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This paper presents recent developments in incandescent halogen lighting technology with emphasis on the improvements made to operating life. Prior research indicated that the current predominant forward lighting source types could be redesigned with significant gains in rated life without major impact on operating characteristics. The automotive manufacturers were among the main drivers for the redesign effort. They are offering longer vehicle warranty periods and are seeking ways to provide cost effective solutions to minimize the impact of extended warranty coverage.

AirCool™ automobile solar control coated glass was tested under desert driving conditions to determine its effect on the automobile's interior comfort and temperature. The glass was compared to standard tinted glass in side by side testing. AirCool is a stack of oxides and silver that reflects most infrared wavelengths and transmits the minimum amount of visible energy to satisfy the Federal legal requirement. Results show the AirCool glass can reduce the instrument panel temperature of a car parked in the sun by 30°F. This coated glass also reduces the time to reach comfort (as defined by a Predicted Mean Vote value of 0) by over 30%.

Automobiles of the future will have more glass area and will require better fuel economy. On a current sports car 70% of the load on the air conditioner is due to solar heating through the glass areas when the car is in direct sunlight. This will increase with cars currently on the drawing board. More power will be needed for the air conditioner unless the load is reduced by solar control glass. A solar control coating has been produced that is only 36% transmissive to solar radiation, yet transmits 71% of the visible spectrum weighted to Illuminant “A”. Computer models predict that this glass can reduce the heat loads on automobile air conditioners up to 22%. Actual tests indicate a 17°F difference in interior temperature after a 1 hour soak as compared to standard glass. The glass produced is highly reflective to UV and IR radiation from the sun and is tuned to transmit light in the heavily weighted red end of the visible spectrum.