Las Vegas Hotel Causes Severe Burns: Plenty of visitors to Las Vegas can leave town feeling burned. But, guests at one hotel are feeling especially hot under the collar. Turns out, the design of the Vdara hotel is leaving some pool visitors with severe burns. The Vdara was built in a concave shape, and its all-glass front collects the Nevada sun, and reflects it down onto the pool area. Things get so hot down below, even plastic bags are melting in the heat. A spokesman for the hotel, says they are aware of the issue and are working to come up with a solution. In fact, they even claimed that designers knew about the issue before the hotel was ever built. They thought they had solved the problem by installing a high-tech film on the glass. But, the solution has not worked. While designers work on fixing the problem, the hotel is looking at getting some larger, thicker umbrellas to provide better shade for guests.
"Glasses and plastics are mysterious materials. We knew how the molecules moved in a liquid, but we didn't know how they moved in a glass or plastic – no one did," said Dr. Nunzi. "We discovered the way motion takes place at the molecular scale in a glass or plastic." Dr. Nunzi compares the findings to cars in a crowded parking garage. If the garage is full of cars, without any space between them, then a car cannot move unless another one moves with it. The same can be said for molecules – the light causes them to move slightly, but it is the cooperation with other molecules that enables them to move significantly. When plastic is exposed to light from a laser, the molecules under the light move together, changing the shape of the solid material. The molecules that are not exposed to the light remain stable. The result is a dramatic change in the shape of the solid material that is visible to the naked eye. The findings, published in the Journal of Chemical Physics, build on a study done at Queen's in 1995 that showed it was possible to make solid materials fluid, or movable, using light.
LUMENHAUS uses responsive architecture: Imagine waking up on a cold winter’s morning to light streaming in through your bedroom window and the smell of fresh coffee. The concrete floor is warm and your favorite music starts to play as you eat your breakfast. As you drive away the house automatically locks, the thermostat reduces and the insulation panels close as the house goes into hibernation until you return. All of the systems have been designed to work together to balance occupants' comfort and energy efficiency. The house maximizes occupants’ exposure to bright light during the day through its open, flowing spaces and at night radiates it back via a low-energy LED lighting system in the insulating panels. Solar (or photovoltaic or PV) panels cover the roof and the house uses passive energy systems, radiant heating and building materials from renewable and/or recyclable sources. The prefabricated construction process reduces waste and increases efficiency. A meter records the usage of energy throughout the day. If the house produces more energy through the photovoltaic panels than it uses, the net energy gain provides an opportunity to sell energy back to the power company or to power an electric car. Lumenhaus.
On opening day at glasstec 2010, Lisec unveiled new equipment that builds a coil-fed warm-edge spacer directly on the glass. Infinite Edge Technologies, the White Bear Lake, Minn., company founded by Eric Rapp, partnered with Lisec, Austria, to build the new IG warm-edge applicator featuring a flexible metal spacer made of ultra-thin stainless steel and a corrugated I-beam construction. The new spacer creates superior compressive resistance using 50 percent less secondary sealant than most spacer technologies, according to the company. Guardian's Scott Thomsen, group vice president for North American flat glass operations, confirmed that the equipment was bound for the float glass manufaturer's Webster, Mass., fabrication plant and would be directed to its low-e customers and the residential window and door market.
New York Glass Company Contributes to Record-Breaking Solar Cell: Corning Inc., a glass company based in Corning, New York, announced September 7 that it had helped German solar-module company Oerlikon Solar break the record for silicon-tandem solar cell efficiency. Oerlikon Solar's record-breaking silicon-tandem cell used ultra-thin Corning glass in its manufacture. The cell achieved conversion efficiency of 11.9 percent, beating the previous record of 11.7 percent set in 2004. Silicon-tandem technology uses layers of semiconductor material. Each layer is sensitive to a certain spectrum of sunlight, so silicon-tandem cells can theoretically have conversion efficiency far greater than that achieved by conventional solar modules. The best silicon-based cells are about 20 percent efficient. Oerlikon Solar is applying silicon-tandem technology to thin-film solar cells. If it can make its silicon-tandem cells commercially viable, it could produce highly efficient cells at a low cost - the holy grail of any solar-module manufacturer. 'We look forward to continued work with Corning on a roadmap to advance this technology to cell efficiencies of 12 percent and beyond,' Oerlikon Solar CEO Jurg Henz said. Soon, inexpensive, high-efficiency panels could be widely available - and the cost of going solar would be even more enticing.
