A glazing unit for solar control, daylighting and energy conservation

The glazing unit for solar control, daylighting and energy conservation is a system consisting of two prismatic panes. The prismatic ribs of the panes are inclined by a certain angle to the horizontal within the window plane, exhibit identical cross-sections in the shape of a rightangle-triangle with a certain basic prism angle, are facing each other and are positioned such that just a small gap remains between the two panes. The lower rib faces of the outer prismatic pane are coated with ii specularly reflecting layer and the upper rib faces of the inner prismatic pane are coated with a diffusely reflecting layer. The prismatic plating unit can he used for common window tilt angles and for window directions with significant solar irradiation at sites with a temperate climate. It does not reduce the view to the outside appreciably and achieves - in comparison to other window panes - relatively uniform illumination of a room with daylight. During the summer and the transitional seasons it provides improved protection against solar irradiation and distinctly reduced irradiated heat fluxes. The reflecting surfaces of the prismatic ribs do not create glare. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.