by What are Smart glass?
Smart glass are specially coated or treated glass panes that can change their light transmission properties in response to voltage, light, or thermal stimulus. The coating on the glass allows it to change from transparent to opaque, controlling the amount of light and heat coming through the window. Some Smart glass are able to change from transparent to reflective, functioning as a one-way mirror when activated.
How do Smart glass Work?
The key materials used in Smart Window glass coatings are electrochromic materials, which change their molecular structure and optical properties when stimulated by an electric current. Most commonly, electrochromic materials are transitions metals like tungsten or nickel oxide deposited in extremely thin layers between two panes of glass. When voltage is applied to the glass, ions are inserted into or removed from the electrochromic layer, altering its absorption of visible light. Other materials used include liquid crystals and suspended particle devices.
Some windows use coatings that react to temperature or light changes rather than electricity. Thermochromic coatings darken in reaction to heat, providing passive solar control. Photocromic coatings darken when exposed to UV light from the sun. These require no electrical power source.
Benefits of Smart Window
The main benefit of Smart glass is their ability to dynamically control sunlight and heat transfer through the glass as conditions change outdoors. This provides major energy savings potential for homes and buildings. By darkening on sunny or hot days, Smart glass can:
– Reduce heating and air conditioning costs. They block excess summer sun from warming interiors while retaining heat in winter months. Tests show potential savings of 15-50% on HVAC bills.
– Improve visual and non-visual light control. Occupants have more control over glare and brightness levels throughout the day. Light-sensitive materials maintain consistent illumination indoors.
– Enhance user comfort. By adjusting transparency automatically, Smart glass provide a more comfortable environment without manual adjustments of blinds or curtains.
– Extend equipment lifespans. Temperature fluctuations are minimized, reducing wear on HVAC systems over time.
– Maximize natural light utilization. Views remain clear while letting in optimal daylight, reducing electric lighting needs.
Durability and Energy Efficiency of Smart glass
The electrochromic materials used in modern Smart glass have greatly increased in durability compared to early prototypes. Most products are rated for tens of thousands of switching cycles over many years of use with no noticeable degradation. Switching takes only a few minutes rather than hours like older technologies.
Switching can be controlled manually, automatically through a building management system, or respond passively to outdoor conditions without power. The more advanced the control system, the greater energy savings that can be achieved through optimal timing of transitions. Standby power draws are also very low, estimated at under 1 watt per square foot.
When combined with low-e glass coatings, R&D is targeting U-values below 0.2 W/m2K for Smart glass. This is approaching the insulation levels of standard double or triple glazing. Control over solar heat gain brings additional benefits by blocking summer heat while retaining winter warmth. Life cycle analyses indicate Smart glass have the potential for energy cost paybacks in as little as 2-5 years depending on controls and climate.
Applications of Smart Window
Smart glass are seeing growing use commercial buildings as building efficiency standards increase around the world. Major applications include:
– Office buildings – Their ability to automatically adjust provides optimal lighting and views throughout the day while saving 20-30% on annual HVAC costs in many climate zones. Floor-to-ceiling smart glass walls are becoming more popular design features.
– Healthcare facilities – Improved light control helps circadian rhythm alignment and patient recovery. Transparency ensure privacy yet allow natural lighting where possible.
– Schools – Classrooms benefit from glare control without manually adjusted shades. Consistent lighting improves focus and productivity.
– Transportation – Airlines, trains and other vehicles use Smart glass to control passenger lighting, heat and visibility conditions on-demand.
-Residential use – While still a more premium option for high performance homes, prices are expected to drop significantly this decade making Smart glass viable mainstream retrofit and new construction options.
Outlook for Smart glass Adoption
As Smart glass technologies continue advancing, costs are projected to decline substantially in line with typical experience curves of new building products. Mass production techniques and increased competition will accelerate this trend throughout the 2020s.
Their ability to deliver major energy and comfort returns on investment is driving rapid uptake in commercial applications despite premium costs today. Government incentives and building codes are also incentivizing Smart glass in many countries and jurisdictions.
Residential use will expand as products achieve whole home configurations and prices approach that of standard low-e insulated glazing units. Lower maintenance requirements will further improve their value proposition versus blinds and drapes. Over the long run, Smart glass have potential to become standard offerings for most new homes and retrofit projects worldwide.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
