11-22-2010 Mainz

State-of-the-Art Solar Technology and Ancient Shipping

“Equipping the museum roof with modern solar technology is the first step in our offensive to make the RGZM a `green museum,” explained Professor Dr. Falko Daim, General Director of the Roman-Germanic Central Museum.

Electricity generation, heat insulation and less incidence of daylight were the key reasons for utilizing SCHOTT “Asi Thru” photovoltaic modules for the energy-saving roof renovation project. These modules consist of a glass plate that has been thinly coated with amorphous silicium. Sunlight releases electrons within this semiconductor layer. A second component, laminated glass, is used to stabilize the module. In future, the electricity produced will be fed into the electricity grid using inverter modules.

These photovoltaic modules offer the additional benefit of reducing the thermal load of the building by functioning as a semitransparent glass roof. The Museum of Ancient Shipping can forego an air-conditioning system as the total energy transmission factor of the photovoltaic modules is only 12 percent. At the same time, the modules also reduce UV irradiation and thus protect the exhibits.

In the past, the old glass roof exposed the exhibition area to too much daylight and heat. The very low light transmission of the semitransparent modules of only about 10 percent produces subdued light with diffuse shadows in the interior of the museum. In future, this will enable exhibition designers to draw attention to the exhibited items by using individual illumination.

SCHOTT delivered almost 1,100 m² of active “Asi Thru” modules for the museum. About 100 m² of inactive “dummies” were installed to complete the glass roof. The roof construction of the building remained unchanged, but the gaskets, cover strips and connecting parts of the glass plates were replaced.

The Museum of Ancient Shipping will be reopened as part of the program of the Mainz state capital in its function as the City of Science 2011. Starting in the spring, visitors to the museum will again be able gain insight into the fleet of the Roman Empire, its tasks during peace time and shipbuilding during this period. Attentive visitors will also notice a further improvement of the renovation work, an illuminated ceiling made of “Opalika” special glass that adorns the reception area and the museum shop. This product was also manufactured by the Mainz-based SCHOTT technology group.

SCHOTT is an international technology group that sees its core purpose as the lasting improvement of living and working conditions. To this end, the company has been developing special materials, components and systems for 125 years. The main areas of focus are the household appliances industry, pharmaceuticals, solar energy, electronics, optics and the automotive industry. The SCHOTT Group is present in close proximity to its customers with production and sales companies in all its major markets. The Group’s approximately 17,300 employees generated worldwide sales of approximately 2.2 billion Euros in the fiscal year 2007/2008. The company's technological and economic expertise is closely linked with its social and ecological responsibility. SCHOTT AG is an affiliate of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (Foundation).

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