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In Winter application
- Low-E Shades® Absorbs Sunlight
- Low-E Shades® becomes a passive solar heating panel
- From winter sun a 4ft x 4ft sheet of Low-E Shades® can generate 2960 Btu’s of heat per hour, equal to running a 865 watt heater
During the cold months of the year, windows are the largest cause of heat loss. Temperature differences in areas around the windows vary considerably. This loss of heat is usual made up by turning up the thermostat, wearing more clothing, getting a blanket or using a space heater. Through extensive research and development we here at Kel Technologies have formulated a window covering that will restore thermal discomfort. Our unique product has under gone extensive testing and the results are a product that is green certified, fire resistant and have proven results in reflecting heat back into the room.
Controlling heat loss
In order to stop the heat from escaping out the windows you have to stop the heat from reaching the glass or find a way to insulate your windows. When you succeed in stopping the heat loss through the windows you restore comfort, reduce the amount of heat required to maintain a consistent interior temperature plus stabilize interior temperatures throughout the building.
Low-E Shades® restore comfort and energy efficiency
The Low-E Shades® system gets right to the root of the problem, heat loss through the windows. See through Low-E Shades® contain the heat in the building by reflecting the heat back into the room before it can be lost through the window (acts as a heat mirror).
Low-E Shades® systems provide multiple benefits of heat reflectivity, solar absorption plus the ability to re-radiate the absorbed solar energy as radiant heat through the perforated pattern (openness factor). The triple benefits are the multiplying factors for energy efficiency in the winter reduce heating loads. The ability to multiply the solar gain through absorption and re-radiation of infrared heat is like having a convection heater at every window.
In Summer application
- Low-E Shades® Reflects Sunlight
- In summer Low-E-Shades reflects 50% of the incoming solar spectrum and reduces 51% of heat transfer
- It blocks 84% of UV transmission
- Provides daytime Privacy. You can see out but no one can see in
Heat gain through glazing (windows) is the largest and most variable gain in buildings. This type of heat gain has major implications on energy consumption and peak cooling loads. The peak energy demand is dominated by space cooling of residential and commercial buildings.
The severity of heat gain through windows depends on the window type, size and orientation.
Understanding summer thermal discomfort
Unless a building has individual temperature zone controls, thermal discomfort is a major problem. The discomfort experienced by people during the summer months can be both overheating (being hot) and over cooling (being cold). Heat gain from solar radiation entering the south and west facing windows from noon hour into the afternoon creates the discomfort of overheating. Meanwhile individuals on the north and east sides of the building (the shady areas) experience the discomfort of feeling cold (overcooling).
Low-E Shades® restore comfort and energy efficiency
Low-E Shades® shading systems are uniquely engineered, solar filtering, reflective, thermal shades which are strategically designed to restore comfort year round by significantly reducing interior temperature differences (temperature disparity).
The primary function of the Low-E Shades® shading system is to prevent overheating and maintain a comfortable environment in the building by reflecting the sun’s rays back out through the windows. The cool day lighting feature aids in reducing lighting requirements, which reduces the amount of heat generated within the building. The dual functional ability to reflect the heat back out through the windows while providing cool day lighting reduces the overall energy consumption, lowering the properties’ operating cost.
Technical Considerations
Health
Low-E Shades® are 100% PVC free and have been tested for emissions relative to potential volatile organic compound (VOC) (carcinogen) off-gassing. Low-e Shades® have passed the emissions testing guidelines specified under ASTM D 5116-10. Specific testing parameters and VOC emissions limits were based on California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method for the Testing and Evalulation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Test Chambers Version 1.1 (Section 01350).
Low-e Shades® tested are compliant with the CDPH performance standard established for low VOC emitting products. Further, by successful conformance with the CDPH Standard Method, Low-e Shades® also met the criteria of Certified MAS Green® Program.
Safety
Low-e Shades® have been flammability tested, passed and are compliant with all North American interior flammability tests which are applicable and listed below:
- National Fire Protection Agency 701
- Title 19, State of California 1237.1
- City of Boston Fire Code BFD 1X-1
- City of New York Fire Code 1940 par 5.0
Solar & Thermal Performance
Low-e Shades® solar ad thermal performance has been tested in both the winter and summer configurations behind a double pane clear window. The following tests have been conducted:
- NFRC 102-2004
- NFRC 102-2010
- ASRAE standard 74-1988
- ASTM E972
- ASTM E1084
- WES 1584
Composition & Thickness
Low-e Shades® are constructed out of 100% non-flammable, UV stabilized, 11 mil thick polycarbonate film.
Summer Configuration (Low-e facing outwards) proven performance
Winter Configuration (black side facing outward, Low-e side facing inward)
Heat Loss reduced – heat loss through windows is reduced by over 16%
Free Heat – a 4 foot x 4 fot Low-e Shade in direct sunlight absorbs the sunlight and re-radiates 2,960 BTU’s of heat per hour which is the equivalent to an 865 watt electric heater.
