By: Rafic Hanbali, Emirates Insolaire
The concept design of the project Al Tawar Kindergarten is based on a mix of vibrant coloured panels and white panels distributed randomly. Such a distribution presented a challenge in terms of maximizing energy production. However, Emirates Insolaire team prepared a full solution designed to optimize the output energy from Kromatix ™ panels while respecting the integrity of the original concept design. The Kromatix ™ façade system was designed with special consideration of the local standards for wind load, the weight of each panel (65 kg), thermal expansion of the glass and the aluminium system.
The design employs foil-faced insulation (50mm thick, 80Kg density) by Fujairah Rockwool. Additionally, they provisioned for fire barriers using Siderise material. The materials and installation follow DCD (Dubai Civil Defence) Fire and Life Safety Code.
Kromatix ™ is a unique and swiss patented solution, developed by Swiss INSO at EPFL (Lausanne Polytechnic Federal Institute), one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the world.
It is produced by employing specially treated extra clear low iron colour glass, with an end goal to function as a solar panel.
For the very first time, the technology used allows for both photovoltaic modules and solar thermal collectors to be coloured, without compromising the performance, efficiency or architectural design integrity.
The Kromatix ™ glass is not usually used on top of existing solar panels. Rather, it replaces the original solar glass used in traditional solar panels, and the cells (or thin film) are directly laminated with Kromatix ™ glass.
Kromatix active blue panels and passive white panels
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