulating performances is actively impacted and is expressed by switching to the instantaneous U-value that will be lower or even approaching zero. A temperature sensor located on the glass surface of the glass pane facing the inside space, records if the temperature of the glass surface becomes lower or higher than the ambient air temperature depending on the climatic loads throughout a day. The Peltier modules may consequently be activated thanks to the temperature regulation device that will set the direction of current flow. Depending on the recorded temperatures, the Peltier module will heat or cool the inner face of the glass pane facing the inside space, preventing or reducing the need of over-heating or over-cooling of the interior space.

Photovoltaic module

[0059] Electricity supply to the Peltier modules can be brought by a regular external source to the multiple glazing and/or by a photovoltaic module encompassed within the multiple glazing. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electricity supply can be provided by the glazing itself via a photovoltaic module. This embodiment is indeed preferred because it prevents the use of external source of electricity. The multiple glazing becomes autonomous, or at least limits the use of external source of electricity, to provide the thermal comfort in all seasons. Typically, the photovoltaic module can be part of the glass pane such as a building integrated photovoltaic glazing also referred a BIPV or alternatively can be external to the glass pane. The photovoltaic module can be further coupled to an energy storage device which is particularly advantageous in summer conditions where the solar energy is more prominent than in winter conditions.

[0060] The photovoltaic module can comprise at least one opaque and/or transparent solar cell module, preferably at least one opaque solar cell module. Typically and depending on the geographic localization of the building and/or the orientation of the multiple glazing, such opaque photovoltaic solar cell module can be external to the multiple glazing and is preferably located along the top edge and/or at the bottom edge of the multiple glazing, preferably at the bottom edge of the multiple glazing in order to capture the majority of the solar energy and to generate an optimized electricity supply.

[0061] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the opaque solar cell module can be a separate element from the glass pane and located on the outer face of the glass pane facing the exterior space. However as illustrated in Figure 1, it can be contemplated that the photovoltaic module is an opaque solar cell module which can be located within the multiple glazing on the inner face of the glass pane facing the exterior space. Such opaque solar cell module can be separated from the peripheral spacer, encompassed within the peripheral spacer or replace part of the peripheral spacer. Preferably the opaque solar cell module is separated from the peripheral spacer for easier mounting within the multiple glazing and/or its maintenance. The multiple glazing of the present invention is then particularly advantageous for providing a multiple glazing designed into a plug and play configuration, the multiple glazing can then be installed like conventional multiple glazing.

[0062] According to another preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 2, the first glass pane, GP1, is a photovoltaic glass pane. The photovoltaic module can be part of the glass pane wherein the glass pane is laminated with a photovoltaic film - such as a building integrated photovoltaic glazing also referred a BIPV or can be a photovoltaic film covering the all surface of the glass pane facing the exterior space. Sunlight is captured within the glass pane and redirected onto photovoltaic cells (not represented in Figure 2) which convert light into electric supply. In order to ensure the entry of natural light into the interior space while providing the maximum solar energy conversion, the photovoltaic film is transparent. By transparent, it is understood that the photovoltaic film has a visible light transmission (TL) of at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%. The photovoltaic film can be clear, opaque or coloured. This configuration is particularly advantageous for providing a multiple glazing designed into a plug and play configuration; the multiple glazing of the present invention can then be installed like conventional multiple glazing.

[0063] The photovoltaic module may be coupled to the Peltier module across the perimeter of the multiple glazing, preferably outside the peripheral spacer, according known ways in the art of manufacturing photovoltaic glazing producing electric supply.

COATINGS

[0064] Preferably, the present multiple glazing has high thermal insulation and high solar performances, provided by high performance insulating coatings, in order to provide an energy efficient multiple glazing irrespective of the climatic conditions. [0065] High performance insulating 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.

[0066] As discussed above, at least the inner face of the first glass pane (11) of the multiple glazing of the present invention comprises a selective solar control coating and/or a low emissivity coating, preferably a selective solar control coating. The selective solar control coating (4a) is preferably based on two or three metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys.

[0067] Said 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. Using a selective solar control coating on glazing can reduce the need for air-conditioning and blinds since the amount of heat entering a building is reduced. [0068] In a preferred embodiment, the inner face of the second glass pane (21) may further comprise a low emissivity coating. The low emissivity coating (4b), is preferably based on one or more metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys. Said 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.

