Follow-e-demo

The object of the Follow-e-demo research project is the improvement of the fluoropolymer ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) for architectural applications. By means of a low-emissivity functional layer, the material properties are improved for use as transparent sun protection and heat retention in order to expand the range of applications. The suitability and durability of the coating is being tested in the field.

ETFE is an attractive design element in architecture due to the interaction of its material properties. The widespread use of ETFE building envelopes has so far been inhibited by the potential overheating of the buildings due to solar heat gain. The low-emissivity coatings developed in this and previous research projects are intended to help prevent overheating in the building and increase the energy-saving potential.

In the project, demonstrators with transparent sun protection and heat retention coatings of relevant size will be built and operated under real operating conditions over a period of 2 years. The ETFE cushions will be equipped with sensors to record the operating conditions. The coated foils will be selectively provided with defects, as well as partially treated with repair lacquer, in order to observe the variants - defective, repaired defective and flawless foil - over the project duration. After 1 and 2 years, samples will be taken from the demonstrators, examined for damage, and the durability of the coating evaluated.

In the second subproject, the functional coatings will be further developed and optimized with regard to their spectral selectivity accompanied by dynamic building simulations.In a further work package, the influence of coating thicknesses on color and color stability will be investigated in more detail.

The energy-saving potential of the functional coatings will be specified on the basis of building simulations.

The project demonstrated the suitability of innovative ETFE film coatings for building applications under realistic conditions. For the level of development achieved (TRL 7), market entry could be aimed for if all components of the solutions analysed are available on the market. The energy saving potential for use as a building envelope element was determined numerically. In further considerations, extended fields of application were analysed and identified for their potential for using the new type of coating.