The sustainable roof window

Background/purpose
The vision is to contribute in process of creating a sustainable society. We therefore wish to develop an energy neutral and environmentally efficient roof window. Northern and Central Europe have cold winters and relatively warm summers. It is therefore the geographic area that naturally will give “most value for money”. Renovating/energy renovation of existing buildings is also in the future expected to be much larger than new build. Therefore the focus will be on this area but it should of course also be possible to use the product in new build.
 

Scope
Traditional windows in existing buildings contribute positively by giving daylight, passive solar heat (and view to the outside) and fresh air (and in some cases functioning as an escape route). The negative side is energy loss through transmission and ventilation. We would like to change this by developing a well-insulated window with an integrated ventilation unit fitted
with a heat exchanger. In addition we envision the window having an integrated shutter that can protect against heat/cold (variable U- and g-value). The window should be self-supplying in relation to energy by use of solar cells that are connected to the grid. Within certain parameters the unit should function without energy loss. At the same time the product should embrace a circular economy and the efficient use of recourses. There are many indications that resources and reuse in a broad perspective is becoming more and more important. This is also related to environmental Iegislation and economy.

The main focus is on ventilation and shading because they contribute in improving the interior climate and at the same time reduces energy demand. Integration of functions also has the advantage of improving esthetics, reducing fabrication cost and insuring a fast and safe installation by only one trade group. When mechanical ventilation is integrated in the window it makes it possible achieve the perfect balance between natural and mechanical ventilation (do it for me). The window shall of course be developed to match the expected demands related to 2020.