[0069] The present coatings may typically be provided by physical vapor deposition methods.

[0070] In some instances, a layer may actually be composed of several multiple individual layers. The present selective solar control coating typically comprises n metallic layers and n+1 dielectric layers, where n > 2, such that each metallic layer is surrounded by two dielectric layers. When present, the low emissivity coating typically comprises 1 metallic layer, surrounded by two dielectric layers. [0071] The components of the selective solar control coating and of the low emissivity coating may be selected as best suits the compromise between insulating performances and optical requirements such a light transmittance or exterior aesthetics. The metallic layers of any of the selective solar control coating or low emissivity coating may independently be made of silver, gold, palladium, platinum or alloys thereof. Said metallic layers may independently have a thickness from 2 to 30 nm, alternatively from 5 to 20 nm, alternatively from 7 to 18 nm. These thickness ranges may enable the desired solar control function and/or conductivity to be achieved. The dielectric layers of any of the selective solar control coating or low emissivity coating may independently comprise oxides, nitrides, oxynitrides or oxycarbides of Zn, Sn, Ti, Zr, Si, In, Al, Bi, Ta, Hf, Mg, Nb, Y, Ga, Sb, Mg, Cu, Ni, Cr, Fe, V, B or mixtures thereof. These materials may optionally be doped, where examples of dopants include aluminum, zirconium, or mixtures thereof. The dopant or mixture of dopants may be present in an amount up to 15 wt %.

[0072] Typical examples of dielectric materials include, but are not limited to, silicon based oxides, silicon based nitrides, zinc oxides, aluminum doped zinc oxides, zinc-based oxides, tin oxides, mixed zinc-tin oxides, silicon nitrides, silicon oxynitrides, titanium oxides, aluminum oxides, zirconium oxides, niobium oxides, aluminum nitrides, bismuth oxides, mixed silicon-zirconium nitrides, and mixtures of at least two thereof, such as for example titanium-zirconium oxides, titanium-niobium oxides, zinctitanium oxides, zinc-gallium oxides, zinc-indium-gallium oxides (IGZO), zinc-titanium-aluminum oxides (ZTAO), zinc-tin-titanium oxides, zinc-aluminum-vanadium oxides, zinc-aluminum- molybdenum oxides, zinc-aluminum-magnesium oxides, zinc-aluminum-chromium oxides, zinc- aluminum-copper oxides, zinc-titanium-zirconium oxides. The dielectric layers may independently consist of a plurality of individual layers comprising or essentially consisting of the above materials.

[0073] The dielectric layers may each have a thickness ranging from 0.1 to 200 nm, alternatively from 0.1 to 150 nm, alternatively from I to 120 nm, alternatively from I to 80 nm. Different dielectric layers may have different thicknesses. That is, a first dielectric layer may have a thickness that is the same or different, greater or smaller, compared to the thickness of a second or third or any other dielectric layer.

[0074] The metallic layers may be provided with barrier layers to limit their oxidation. Examples of barriers layers include layers comprising nickel, chromium, palladium, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, zinc, and mixtures or alloys thereof, in metallic, oxided or nitrided forms.

[0075] In specific instances, required by the opto-energetical performances of the coating, optional layers of absorbent materials may be present in a dielectric layer to modulate light transmittance of said coating. By "absorbent material" is meant a material which absorbs a part of the visible radiation. Examples of absorbent material include NiCr, W, Nb, Pd, Si, Ti, or alloys based on Ni and/or Cr and/or W; or from TiN, CrN, WN, NbN, TaN, ZrN, NiCrN, or NiCrWN, or a mixture of these nitrides.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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

[0079] The glass panes, GP1, GP2 and GP3, encompass a single monolithic glass pane, a laminated glass pane being an assembly of at least 2 monolithic glass sheets connected by a polymer interlayer, a vacuum insulating and/or an interactive glass pane that can be an electrochromic, thermochromic, photochromic, or a photovoltaic glass pane. The glass sheet can be chosen among float clear, extraclear 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.

[0080] The glass panes GP1 and/or GP2 and/or the third glass pane, GP3 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).

