Transparent insulation materials and their application in active and passive systems

Transparent or translucent insulation materials (TIM) represent a new class of materials with a high potential for increasing the efficiency of solar thermal systems. A large number of materials and material combinations has been subjected to theoretical and experimental investigation. An overview of generic types, characterisation methods, real existing materials available on the market, and the future potential of transparently insulated systems will be given as well as first results of applications in active and passive systems.