Solar radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. All such forms of energy can be expressed as a wavelength. The electromagnetic spectrum of solar energy as it bombards the earth is split into 3 bands by wavelengths; the ultraviolet (UV) band, the visible band and the near infrared band.
The UV band (100-400 nanometers) is the part of the spectrum that causes fading in our interior furnishings, carpets and draperies. It also tans the skin and can cause medical problems like skin cancer if exposure is excessive. The UV band makes up 3% of the solar spectrum.
The visible band (380-780 nanometers) is the only part of the solar spectrum actually seen with our eyes, perceived as visible light. Solar intensity is the strongest in the visible band and peaks in the green wavelength-the color of most things on earth. 44% of solar energy is visible light.
The near infrared (700-2400 nanometers) part of the spectrum is the heat band. It cannot be seen but we experience it as heat. 53% of the solar energy is near infrared.
Another band, the far infrared, is a tiny section beyond the near infrared region. While solar energy does not contain far infrared, you can feel it as heat that is re-radiated from objects exposed to sunlight. Windows, furnishings and even our skin will give off far infrared heat after absorbing solar energy.
The sun's energy is necessary for life on earth. However, the same energy causes problems like overheated living space like the inside of our homes and our car interiors. It also causes glare, fading and high utility costs. Professionally installed high quality window film goes a long way in solving these problems.
Definitions for Solar Engineering Parameters
Total Solar Transmission
The percentage of incident solar radiation to be directly passed through a glazing system.
Total Solar Reflectance
The percentage of incident solar radiation to be reflected by a glazing system.
Total Solar Absorption
The percentage of incident solar radiation to be absorbed by a glazing system.
Visible Light Transmission
The percentage of visible light to be reflected by a glazing system that can be seen visually.
U-Value
The measurement of heat transfer due to outdoor / indoor temperature differences; describing the dealt loss through a material. The lower the U-value, the less heat transfers.
Ultraviolet Transmission
The percentage of the total ultraviolet radiation that passed through a glazing system.
Shading Coefficient
The ratio of solar heat gain passing through a glazing system to the solar heat gain that occur under the same conditions if the window were made of clear, un-shaded double strength window glass. The lower the numbers the better the solar shading qualities of the glazing system.
Emissivity
The measurement of the surface's ability to absorb or reflect far-infrared radiation. The lower the number the higher the far-infrared refection.
Total Solar Energy Rejected
The measurement of the window film's ability to reject solar heat in the form of visible light and invisible infrared radiation.
How Solar Films are made
Introduction to Film Dyeing
Film dyeing is similar to coating in that the film is first coated and then cured in heated ovens. The pigments are impregnated into the polyester film with heat. The film is bathed in dye and then subjected to the elevated temperatures of massive curing ovens. The colour becomes a permanent part of the film and cannot be washed or scraped off. Dyed films are used in both the automotive and flat glass markets. They help minimize reflectivity and provide decorative choice. Dyed films are often used in conjunction with metallized films offering the benefits of both types. The Dyed / Electron Beam and Dyed /Sputter combinations have been the greatest improvement in automotive films in many years. Films are dyed to exacting specifications and are subjected to intensive quality control at all stages of production guaranteeing precision colour and transparency.
Introduction to Vacuum Metallizing
The metallizing industry began in the early 1900s from attempts to improve on the electroplating process. The first applications of metallizing webs, either films or cloth were for decorative packaging. The sputtering method of application were discovered in the late 1800s but only developed and utilised for the production of metallized films in the early 1930s. The currently common aluminum evaporative coating was developed a little later (the late 1930'). The aluminum coatings were first used in solar control window films because of their extremely high solar control abilities. Technological advances in sputter benefits of high visibility and improved weatherability, while maintaining excellent solar energy control. Window films which control metallized coatings provide the greatest solar heat reduction available.
Aluminium Evaporative Metallizing
This was the first metallizing process used in solar control films. A crucible containing aluminum is heated until the metal melts and forms a gas cloud. This metal gas is deposited on the film and bonds as soon as it cools. Evaporative coated is limited by the few metals which can be coated in this manner because the crucible must be heated and maintained at a very high temperature. Aluminum coated films provided exceptional solar control performance. This process is normally used for High Performance Films.
Electron Beam Metallizing
This method of metallizing is similar to evaporative coating in many ways. The main difference is the manner in which the metal is heated and transformed into metal vapor. A beam of high energy electrons is aimed at the source of metal. This energy causes the molecules to vaporize and form a cloud of metal gas. The metal gas bond to the film as it cools. The temperatures obtained on the surface of the metal during this process are much higher than the other methods of coating. Many exotic and precious metals can be coated in this manner. Electrons beam films have higher water vapor transmission rates than sputter coated films. This allows the film to dry much more quickly, especially in high humidity areas. Benefits of electron beam films include high light transmission, low visible light reflection, high solar heat rejection and reduced "hazing" or "fogging" during the curing period that often occurs with sputter coated films.