[0081] According to the present invention, 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.

[0082] 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 of the glass pane is measured in the direction normal to the plane, P.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Preferably, the composition of the glass pane 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.

[0085] Other preferred glass comprises the following components in weight percentage, expressed with respect to the total weight of glass:

WINDOW

[0086] 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 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.

EXAMPLES

Multiple glazing configurations

[0087] The following examples are intended to be used for illustrative purpose only and illustrate the excellent performance of the multiple glazing of the present invention over a conventional high insulating multiple glazing, in summer conditions.

[0088] Coatings are described in Table 1 and Table 2 presents several multiple glazing configurations that are highly advantageous in terms of insulating capabilities. Examples 1 to 7 illustrate multiple glazing which are energy efficient and demonstrate the delicate balance between thermal insulation and solar control performances. Intrinsic U-values are around 1 or even around 0.4 for very high energy efficient configuration such as illustrated in examples 3 and 7. SHGC is below 0.4, preferably in the range from 0.2 to 0.3.

[0089] According to the present invention, the temperature difference between the temperature of the glass pane surface, TempSurf, facing the interior space and the temperature of the interior space, TempAmb, is actively limited during climatic loads throughout the day by activating the Peltier Module. Thereby the heat flow from the interior space to exterior space is greatly reduced and can be even close to zero. According to the present invention, the thermal performance, typically assessed by the intrinsic U-value of the multiple glazing can now be assessed by the more representative instant U- value that can be significantly decreased to lower values and even close to zero. Therefore, a double or triple glazing configuration having both high thermal insulating coating and high selective solar control coating as illustrated in examples 1 to 7 above, are preferred glazing configurations to provide thermal comfort in all seasons, especially for large glazing surfaces promoting high amount of natural light.

[0090] Table 1

[0091] According to the present invention, the multiple glazing is designed, especially for large glazing surfaces. In order to promote entering of high amount of natural light, it is preferred that the multiple glazing has a visible light transmission (TL) of at least 40%. The luminous transmission/transmittance of the glazing is the visible transmission measured with illuminant D65 for a sheet thickness of 4 mm (TLD4) at a solid angle of observation of 2° (according to standard IS09050). The intrinsic U-value of the different multiple glazing illustrated below is calculated as per norm EN673 and the SHGC is calculated as per norm EN410.

[0092] Table 2

Heat loss as per intrinsic U value

[0093] The heat loss for a multiple glazing of a given intrinsic U-Value can be quantified by the simple formulation (2) : Heat loss (W) = Intrinsic U-Value x T x A (2) wherein :

Intrinsic U-Value (Watts) = amount of heat conducted through the multiple glazing;

T = Temperature difference between Exterior air temperature (TempExt) and ambient air temperature (TempAmb) fixed at a delta of 15 (A15). • in winter conditions for a TempExt of 5°C and a TempAmb of 20°C; or

• in summer conditions for a TempExt of 40°C and a TempAmb of 25°C.

A : total glazed area of a home fixed at 25m².

[0094] For reference, a conventional multiple glazing typically designed to provide insulation performance during cold climatic conditions has a low solar factor of 0.7 (SHGC =0.7 calculated as per norm EN 410), and an intrinsic U-value of 1.5 (intrinsic U-value = 1.5 calculated as per norm EN 673).

The heat loss of this conventional multiple glazing is 562 W/h (calculated as per the above formulation (2)). The corresponding heat loss expressed in kW per year (kW/y) is 1.213kW/y. The heat loss expressed in kW per year (kW/y) is calculated by multiplying the heat loss * 24 (24h per day) * 30 (30 days/month) and *3 (3 summer months). In summer, the heat loss is reflected in the need of air- conditioning to maintain thermal comfort in the interior space.

[0095] The heat loss has been calculated in Table 3 as per the above formulation (2) for the reference conventional multiple glazing as well as for some of the multiple glazing of table 2 in hot summer conditions. Such multiple glazing of Table 2 and that are used preferably in the present invention, have in addition to their low intrinsic U-value, a high solar control (i.e. SCGH <0.4). As illustrated in table 3, starting from a heat loss of 1213kW/y for the reference conventional multiple glazing, the heat loss of an energy efficient multiple glazing to be used in the present invention can be reduced to 842 kW/y or even lower reaching 315 kW/y. This amounts to a reduction of heat loss from 31% to 74%.