Overseas demand offers new window of opportunity for AGT: A raft of orders from the Middle East and Asia has propelled London based security glazing business, Advanced Glass Technology (AGT) into the global arena for the first time. In response to increased demand from organisations and businesses wanting to mitigate risk to buildings and occupants in the event of a natural disaster, civil unrest or a terrorist attack, AGT has formed partnerships in Jordan and India regarding the installation of its ISO-approved anti-shatter blast containment film. Embassies, Non-Governmental Organisations and a number of private enterprises are among a growing list of buildings that will undergo protection fitment under the expertise of AGT over the next few months.
First established within the retail automotive sector, offering a solution to the increased level of ‘smash and grab’ vehicle crime through the retrofitting of its anti-shatter security film, AGT expanded its expertise into architectural applications during 2009. With security films starting at a thickness of 50 microns up to 450 microns, the multi-laminate polyester membrane can be applied to any glass surface. It is bonded with an aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive system resulting in any broken glass adhering to the film. AGT also offers installation with a range of specialist anchoring and edge retention systems for enhanced levels of protection, according to the client’s requirements.
Commented Martin Westney, Managing Director, Advanced Glass Technology: “With architects increasingly pushing the envelope in terms of building design, it’s vital that building owners seek to protect not only their investment but also the lives of occupants against any eventuality. We are pleased to be able to take our expertise into new markets and provide a bespoke and cost effective solution that’s proven to provide significant levels of protection and security.”
Scheuten Solar is introducing solarfloat HT (High Transmission) glass: This state-of-the-art glass features a proven innovative quartz- hard Anti-Reflection Coating – improving power output and energy yield. Solarfloat HT glass is a joint venture by Scheuten and Interpane on one of Europe’s most advanced float glass productions lines, ensuring the highest quality available in the market. The cover glass of Scheuten Solar’s new modules exists of highly transparent, very low-iron float glass resulting in improved light transmission. Combined with the innovative anti-reflection coating PV modules fitted with f | solarfloat HT Glass will provide an up to 3% higher energy yield. Further more these new Scheuten Solar PV modules feature a premium look & feel, are very resistant to acid or salt, have a high mechanical strength and are less prone to pollution from algae or calcium.
Every home now-a-days try to make use of renewable energy in order to save up on power costs. There are many devices available in the market now that may help in this regard. One simple device would be this unique Solar Window Light. The Solar Window Light is a multipurpose solar powered light that you can use around the home. You can stick it onto glass windows during the daytime to recharge its batteries by solar power and can use it as a light source for as long as 8 hours during the evenings. It can serve perfectly as an emergency light source when you go camping or bring with you in your mobile home, boat or a cabin. The Solar Window Light is available at Nigel’s Eco Store for 20 UK Pounds.
Spray-on technology turns windows into solar modules: New Energy Technologies has debuted its SolarWindow technology, a spray-on coating which turns ordinary windows into electricity-generating solar modules. According to New Energy Technologies, the technology utilises both natural and artificial light sources, and outperforms today’s commercial solar and thin-film technologies by as much as a factor of 10 under low-intensity irradiance. New Energy Technologies demonstrated SolarWindow at the University of South Florida, claiming a milestone in the development of the technology, which has the potential to create a fundamental paradigm shift in how power is produced worldwide. The researchers are now preparing for eventual full-scale production of SolarWindow. They are targeting low production costs, improved manufacturability, and increased power performance.
