• : I'mnovation
    Imnovation
      • Startups
      • esp
      • eng
    • Energy
    • Construction
    • Water
    • dt Created with Sketch. Digital Transformation
    • st Created with Sketch. Science & Technology
    • Society
    • SUSCRÍBETE A NUESTRA RSS
      • Startups
      • esp
      • eng
  • Home
  • Construction
  • New Coating Buildings Solar Farms
Previous Next
  • A New Coating Transforms Buildings into Solar Farms

    The one-millimeter thin film is applied over concrete structures and can produce photovoltaic solar energy.

Self-sufficient buildings are the holy grail of sustainable urbanism. To achieve that, however, many things need to come together. Smart power management systems based on the Internet of Things (IoT), reflective coatings to prevent overheating, thermal insulation to maintain the room temperature and, of course, renewable energy technologies. After focusing on special reflective pigments, solar roofs, and even photovoltaic glass, this time technology is going down a different road: an extremely thin photovoltaic film that, rolled over concrete façades, could substantially increase the solar power output of buildings. Such is the outcome of an innovative project developed by a concrete manufacturer and a company specialized in the production of PV organic films.

According to its creators, this system that incorporates a one-millimeter thin film into concrete panels can double the power production of conventional solar roofs. This is mainly because the available surface is much larger. In fact, a building with 60% of its surface covered by HeliaFilm, as the commercial product is known, could meet almost one-third of its power needs. This new construction material, which is 95% lighter than traditional panels, can be applied onto the concrete surface without any risks for the structure.

Besides these current hybrid options that are provided as modules for the construction of buildings, there is also the possibility of retrofitting old buildings with a similar type of film to improve their energy efficiency. And not only on concrete but also over steel and glass thanks to the semitransparent versions of this organic film.

The pilot test for this technological project has already been carried out successfully in Lyon (Franc) with 25 and 40 square meter surfaces, which will be increased to 200 meters during 2019. The commercial product will also be launched this year.

How does the photovoltaic film work?          

Heliatek, the German manufacturer behind this innovative technology for building façades, has developed an organic film technology, which is polymer-based and can be produced in rolls with very low energy requirements and at a low temperature too. This had so far been a challenge in the production of solar panels. The material is very efficient, as a single gram can cover up to a square meter of film. The manufacturing process does not need any toxic compounds or heavy metals. Finally, it more durable than conventional PV panels.

Currently, the company has installed its photovoltaic film in different types of buildings and surfaces, in countries such as Germany, France, Singapore or Turkey. In the long run, the development of this type of technologies is bringing us closer to a sustainable energy model.

Source: Dezeen, Heliatek

  • Renewable energies

Share on social media

{{CommentsCount}} Comments

Currently no one has commented on the news.
Be the first to leave a comment.

{{firstLevelComment.Name}}

{{firstLevelComment.DaysAgo}} days ago

{{firstLevelComment.Text}}

Answer

{{secondLevelComment.Name}}

{{secondLevelComment.DaysAgo}} days ago

{{secondLevelComment.Text}}

Write your comment

All fields are mandatory.

Name

Email address

Comments

250 max char.

Accept the information on data protection

You must accept the information on data protection

{{btnSendCommentText}}

Thank you for your comment

Information on data protection

In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on Data Protection and with other Data Protection regulations in force, you are hereby informed that your personal data shall be processed by Acciona, S.A. (hereinafter “ACCIONA”), whose identification data are as follows: Tax ID No. (NIF): A08001851, Address: Avenida de Europa, 18, Parque Empresarial de la Moraleja, 28108 in Alcobendas, Madrid, Tel. No.: +34 91 663 28 50, email: protecciondedatos@acciona.com, in order to address and manage your queries, requests, claims and suggestions, as well as to electronically send information regarding our products and services through the contact email address.

The consent given by users when they contact us comprises the legal grounds for processing the data.

The data shall be stored as long as the relationship is maintained and the elimination thereof is not requested, and in any case, never for more than twelve months.

In the event your request is not addressed to ACCIONA but to an entity belonging to the Acciona Group, such entity shall transmit the data to the Group company that can most efficiently address your request for information or a service. Accordingly, when these data are transferred such transfer may be international due to the fact that these companies are located in countries outside the European Union, in order to address the communication needs among the individuals that comprise the Group at the global level. (You can consult a list of Group companies at www.acciona.com/shareholders-investors/financial-information/annual-accounts/. By accepting the privacy terms, you consent to your data being transferred internationally in order for your request to be properly processed. Other data transfers are not anticipated, except where required by law.

