Dow Corning Completes Solar Energy Exploration and Development Research Center in Europe

Date: 20 January 2012
Source: http://www.azooptics.com

Date: 20 January 2012

Dow Corning, a global silicone and silicon-based technology and innovation company, has completed a new, advanced research and development center in Seneffe, Belgium.

A Silicone Synthesis Technology Center and a Solar Application Center form part of the new Solar Energy Exploration and Development (SEED) research center.



The company has invested €9 million for advancing research in solar cell efficiency and new silicon-based materials. Locating the facility in Belgium has given the company access to a skilled scientific workforce in Europe.



The SEED research center demonstrates the immense possibilities of implementing energy-efficient architecture. Novel Dow Corning technologies were utilized in the design of the green building for optimizing energy efficiency. Utilization of clean energy sources and sustainability was a critical consideration in designing and building the SEED center.



For heating and cooling purposes, the SEED research center utilizes geothermal energy in combination with a heat pump. New vacuum insulation panels manufactured by Dow Corning provide high insulation. These help save space as they are five times thinner than other insulation products. These panels have been used for covering the complete construction of the facility.



The company’s structural glazed facade technology allows the large windows of the SEED research center to retain the insulation efficiency of the building, while allowing more natural daylight into the facility. The center also features building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), which are mounted before the front of the windows. These act as sunscreens and reduce the cooling required for the office areas. BIPVs also function as generators of power.



The environmental footprint of the SEED facility has been significantly reduced by the utilization of various technologies. When compared to a normal construction, the electricity and heating costs are expected to be lower by 70% and 75% respectively. The SEED facility features an air-recycling system that will help the lab gain 65% in energy when compared to other conventionally designed laboratories. The energy gained is equivalent to CO2 savings of 290 t annually.



The SEED facility is expected to commence operations before July 2012.

600450 Dow Corning Completes Solar Energy Exploration and Development Research Center in Europe glassonweb.com

See more news about:

Others also read

DOWSIL™ Branded technologies improve efficiency, aesthetics, and durability
Discover the world’s first carbon-neutrality service for silicones in building façades and be inspired by leading DOWSIL™ technologies and innovations.
Explore our virtual city to discover innovations for your applications, find technical information and webinars and connect with Dow Specialists
Dow’s Carbon-Neutrality Program offers silicones for structural glazing, insulating glazing and weatherproofing
Introducing DOWSIL™ 375 Construction & Glass, a high-performing polyurethane for use in glass balustrade embedding applications.
Dow is now offering the opportunity to realize an aesthetically pleasing “one-color-edge” for insulating glass.

Add new comment

From industry

2200 W. Salzburg Rd.
Auburn , MI 48611
United States