New Solar Reflective Film Undergoes Successful Test; Improved Fuel Economy Seen.(Brief Article)

Southwall Technologies Inc., Visteon Corp., and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) said they have achieved favorable results from a recent test program. Results of the program demonstrate that a test vehicle equipped with Southwall's XIR transparent, infrared reflecting film, had significantly reduced interior temperatures and would exhibit approximately a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy, compared to the control vehicle equipped with standard tinted glass, if the air conditioning compressor were reduced appropriately.

"These test results clearly demonstrate that our heat reflecting XIR film can provide significant benefits to automotive designers and the general consumer," said Southwall's President and CEO Thomas G. Hood. "The fuel efficiency numbers are particularly encouraging in light of today's increased emphasis on energy efficiency."

"We are very encouraged by these test results," said Cliff Dawson, Director of Visteon's Glass Operation. "Visteon's Glass Operation has been developing solar control products for many years, so we are pleased by the results of these tests as they will provide us with the data required to move forward with the overall Solar Control program."

The collaborative test program included wind tunnel evaluations, as well as road tests. Wind tunnel testing was performed at Visteon facilities in Michigan to determine a baseline comparison between two identical North American luxury sedans. Outdoor testing was conducted in Phoenix, Arizona. Testing involved side-by-side outdoor comparative results, which helped assess the impact of XIR film on both vehicle fuel economy and passenger comfort.

The test was conducted with a North American luxury sedan that was equipped with standard solar tint glass and used as a baseline. The same vehicle was later re-glazed with laminated XIR glass and subjected to the same testing. The Glass was developed and produced by Southwall Technologies and Visteon's Glass Operation. The test results were based upon data obtained from multiple thermocouple readings, as well as subjective passenger feedback recorded while the vehicles were undergoing the simulated city cycle that included stop-and-go, steady speed and stationary driving conditions.

The XIR film is encapsulated between two pieces of vinyl and, subsequently, inserted between two pieces of glass to make an infrared reflecting, UV absorbing barrier.

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