Key to these advances is the development of new methods and technologies for applying the electricity-generating coatings to glass surfaces. The spraying process allows SolarWindow coatings to be applied onto glass at room temperature, eliminating expensive and often cumbersome high-temperature or high-vacuum production methods typically used by current solar manufacturers. Until now, most solar modules have remained opaque with the prospect of creating a see-thru glass window capable of generating electricity limited by the use of metals and various expensive processes which block visibility and prevent light from passing through glass window surfaces. Researchers are also working to bolster the electrical power output of SolarWindow, generated from both natural sunlight and artificial sources such as fluorescent lighting.
When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued: Protect your windows. Ensure you have hurricane shutters or 3/4-inch outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors and pre-drill holes for the plywood, so you can put it up quickly in the event of a storm. Prepare your home. Window glass covered with protective film will not shatter if it breaks. Install window wells and window well covers to improve drainage around basement windows and help prevent water from entering your basement.
A new line of window films from Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ) offers protection to building residents from disruptions caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI). All electronic devices emit electromagnetic radiation. While being useful for wireless computer networks and mobile phone towers to send data, there are undesirable effects too of transmitting information this way. Data transmitted on an internal wireless network can be accessed from outside the building, and mobile phone towers can emit high levels of this invisible radiation. Electromagnetic interference or EMI is the disruption of electromagnetic radiation. Moderate or high-powered wireless transmitters are key causes of EMI. People living near radio or television transmitters or in a large city usually face disruptions to their cordless telephones, home entertainment systems, computers and even medical devices. He adds that only experienced professionals should install the film since it demands precision.
Silicone seals were removed from each window frame and the film fitted to the edge of the glass. A glazier reinstalled the silicone seals once the window film had been applied. Maximum coverage of glass was achieved, plus the silicone sealed the film onto the glass to help prevent corrosion. Damien says that one of the primary benefits of window film is that it can be retrofitted quickly with minimal inconvenience to the resident. It took two installers four hours to complete this specific job. The film they installed was almost clear so that it did not impede the view. Additionally, the window films also offer 55% heat reduction.Rob Hamilton, President of the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand says that the films act as a barrier in the form of a transparent metal layer blocking the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Films with a high metal content give the best shielding values. The metal type also influences shielding properties with more conductive metals showing better electromagnetic attenuation.
Builders working on a tiny Saxon church have unearthed Britain's oldest working window, dating back to pre-1066. The wooden-framed window was built 1,000 years ago but lay buried in the wall of St Andrew's Church for about 150 years after it was covered up by Victorian renovations. It has now been revealed after shocked workmen spotted the distinctive frame while renovating the Saxon building, in the village of Boxford, near Newbury, Berkshire. Archeologists and historians have studied the workmanship of the window and have found that it dates back to before the Norman Conquest. It is one of just a handful of windows in the country that pre-dates 1066 but is the only one that opens. 'It is believed to be a Saxon window, dating back to pre-1066, and is therefore one of the oldest in Britain. 'The window is cut from a single timber and has a shutter, making it the oldest working window we are aware of. 'The Romans would have built some windows using glass, but none of these exist in Britain any more. 'It has been covered up for very many years and was only discovered during building work - it is a very important find.'
The guy next door, however, has a rather older home with what looks to be single-pane windows. In the wintertime he installs plastic window insulation, which I have never fully embraced. Personally, I find them to be a little tacky. As I understand it, installing window plastic can potentially save a homeowner $20 per window over the season. It's not a gigantic savings, but it's something. And that combined with a few other energy-saving moves can make a pretty big difference over the colder months. The real upside to window plastic? It's a pretty inexpensive purchase and dead simple to install: clean the glass, measure and cut the film to fit, apply adhesive and film or tape the plastic in place and then use a hair-dryer to shrink-fit the film tightly across the window.
