{"id":16804,"date":"2025-08-21T16:47:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T13:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.glastory.net\/?p=16804"},"modified":"2025-10-01T10:06:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T07:06:02","slug":"glass-tempering-energy-saving-possibilities-in-glass-quenching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glastory.net\/fi\/glass-tempering-energy-saving-possibilities-in-glass-quenching\/","title":{"rendered":"Glass tempering: energy-saving possibilities in glass quenching"},"content":{"rendered":"

Glass tempering is an energy-hungry process, and not just because of the heat. Cooling the glass also demands a surprising amount of power, especially with thinner products. But what if there were ways to cut that energy? From better fan controls to smarter air management, the possibilities are real \u2013 and closer to implementation than you might think.<\/em><\/p>\n

Air jet quenching has stood the test of time. It\u2019s simple, efficient and nearly universal \u2013 <\/em>an almost perfect method. Almost. The problem is, it\u2019s also highly energy-intensive, particularly when working with thin glass.<\/p>\n

The thinner the glass, the more power is needed. The total input power of fans in a glass tempering chiller can be as much as one megawatt. This drives up operating costs and carbon emissions.<\/p>\n

Decades of chasing an alternative<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Over the past 50 years, many have tried to reinvent quenching. Ideas such as water mist cooling, contact heat transfer and gas-based conduction have all been tested. Some even made it to the patent stage.<\/p>\n

Yet none of these alternatives have proven viable for large-scale solar or architectural glass production. Air jets remain the standard for now.<\/p>\n

If we can\u2019t replace air jet quenching, we can certainly improve it. And that\u2019s where the real opportunity lies. From airflow control to smarter fan design, several measures can make a measurable difference without a complete system overhaul.<\/p>\n

Possible ways to cut power<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One simple upgrade is to stop wasting air where there\u2019s no glass. With butterfly valves and width sensors, blowing can be limited to where it\u2019s needed. A 10% reduction in blowing area means a 10% drop in fan power.<\/p>\n

Replacing steel fan impellers with carbon fiber models is another smart move. They\u2019re lighter, faster to ramp up and down and perfect for cyclic processes. For a 4 mm glass load, this single change alone can cut electricity use by 25%.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Strong pressurization of the air used in glass quenching significantly raises its temperature. Some of this rise can be mitigated by an air cooling device in the air duct, which enhances the quenching effect. This decreases power consumption. Design details matter, too. Lowering pressure losses, optimizing nozzle layout and fine-tuning controls can all lead to further energy savings. It\u2019s about making the most of every watt used.<\/p>\n

Real savings. Real impact.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In a typical batch-type line, quenching can account for 200 MWh of electricity per year \u2013equivalent to 50 tons of CO2<\/sub> emissions. In high-capacity solar glass production, that figure is even higher.<\/p>\n

While not every improvement will be suitable for every use case, the payback potential remains compelling, especially for processors handling thin glass.<\/p>\n

Air jet quenching isn\u2019t going anywhere. But with the right upgrades, it can become smarter, greener and more efficient. The technology is already here. The question is: what\u2019s reasonable for your specific production needs?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Want to see the numbers? Download the presentation below for more details on available solutions and real-world energy savings.<\/p>\n

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Watch the video recording from GPD 2025 presentation:<\/p>\n