The interested party can exercise their rights of portability and to access, correct, eliminate, restrict and oppose the processing of their data before Acciona, S.A. by addressing ACCIONA in writing at the Department of Data Protection located at Avenida de Europa, 18, 28108, in Alcobendas, Madrid or by sending an email to the following address: protecciondedatos@acciona.com. In either case, the interested party must enclose or attach a copy of their National ID (DNI) or other ID. Furthermore, at any time the interested party may withdraw the granted consent by contacting the aforementioned address and file a claim before the Supervisory Authority (the Spanish Data Protection Agency www.aepd.es).

You can find more information in our Privacy Policy on our website.

Subscribe to our newsletter

... and stay informed with the latest news on innovation.

Send me the newsletter
{{ btnSendText }}

Wrong email format

Accept the information on data protection

You must accept the information on data protection

YOU'RE JUST ONE STEP AWAY!

Please, confirm your subscription on the email we have sent you and your registration will be completed.

YOU ARE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED TO THE NEWSLETTER!

If you've missed our content, try checking your junk mailbox and add us to your address book so you can enjoy them without any problem.

Information on data protection

In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on Data Protection and with other Data Protection regulations in force, you are hereby informed that your personal data shall be processed by Acciona, S.A. (hereinafter “ACCIONA”), whose identification data are as follows: Tax ID No. (NIF): A08001851; Address: Avenida de Europa, 18, Parque Empresarial La Moraleja, 28108 in Alcobendas, Madrid; Tel. No.: +34 91 663 28 50; email: protecciondedatos@acciona.com. Your data shall be processed in order to send you information, through the subscription to our Newsletter through electronic means, regarding our latest technological innovation of ACCIONA´s initiative "I’MNOVATION #Hub", which aims to bring the general public main news, advances and curiosities of the innovation technology of all the companies that make up the ACCIONA Group.

 

The consent given by the data subject by indicating that they have read and accept this data protection information comprises the lawfulness of processing. The data provide is your email address. If you fails to provide the required data, the subscription Request cannot be satisfied. We may also process your satisfaction or preferences, if you voluntarily respond to surveys. Data shall be stored until the elimination is requested.

In order to carry out our purpose, we may give access to your data to service providers (such as technology service providers) who assist us in fulfilling this purpose. Some of its service providers, may be located outside of the European Economic Area in territories that do not offer a level of data protection that is comparable to that of the European Union. In such cases, we transfer User data with appropriate safeguards and always ensuring the security of the same.

 

The data subject can exercise their rights of portability and to access, correct, eliminate, restrict and oppose the processing of their data to Acciona, S.A. by writing the Department of Data Protection located at Avenida de Europa, 18, 28108, Parque Empresarial La Moraleja, in Alcobendas, Madrid or by sending an email to the following address: protecciondedatos@acciona.com. If we consider it necessary in order to be able to identify you, we may ask you for a copy of an identity document. Furthermore, at any time the data subject may withdraw the granted consent by contacting the aforementioned address and file a claim to the Supervisory Authority (Agencia Española de Protección de Datos www.aepd.es). You can also unsubscribe from the Newsletter communication.

 

For any further information you can visit the Privacy Police on the website https://www.acciona.com/privacy-policy/.

More about Construction

  • Construction

    Low-cost smart windows

    Smart windows, varying the amount of light coming through the glass, can now be produced economically

  • Construction

    Cleaning with bubbles and sound, chemical-free

    StarStream is a system that allows the cleaning of metal and glass surfaces, as well as organic fabrics, with just a gentle stream of cold water.

  • Construction

    Early detection of corrosion in buildings using sensors

    Structural corrosion of concrete is one of the main reasons for it breaking up when used in buildings. Detecting this is both very costly and damages the structure.

Featured topics

Read the most discussed articles

  • Sustainability
  • Construction
  • Urbanism
  • New materials
  • Innovation
  • Future
  • Renewable energies
  • Cities
  • Solar energy
  • Industry
  • 3D
  • 3D printing

Categories

  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Water
  • Digital Transformation
  • Science & Technology
  • Society

Featured topics

  • Innovation
  • Renewable energies
  • Sustainability
  • Technology
  • Water
  • Robots

Innovation is a change that introduces new features. The concept is generally used in the sense of inventions, new ideas, devices, methods and processes, and the application of improved solutions meeting fresh economic or societal requirements. Strictly speaking, however, ideas can only be termed “innovations” once they have imposed themselves as successful new products, services or procedures.

About us
Subscribe to our RSS
Imnovation
Acciona

An ACCIONA innovation initiative

  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Legal notice
  • Site map
  • Contact
  • ACCIONA's websites