Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WISER (WISER – the energy saving and burglar proof window that breathes for enhanced indoor comfort)

Teaser

BGTEC is a Polish SME, active since 1996 in the production of customised windows and fenestration products for high-end clients; our current niche market consists of new constructions and deep retrofitting projects, in particular nearly zero energy single-family houses, villas...

Summary

BGTEC is a Polish SME, active since 1996 in the production of customised windows and fenestration products for high-end clients; our current niche market consists of new constructions and deep retrofitting projects, in particular nearly zero energy single-family houses, villas and passive houses. As a result of our continuous product development efforts to fulfil market demand, in 2012 we have conceived an innovative idea for a reversible window technology, the WISER window. Windows operated through a rotation across mid axis are state of the art, however none of them allows users to rotate the window sash 180° and lock it in the new position. WISER reversible window technology is enabled by innovative hydraulic gaskets and burglar-proof electro-magnetic locking mechanisms fully integrated in the structure of the frame, operated via a simple to use control system which can be integrated to a central building automation infrastructure or central security system. WISER is the only window that can reduce the thermal radiation from the outside during summer season, and reduce the thermal dispersion from the interior in the winter, thanks to the double positioning of the low-E glass. Enhanced ventilation is permitted through an innovative use of the active gaskets, permitting air flow while keeping the window locked. WISER window can be easily adapted to different climates and seasons along the year as well as material combinations and building types. WISER allow easy, cheaper and safer cleaning of glasses on both sides. WISER product family is aimed to changing the way people interacts with windows: its unique design satisfies in a single product the needs for energy efficiency, indoor climate, security as well as easier and safer cleaning. It represents therefore an incredible business opportunity for us to move from a niche onto a multi-million market with a much larger international presence, in line with the ambition of the projects to get funded under the SME Instrument.

Work performed

The activities of the project have been performed, on the basis of the original workplan exposed within the Description of action, in accordance to the three main tasks foreseen, with the common aim of understanding the technological and economical feasibility of the concept and investigating the quality of the results achievable, in the sight of the future potential markets to be addressed.
Through a combination of advanced design, experimentation and lab testing activities, trials in own facilities and contacts with different suppliers, BGTEC managed to address the key aspects leading to the technical feasibility of the windows to be developed. In particular, the opening systems and the gasket elements have been of discussion in order to drive the development towards the required performances.
The results have been assessed through a preliminary LCA activity, addressing the expectations in terms of environmental sustainability and the expectations for the benefits for the end user, showing a great benefit in terms of costs of ownership and additional advantages of use. The analysis has been performed in terms of absolute energy saving and as additional savings related to the breathing capacity (in support to the HVAC system. The results provided an outstanding reduction by 18% in terms of energy, 18% in CO2 footprint, value further increased in the case of the HVAC contribution provided to the ventilation.
Focus has been established as well on the identification, assessment and implementation of market strategies and plans to address the markets. Complementary actions of patent submissions have been performed, securing the IPR owned and setting the strategy for future protection of the concepts potentially extendable from the current status.

Final results

The WISER project approach is intended to generate a platform, in which the added value of the window is further granted to be extended by additional values and benefits for the end owners, in terms of safety, energetic performances, quality of life, (ease and safety of cleaning operations) as well as the superior quality perceived. The final results are expected to secures to BGTEC a leading position in the windows market, and as well the priority in the future supply of a complete bench of solutions, at different levels of automation and materials employed, characterized by the same idea and central solution implemented.
The Business Models objectives of the project are expected to permit the consolidation of the current position, unlocking a real blue ocean of new opportunities in the fenestration world, thanks to the combination of functional and design aspects, and the virtual suitability of the solution to a wide range of architectural implementations.