Sputter Metallizing
Sputter metallizing has brought space age technology to the solar control market. This advanced method of coating uses exotic metals which cannot be evaporative coated. In the sputtering process, an electrically charged gas (usually argon) bombards the metal and knocks molecules loose. These molecules are deposited onto the film and layered side by side providing extremely thin, tight and optically precise coatings. The coating is so tight that the water used during installation of the window films cannot evaporate and thus giving the "hazy" look during the curing period. This "hazy" look will gradually dissipate and give way to a beautiful film. High light transmission, very low visible reflectivity and impressive solar heat control are the trademarks of sputter films.
Corrosion Protected Silver
One window film with superior performance is our Corrosion Protected Silver. This is a sputtered film with a layer of precious metal silver, encapsulated between 2 layers of a proprietary super alloy to protect it from corrosion. Silver is the best material available for reflecting infrared energy. The special super alloy that protects the silver actually helps to decrease the visible light reflectivity of the silver.
While the superior adhesion of this structure will contribute to a slightly longer drying time and the subsequent haze associated with this drying phase. Like other sputtered films, the haze will gradually dissipate revealing a beautiful film with superior performance characteristics.
Seeking Solace from the sun
Let say that your car is in a perfect working condition, what is the most important aspect that your have left out? I believe that most of us would say that air conditioning being the thing that we cannot do without. Just image when your car broke down in the middle of the road or even caught in the hot sunny afternoon traffic jam.
Just image the intense heat and humidity permeating into your car cabin, making you feeling sweaty and sticky all over your body.
How to improve the overall coolness of the car's environment?
Solar control films are the most excellent and essential component next to air-conditioning system. This marks the popularity of solar control films at all times high.
The percentage of the total ultraviolet radiation that passed through a glazing system.
Shading Coefficient
The ratio of solar heat gain passing through a glazing system to the solar heat gain that occur under the same conditions if the window were made of clear, un-shaded double strength window glass. The lower the numbers the better the solar shading qualities of the glazing system.
Emissivity
The measurement of the surface's ability to absorb or reflect far-infrared radiation. The lower the number the higher the far-infrared refection.
Total Solar Energy Rejected
The measurement of the window film's ability to reject solar heat in the form of visible light and invisible infrared radiation.
How Solar Films are made
Introduction to Film Dyeing
Film dyeing is similar to coating in that the film is first coated and then cured in heated ovens. The pigments are impregnated into the polyester film with heat. The film is bathed in dye and then subjected to the elevated temperatures of massive curing ovens. The colour becomes a permanent part of the film and cannot be washed or scraped off. Dyed films are used in both the automotive and flat glass markets. They help minimize reflectivity and provide decorative choice. Dyed films are often used in conjunction with metallized films offering the benefits of both types. The Dyed / Electron Beam and Dyed /Sputter combinations have been the greatest improvement in automotive films in many years. Films are dyed to exacting specifications and are subjected to intensive quality control at all stages of production guaranteeing precision colour and transparency.
Introduction to Vacuum Metallizing
The metallizing industry began in the early 1900s from attempts to improve on the electroplating process. The first applications of metallizing webs, either films or cloth were for decorative packaging. The sputtering method of application were discovered in the late 1800s but only developed and utilised for the production of metallized films in the early 1930s. The currently common aluminum evaporative coating was developed a little later (the late 1930'). The aluminum coatings were first used in solar control window films because of their extremely high solar control abilities. Technological advances in sputter benefits of high visibility and improved weatherability, while maintaining excellent solar energy control. Window films which control metallized coatings provide the greatest solar heat reduction available.
Aluminium Evaporative Metallizing
This was the first metallizing process used in solar control films. A crucible containing aluminum is heated until the metal melts and forms a gas cloud. This metal gas is deposited on the film and bonds as soon as it cools. Evaporative coated is limited by the few metals which can be coated in this manner because the crucible must be heated and maintained at a very high temperature. Aluminum coated films provided exceptional solar control performance. This process is normally used for High Performance Films.
Electron Beam Metallizing
This method of metallizing is similar to evaporative coating in many ways. The main difference is the manner in which the metal is heated and transformed into metal vapor. A beam of high energy electrons is aimed at the source of metal. This energy causes the molecules to vaporize and form a cloud of metal gas. The metal gas bond to the film as it cools. The temperatures obtained on the surface of the metal during this process are much higher than the other methods of coating. Many exotic and precious metals can be coated in this manner. Electrons beam films have higher water vapor transmission rates than sputter coated films. This allows the film to dry much more quickly, especially in high humidity areas. Benefits of electron beam films include high light transmission, low visible light reflection, high solar heat rejection and reduced "hazing" or "fogging" during the curing period that often occurs with sputter coated films.
Sputter Metallizing
Sputter metallizing has brought space age technology to the solar control market. This advanced method of coating uses exotic metals which cannot be evaporative coated. In the sputtering process, an electrically charged gas (usually argon) bombards the metal and knocks molecules loose. These molecules are deposited onto the film and layered side by side providing extremely thin, tight and optically precise coatings. The coating is so tight that the water used during installation of the window films cannot evaporate and thus giving the "hazy" look during the curing period. This "hazy" look will gradually dissipate and give way to a beautiful film. High light transmission, very low visible reflectivity and impressive solar heat control are the trademarks of sputter films.
