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Heated glass

Thermique has introduced museum facilities to a new heated glass
technology that eliminates condensation on windows and skylights.

Heated glass technology transforms ordinary glass into an extraordinary heating device.

Thermique has introduced museum facilities to a new heated glass technology that eliminates condensation on windows and skylights.

Museums must maintain a high-humidity indoor environment for the protection of priceless art, historical artifacts, and other exhibit pieces. Unfortunately, this humidity will condense on cold glass in the form of fog or frost unless the museum takes specific steps to prevent the problem.
Heated glass technology provides museums with the ability to control the temperature of glass in windows and skylights. If the glass temperature is warmer than air temperature, humidity will remain in the air and not on the glass. Condensation problems will disappear. There is no fog and frost to block the view or the light.

The technology is invisible and silent, both critically important for museums. Installing windows with Thermique heated glass will not change the appearance of the window or building. In fact, heated windows are indistinguishable from ordinary windows, except for the lack of condensation and a gentle warmth that can be felt when standing close to the glass.

In addition to simply blocking the view, condensation on windows can contribute to problems with mould and bacteria. Plus, moisture on the glass can lead to warping or rot around the window frame. Heated glass eliminates condensation to prevent each of these problems.

“With electrically heated glass, museums have a simple, cost-effective solution to a wide variety of condensation problems,” says George Usinowicz, architectural representative for Thermique. “The glass itself is internally heated without any visible wiring or electrical components. There are no fans, ducts, or bulky equipment to worry about. This technology is completely non-intrusive, and remarkably energy efficient as well.”

Heated glass was first invented more than 60 years ago to keep condensation off the windshield of aircraft. Only recently has a more advanced technology been developed to incorporate heated glass into double-lite, Low-E sealed window units. These windows double as transparent radiators, in residential or commercial buildings. All electrical heating elements can be concealed within the window frame so the technology is virtually invisible.

Thermique is the only company with UL Approval to provide heated glass technology for architectural window units. To produce Thermique heated glass, a transparent metal oxide coating is bonded to ordinary float glass during the manufacturing process. An electrical current is supplied by two buss bars located on opposite sides of the glass. As the current travels across the coating, electrical resistance generates heat evenly across the entire glass surface. Standard electrical wiring connects the buss bars to a patented Thermique controller.

The controller is typically mounted on a wall like a light switch. Glass temperature is easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the controller’s power setting which allows building owners and managers to adjust the power level to the glass at the turn of a knob. All wiring and electrical components are hidden within the wall and window frame. Depending on the power setting, the temperature of Thermique heated glass can reach a maximum of 105º F (40.6º C).

A window with heated glass radiates warmth and comfort into a room. The glass surface is uniformly heated with precise control in order to ensure an ideal indoor environment, no matter what the temperature is outside.

This technology transforms an ordinary lite of glass into an extraordinary heating device. The glass itself radiates heat uniformly and with precise control, yet, the glass remains perfectly transparent, without any distortion or discolouration.

By eliminating cold glass from their designs, architects never have to worry about the chills or drafts associated with ordinary windows. Plus, heated windows are able to prevent any condensation from forming on the glass, even in high humidity environments such as bathrooms, saunas, and museums.
www.thermiquetechnologies.com.