Recent testing carried out by the U.S. Department of Energy“s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC (PGW) shows that hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with Sungate…
Recent testing carried out by the U.S. Department of Energy“s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC (PGW) shows that hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with Sungate EP automotive glass have improved fuel efficiency and cabin comfort. Tests were carried out while using the vehicle“s air conditioning system, and results showed that the PHEV was cooler and used less fuel in the test that simulated PGW“s Sungate EP glazing for the windshield and rear window. The test utilized the “city test” – Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) – specified by the Environmental Protection Agency for city driving, with comparison made to standard glass used in most vehicles. “Over repeated UDDS cycles, the Sungate EP glazing reduced the air conditioning power and resulted in an increase in fuel economy,” said John Rugh, senior mechanical engineer for NREL. “The adjusted, utility factor-weighted fuel economy increased from 36.8 to 42.9 mpg for the Sungate EP thermal load case, while the adjusted, UF-weighted electrical energy consumption was roughly equivalent.” Real world factors such as aggressive driving and miles driven between charging are taken into account for the adjustment and utility factor. PGW“s director of Strategic Product Management,Mukesh Rustagi, said that Sungate EP infra-red reflective glazing has been designed to reject about 97% of the sun“s infra-red energy. The lower heat load created by Sungate EP glazing in the test vehicle resulted in a reduction of cabin air temperature of 15F at the end of the heat soak period. After about 1.5 hours, with the air conditioner set on maximum, the temperature remained 4.5 degrees cooler than base glass . “The Sungate EP glazing provides fuel savings and a more comfortable cabin for the consumer,” said Rustagi. According to Rustagi, the market shift toward a higher use of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and PHEVs pushed PGW to test the impact of the Sungate EP glazing on fuel efficiency of these vehicles too. Results confirmed the benefits of the heat load reduction technology of Sungate EP glazing also on these higher efficiency vehicles, where the climate control system has a larger fuel economy impact. Sungate EP windshield technology will help automakers meet the new proposed California Air Resources Board“s Cool Car Standards, Rustagi said, adding, “Consumers are seeking technologies that improve their experience with their vehicles and help them save money and be environmentally responsible. “In various market research studies, nearly three-fourths of respondents were interested in having advanced solar-reflective windshields on their next new vehicles, and the Sungate EP glazing from PGW helps automakers fulfil that consumer interest.”