Woman pleads guilty to glass-eating scheme - Boston Couple collected over $200,000 in their multi-state fraud scheme. A woman who prosecutors say ate particles of glass and then falsely claimed the glass was in food she was served pleaded guilty to a 23-count federal indictment yesterday. Federal prosecutors say Mary Evano, along with her husband, Ronald Evano, collected more than $200,000 in insurance claims and left more than $100,000 in unpaid medical bills in several states between 1997 and 2005. Yesterday, Mary Evano pleaded guilty to 23 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy and identity theft in connection with a scheme in which the couple ate glass particles and then claimed the glass was in food they had been served.
A 15-story glass tower opened in Frankfurt this July promises to be a world-class energy miser, using half as much energy as a conventional office building in Europe and as little as a third of the U.S. average. The Westarkade tower glows with natural light and offers windows that open, but a first-of-a-kind "pressure ring" facade and sophisticated, sensor-rich control scheme promise to consume no more than 100 kilowatt-hours of energy per square meter per year, reports Discovery News. Horizontal Venetian blinds installed outside of the tower's glass envelope reject unwanted summer heat, while a pane of glass installed over the blinds and ventilated at the top and bottom protects the blinds from high winds. However, when the windows are opened, winds create a pressure differential around the tower, sending everything flying. So the firms installed 180 vertical ventilation flaps in the outer skin to manage airflows, creating what they call a pressure-ring facade.
The building's control system takes constant feedback from a rooftop weather station and from 40 sensors deployed throughout the building that measure temperature, pressure, and sunlight. It continually opens and closes individual flaps to maintain a ring of consistent positive pressure around the structure, preventing strong winds from entering. And in the fall and spring, air from the open windows should eliminate the need for mechanical ventilation altogether. Oregon architect Perepelitza cautions that the double-skin design was overhyped but is nevertheless bullish about the pressure ring's potential. He thinks it could point the way forward for glass towers as natural ventilation and energy efficiency grow in importance.
Armour for precious window: How do you protect an irreplaceable stained-glass window made with some of the finest handmade English glass? Peter Mackenzie says polycarbonate is the way to go. The Otago stained-glass artist has used Lexan XL10, which is so strong it can withstand a bullet from a .22 calibre rifle, to protect a restored stained-glass window at Highgate Presbyterian Church this week. "The window is made of some of the finest handmade English glass from Sunderland. "This glass is now irreplaceable because the company no longer exists.
An air conditioner plunged from a building and slammed onto a man who was just walking below in Manhattan Tuesday morning. Tony Franzese, 67, was walking his dog around 8:30 a.m. as he did every morning. That’s when an air conditioner fell out of a 6th floor window at 2nd Avenue and 3rd Street and landed on an awning — apparently bouncing off and hitting Franzese in the head. Franzese suffered a severe head laceration and was taken to Bellevue Hospital. Carmen Barreto lived in the building for 38 years and told CBS 2′s Mark Morgan her son helped clean blood off the victim. “He was very upset and nervous. He said ‘Ma, the air conditioner fall down onto the head’ and I said ‘My God he must be dead’,” she explained. One tenant told Morgan that the resident in question told her, in his words, “the window just flew open.” CBS 2 also learned that inspectors for the city’s Department of Buildings found that the air conditioner was not supported properly. A violation was issued to the owner of the building — Zenon Chernyk — for failing to properly maintain the building. Chernyck was told to make sure all air conditioning units were immediately secured with metal brackets or the units would be removed.
Window tint allows Haitian boy to be in the light: Job, 9, has xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare genetic disorder that inhibits cells from repairing after exposure to ultraviolet rays. He was named Job by workers at a Haitian orphanage. The Beach family, of Kemah, took in Job from Haiti four months after an earthquake in January devastated Port-au-Prince. 3M and Houston-based Sunset Glass Tinting this week donated and installed ultraviolet-blocking window film at the Beaches house so Job could walk into a sunlit room without receiving severe burns. The film allows sunlight in while blocking 99.9 percent of ultraviolet rays. People with the disorder are more susceptible to getting skin cancer even from slight sun exposure. Protective suits, hoods that block ultraviolet light and sunscreen must be worn during the day outside or inside where there is no protection from sunlight.