[0096] Table 3

Heat loss as per instant U value

[0097] The reference conventional multiple glazing which is designed to provide insulation performance during cold climatic conditions has a solar factor coefficient of 0.7 and an intrinsic U- value of 1.5. During hot climatic conditions with temperatures ranging from 30°C up to 50°C, this reference multiple glazing provides some negative effect. Indeed, with a SHGC of 0.7, a large portion of the sun heat in the near infrared wavelengths, is entering the building, and because of the high thermal insulating performance of the glazing, a large portion of this energy is not dissipated to the outside of the building. Consequently, the temperature of the glass surface facing the interior of the building significantly increases and becomes higher than the ambient temperature of the inside of the building. The hot inside glass surface gives hot thermal radiation resulting in increasing further the ambient air temperature and requiring more air-conditioning. Hence, the insulation performance of a multiple glazing designated to provide insulation performance during cold climatic conditions have a negative impact on the thermal comfort when subjected to hot climatic loads above 30°C. Indeed, the temperature of the surface of the glass pane facing the interior space of this conventional multiple glazing can reach 40°C and even sometimes 50°C .

[0098] Within the present invention, the heat loss of the same multiple glazing can be calculated by the instant U-value (Uinstant) with equation (1) as described above and copied below:

□instant = (TempAmb - TempSurf) / (0.125 x (TempAmb - TempExt)) (1) wherein :

Uinstant (Watts) = amount of heat conducted through the multiple glazing at a fixed point in time

• Winter conditions : TempAmb of 20°C, TempExt of 5°C and TempSurf = 19°C or 19.5°C or 19.9°C

• Summer conditions : TempAmb of 25°C, TempExt of 40°C and TempSurf = 26°C or 25.5°C or 25.1°C The glass surface temperature of the glass pane facing the interior space, TempSurf, can indeed be set by the temperature regulation device that is coupled the Peltier module(s). In winter conditions, TempSurf can be set by the user at 19°C or 19.5°C or 19.9°C. In summer conditions, TempSurf can be set by the user at 26°C or 25.5°C or 25.1°C.

[0099] The amount of heat or coldness brought by the Peltier module(s) can be modulated by the amount of electricity provided and will depend on the temperature difference between temperature of the glass surface facing the interior space (TempSurf) and Ambiant air temperature (TempAmb) accepted by the user to provide thermal comfort. The user can set such temperature difference at 1°C , 0.5°C, 0.1°C or even 0°C and thereby decrease the need for air-conditioning.

[0100] Hence, Table 4 illustrates different embodiments of the multiple glazing of the present invention quantifying the heat loss reduction for a given intrinsic U-Value that switches to an instantaneous U-value by activation of the Peltier module in response to climatic loads throughout the day, in hot conditions. As indicated above, the Uinstant is calculated with formulation (1) wherein the TempAmb is set at 25°C and the TempExt is set at 40°C. The heat loss is calculated as per the above formulation (2) wherein the TempAmb is set at 25°C and the TempExt is set at 40°C.

[0101] For perspective, Table 4 illustrates the heat loss of the conventional multiple glazing switching to an instantaneous U-value in response to climatic loads throughout the day in the same hot conditions wherein the TempAmb is set at 25°C, the TempExt is set at 40°C and the TempSurf is 40°C since there is no activation of any Peltier module. [0102] Table 4

Comparative table

[0103] As compiled in Table 5, starting from a heat loss of 1213 kW/y for a conventional multiple glazing with an intrinsic U value of 1.5, its Uinstant increases considerably and rises up to 8. During hot climatic conditions with temperatures ranging from 30°C up to 50°C, the reference multiple glazing provides very negative thermal impact : the instant heat loss reaching approximatively 6500 kW/y reflects the large portion of the sun heat in the near infrared wavelengths which is entering the building, and not dissipated to the outside of the building. As a result, the hot inside glass surface reaches a TempSurf of 40°C and thereby gives hot thermal radiation. This results in increasing the ambient air temperature and the need of air-conditioning to maintain the ambient air temperature at 25°C. Excessive air-conditioning is required to provide a cooling capacity of 6500 kW/y in order maintain thermal comfort in the interior space.

