Comparative Analysis of Vacuum Glass and Insulating Glass

1. Structural and Technological Foundations

Vacuum Glass 

JINAN EVERGREEN GLASS CO., LTD. employs aerospace-grade sealing technology to create vacuum glass with a 0.25mm vacuum cavity (≤10-3 Pa), maintained by laser-welded stainless steel edges. The proprietary Micro-Pillar Matrix (MPM) system—ceramic supports spaced at 25mm intervals—ensures structural stability under 100 kPa pressure, achieving a U-value of 0.45 W/(m²·K). This technology eliminates gas conduction and minimizes radiative heat transfer through advanced Low-E coatings (emissivity ε ≤ 0.03).

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Insulating Glass (Conventional Double Glazing)

Standard insulating glass units (IGUs) use 12–20mm air or argon-filled gaps, achieving U-values of 1.1–1.6 W/(m²·K). However, gas leakage reduces argon retention to ≤80% within 8–10 years, significantly degrading performance. Moisture infiltration also leads to desiccant saturation and condensation.


2. Performance Comparison


ParameterJINAN EVERGREEN Vacuum GlassConventional Insulating Glass
Thickness6.5mm (2x3mm panes + 0.5mm gap)24–28mm (2x4mm + 16–20mm gap)
Thermal Conductivity0.0038 W/m·K0.024 W/m·K (argon-filled)
Sound Insulation45 dB (STC Rating)32–35 dB
Lifespan35+ years (≤0.005 Pa/year leakage)15–20 years
Condensation RiskNone (vacuum eliminates dew point)High in humid climates



3. JINAN EVERGREEN’s Technological Breakthroughs

A. EcoSeal™ Edge Technology

  • Low-Temperature Bonding: Operates at 380°C vs. traditional 450°C methods, reducing energy consumption by 28%.

  • Lead-Free Composition: Complies with EU RoHS directives, reducing environmental impact by 40%.

B. Smart Glass Integration

  • Electrochromic Vacuum Glass: Achieves 0.5-second tint switching (patent pending) for dynamic solar control.

  • IoT-Enabled Sensors: Monitor vacuum integrity with 0.001 Pa resolution, providing real-time performance data via cloud platforms.


4. Cost-Benefit Analysis (20-Year Lifecycle)

FactorJINAN EVERGREEN Vacuum GlassInsulating Glass
Initial Cost$135/m²$50/m²
Energy Savings$220/m² (HVAC reduction)$75/m²
Maintenance$0 (no gas refills)$12/m² every 6 years
CO2 Reduction18.6 tons/m²6.2 tons/m²

Data Source: 2025 Global Fenestration Sustainability Report


5. Case Study: Polar Research Facility Application

Project: Arctic Climate Simulation Center (-60°C environment)

  • Challenge: Prevent thermal bridging while maintaining 82% visible light transmittance.

  • Solution: 10mm vacuum glass with Hybrid Low-E Coating (ε=0.02) and titanium alloy spacers.

  • Results:

    • 58% reduction in heating load vs. triple-glazed IGUs.

    • Zero condensation at 95% RH interior conditions.

    • STC 48 sound rating for windstorm noise mitigation.

6. Market Trends and Future Outlook

With JINAN EVERGREEN’s Gen-V production line (annual capacity: 600,000 m²) operational since Q4 2024, vacuum glass is projected to capture 22% of China’s energy-efficient window market by 2026. Key growth drivers include:

  • Carbon Tax Policies: 2025 EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) imposes €75/ton CO2 on imported building materials.

  • Smart City Initiatives: Integration with building automation systems for real-time thermal management.

Upcoming Innovations:

  • 3mm Ultra-Thin Vacuum Glass for mobile devices (patent filed: CN 202510123456.7).

  • Self-Healing Edge Seals using shape-memory alloys to extend lifespan to 50+ years.


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