In order to comply with building codes and safety regulations for vertical integration of laminated glass, shatterproof tests were carried out and passed for this specific project
14 Dec 2016 | Editor
Bischoff Glas Technik (BGT) and Belectric OPV have announced they have completed a project in Marburg, designed by AiD architecture, where in glass laminated OPV elements have been used as a façade to cover an exterior lift shaft. The power generated by the OPV glass is used to ventilate the lift shaft to prevent heat accumulation inside.
In order to comply with building codes and safety regulations for vertical integration of laminated glass, shatterproof tests were carried out and passed for this specific project. As these tests were passed at a certified test house, the "BI-Powersol" product range has proved its compliance with market regulations and demonstrates that OPV laminated in glass is a perfect material for the construction industry to use in multifunctional façades.
For the project in Marburg, a family of customised, semi-transparent OPV modules was designed and manufactured by Belectric OPV using blue-coloured LISICON active material supplied by Merck, which was then laminated into façade glass by BGT.
Belectric OPV / Bischoff Glas Technik - OPV installation on glass Marburg, Germany
Klaus Wittmann, Member of the Board of BGT, said, "We used the project in Marburg to test our BI-Powersol product against the building code and its associated safety regulations. Although this was carried out for a specific project – i.e. for the actual mounting scheme and layout used – it has an important impact for upcoming OPV projects. The achieved test certificates for vertically installed OPV in glass facades mounted at elevated height can now be transferred to other projects. Of course, all projects have different requirements but passing the first test is always an important milestone."
Hermann Issa, Senior Director of Business Development and Sales at Belectric OPV, said, "The project in Marburg might not be a large one but the complexity of running such an installation project is almost independent of the dimensions when it comes to required testing." Hermann added "For this project we created a new OPV design series, which has been integrated into customized glass panels. This way we truly implement a unique façade."
About Belectric OPV GmbH
Belectric OPV, based in Nuremberg and Kitzingen, is the market leader in organic photovoltaics. Belectric OPV produces organic solar cells, with a focus on customised solutions.
In addition, Belectric OPV is committed to research and development continuously offering customers creative and innovative solutions.
Belectric OPV uses a unique manufacturing process based on a combination of printing, lamination and laser structuring methods. This advanced technology enables a high level of scalability and allows extreme individual and customised product designs.
Belectric OPV supports its customers with complete system solutions when it comes to integration of OPV into existing or new products. The company markets its products and engineering services under two product lines: "SOLARTE" for architects and designers, and "PowerPlastic" for large-scale industrial applications.
Source: Belectric OPV GmbH
About BGT Bischoff Glastechnik AG
BGT Bischoff Glastechnik AG of Bretten, Germany is one of Europe’s leading companies for flat glass processing and finishing. Established in 1938 as an iron and glass wholesaler, this medium-sized enterprise has been working closely with the Scheuten Group of the Netherlands since 2007.
With its broad range of functional glasses and special glasses, BGT is predominately active in the construction industry and in various other industrial sectors. Its many years of experience and outstanding expertise form the basis for its high-quality products, which are in use around the world. A key reason for the company’s successful positioning in the market is its constant readiness to innovate.
BGT believes in tackling challenges head-on in order to develop outstanding solutions for glass architecture and industrial applications. It is this readiness to give full attention to its customers’ requirements in its search for both standard and high-tech solutions that makes BGT a sought-after partner for all facets of the glass business worldwide.
In addition, as a medium-sized enterprise, BGT’s structures provide it with close customer proximity and the ability to act in a flexible manner. The company is also able to rely on the extensive resources of the Scheuten Group for such things as product development, logistics and purchasing. This conglomeration of strengths means that BGT is able to offer its customers comprehensive consultation while finding the optimum glass solution for any requirements.