[0104] Even more for a double or triple glazing wherein the thermal insulating performance (intrinsic U-value) and the solar control performance (SHGC) have been carefully balanced, the activation of the Peltier module(s) can the advantageously decrease the Uinstant and can achieve an instant heat loss below 500 kW/y. The multiple glazing of the present invention, designed to adjust the temperature of the surface of the glass pane facing the interior space as close as possible to the ambient air temperature whatever the hot climatic loads throughout the day, allows to counteract such negative effect reaching in a surprising way, a lower instant U-value and an instant heat loss reduced by at least 50%. By designing the multiple glazing according to the present invention, cooling needs required to maintain the thermal comfort in the interior space can be reduced by a factor of 13. Please refer to the last column of Table 5 wherein the heat loss based on the intrinsic U-value or on the Uinstant has been compared. [0105] Furthermore, the multiple glazing of the present invention is designed to accommodate high amount of natural light while preventing excessive over-cooling inside the building, and thereby to reduce and even eliminate the need of air-conditioning and hence results in energy savings and carbon footprint reduction. The objective to reach the energy savings and reduced carbon footprint can be further achieved by selecting a photovoltaic module to provide the required electricity supply to the Peltier module(s).

[0106] Table 5

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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, 1 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%.

[0109] 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 and having a bottom edge and a top edge parallel to the longitudinal axis, X, and lateral edges, parallel to a vertical axis, Z; configured to close an opening within a partition separating an exterior space from an interior space; the multiple glazing comprising : a first glass pane, GP1, having an inner face (11) and an outer face (12) ; a second glass pane, GP2, 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, that maintains a distance there between; and wherein the peripheral spacer (3) and the inner faces (11,21) of the first and second glass panes define an internal space, Sp; wherein the first glass pane faces the exterior space, wherein the inner face of the first glass pane (11) comprise a selective solar control coating and/or a low emissivity coating (4); characterized in that the multiple glazing comprises a Peltier module (5) comprises at least one Peltier element (6), the Peltier module being fixed on the inner face of the first glass pane (11) and/or on the inner face of the second glass pane (21).

2. A multiple glazing according to claim 1 wherein a Peltier module is fixed on the inner face (21) of the second glass pane.

3. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner face of the first glass pane comprises a selective solar control coating (4a), preferably a selective solar control coating based on two or three metallic functional layers, especially metallic functional layers based on silver or on silver-containing metal alloys.

4. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner face of the second glass pane comprises a low emissivity coating (4b), preferably 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.

5. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the Peltier module is located along the top edge and/or along the bottom edge of the multiple glazing.

6. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the Peltier module further comprises at least one second Peltier element.

7. A multiple glazing according to claim 6 wherein the at least one Peltier element and the at least one second Peltier element are fixed on the inner face of the second glass pane.

8. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the Peltier module further comprises at least one thermal exchanger (7a) and/or at least one conductive device (7b) .

9. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least the first glass pane is an electrochromic, thermochromic, photochromic, and/or photovoltaic glass pane (8), preferably a photovoltaic glass pane providing electricity to the Peltier module.

10. A multiple glazing according to claim 9 wherein the photovoltaic glass pane comprises at least one opaque photovoltaic solar cell module located along the top edge and/or the bottom edge of multiple glazing, preferably along the bottom edge of the multiple glazing.

11. A multiple glazing according to claim 9 wherein the photovoltaic glass pane comprises a transparent building integrated photovoltaic module.

12. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the Peltier module is coupled to a temperature regulation device (9).

13. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a third glass plane, GP3, positioned between the first glass pane and the second glass pane.

14. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second glass pane and/or the third glass pane is a vacuum insulating glass pane.

15. A multiple glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, having an intrinsic U-value equal to or lower than 1 (intrinsic U-value < 1), preferably equal to or lower than 0.7 (intrinsic U-value <0.7), more preferably equal to or lower than 0.6 (intrinsic U-value <0.6) and/or a solar factor SHGC equal to or lower than 0.5 (SHGC < 0.5), preferably equal to or lower than 0.4 (SHGC < 0.4).