Corrosion Protected Silver
One window film with superior performance is our Corrosion Protected Silver. This is a sputtered film with a layer of precious metal silver, encapsulated between 2 layers of a proprietary super alloy to protect it from corrosion. Silver is the best material available for reflecting infrared energy. The special super alloy that protects the silver actually helps to decrease the visible light reflectivity of the silver.
While the superior adhesion of this structure will contribute to a slightly longer drying time and the subsequent haze associated with this drying phase. Like other sputtered films, the haze will gradually dissipate revealing a beautiful film with superior performance characteristics.
Seeking Solace from the sun
Let say that your car is in a perfect working condition, what is the most important aspect that your have left out? I believe that most of us would say that air conditioning being the thing that we cannot do without. Just image when your car broke down in the middle of the road or even caught in the hot sunny afternoon traffic jam.
Just image the intense heat and humidity permeating into your car cabin, making you feeling sweaty and sticky all over your body.
How to improve the overall coolness of the car's environment?
Solar control films are the most excellent and essential component next to air-conditioning system. This marks the popularity of solar control films at all times high.
A good solar film installation is to control the cabin's temperature as much as possible, when compared to not installing a solar film at all. One thing to note is that solar films also needs to be installed in a controlled environment, so that their durability and performance is optimised and enhanced. Good solar films installed offers the following benefits:
1. Offer fade protection for the dashboard, seats, and other surfaces.
2. Cut annoying glare
3. Reduce up to 99% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
4. Reduce excessive heat gain through the glass areas.
5. Provide increased comfort and fuel savings.
6. Prevent injury from glass fragments in an accident.
7. Reducing the stress on your air conditioning system
8. Helps to keep your petrol bills down especially when rising oil prices are the norm.
2. Cut annoying glare
3. Reduce up to 99% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
4. Reduce excessive heat gain through the glass areas.
5. Provide increased comfort and fuel savings.
6. Prevent injury from glass fragments in an accident.
7. Reducing the stress on your air conditioning system
8. Helps to keep your petrol bills down especially when rising oil prices are the norm.
9. Improved fuel efficiency.
10. Less harmful rays goes towards your skin surface.
LTA Compliance
Singapore
Front 3 windscreens: At least 70% Visible Light transmittance
Back 3 windscreens: At least 25% Visible Light transmittance
Malaysia
Front 3 windscreens: At least 50% Visible Light transmittance
Back 3 windscreens: At least 50% Visible Light transmittance
Various brands in the market
1. V-Kool
2. Johnson Solar film
3. Solar Guardz
4. ICE solar film
5. Rike Cool
6. Hyperoptik
Things to note for solar films back windscreen installation
Due to my observation, it is important that car owners are to take note of the back windscreen installation of the solar films. If there are any previous solar films installed, the de-mist system has to be carefully noted when tearing off the old solar films. I actually witnessed one customer's car de-mist system being left with small patches of torn off condition. Please refer to the picture shown below: The de-mist system is used as a heat up system to clear off the morning fog or mist condensed on the surface of the windscreen. This happens when the interior room temperature is cooler than the air. This theory is actually learnt during our primary school physics science where life experience actually happens.
Bad workmanship will result the de-mist system not able to run the current effectively, thus losing it's function. The original OEM de-mist system would have to be installed dependent on the car model's windscreen which can easily cost $1300 onwards.
The car's chassis number would be used as a good referencing point for checking a particular car's exact model, e.g. OEM version.
10. Less harmful rays goes towards your skin surface.
LTA Compliance
Singapore
Front 3 windscreens: At least 70% Visible Light transmittance
Back 3 windscreens: At least 25% Visible Light transmittance
Malaysia
Front 3 windscreens: At least 50% Visible Light transmittance
Back 3 windscreens: At least 50% Visible Light transmittance
Various brands in the market
1. V-Kool
2. Johnson Solar film
3. Solar Guardz
4. ICE solar film
5. Rike Cool
6. Hyperoptik
Things to note for solar films back windscreen installation
Due to my observation, it is important that car owners are to take note of the back windscreen installation of the solar films. If there are any previous solar films installed, the de-mist system has to be carefully noted when tearing off the old solar films. I actually witnessed one customer's car de-mist system being left with small patches of torn off condition. Please refer to the picture shown below: The de-mist system is used as a heat up system to clear off the morning fog or mist condensed on the surface of the windscreen. This happens when the interior room temperature is cooler than the air. This theory is actually learnt during our primary school physics science where life experience actually happens.
Bad workmanship will result the de-mist system not able to run the current effectively, thus losing it's function. The original OEM de-mist system would have to be installed dependent on the car model's windscreen which can easily cost $1300 onwards.
The car's chassis number would be used as a good referencing point for checking a particular car's exact model, e.g. OEM version.
Demonstration of window films installation
All rights reserved.Copyright.Genxcar Shopping.
No comments:
Post a Comment