Smart glass will expand into the design of objects, such as home appliances and other commercial goods. Material science and research and development companies are responsible for such types of work. Glass fabricators or glass processors may purchase film directly from PDLC and SPD manufacturers to laminate and fulfill switchable glass needs for clients. The fabricator cuts and laminates the film based on architectural specifications.
The specs should 1 include directions for polishing and tempering the glass, 2 identify the type of privacy glass film and other laminating materials to use, and 3 name the source for such smart glass.
Following an order for switchable glass, it generally takes about six weeks before an installer may receive the glass to a site. Installation may take one or more days. It includes connection of wiring by an electrician and framing of the glass.
Preparing smart glass product specifications for architectural plans is a three-step process, involving investigation, research and selection of available products along with choice of supplier.
Investigate types of smart glass and controllers available, because function affects selection. For example, does the project need smart glass for exterior windows, doors, or indoor partitions? Some choices require shading or reflection of solar heat, while others call for opaque privacy and transparent display applications.
Based on this research, state the type and brand of product in the specs. Identify a certified smart glass supplier, which may be a manufacturer or a reseller of a manufactured product. In a case where this information is missing, leave the product and supplier selection to a general contractor or a subcontractor to investigate further.
The best solution is to always say which smart glass manufacturer you want. A device that can deliver electricity to smart glass continuously using dimmers to switch appearance from transparent to tinted or opaque. A changeable glass product that relies on active electrical charges, or passive non-electrically charged stimuli. An active smart glass primarily used for facade windows made of formulations coated directly onto glass. Light control glass, which contains electrically conductive crystals or molecules that shift between a liquid and solid state.
Electrically conductive polymer dispersed liquid crystal film for windows that controls heat but not light, only available by certain manufactuers. An electrically conductive film that controls light but not heat and which contains polymer dispersed liquid crystals. A uniform lining up of molecules in light-controlling materials, such as liquid crystals, to filter or block light. Display windows containing PDLC film that conduct images and colors projected from a rear compatible projector.
PDLC film produced by a manufacturer, that is laminated between sheets of glass with adhesive interlayers by a glass fabricator. Glass containing electrically conductive substances that alter its appearance and function in response to changes in voltage.
Suspended particle device film for smart glass that cools and shades interiors when conductive, nano-sized, solid particles floating in liquid respond to an electrical charge. Smart glass also called switchable or privacy glass that changes appearance and function in response to electricity.
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Smart glass application methods Smart glass cost and benefits The future of smart glass Who manufactures smart glass How to spec smart glass Menu. What Is Smart Glass? Download the LC Brochure. How Smart Glass Works. When off, particles are scattered creating opacity for privacy, shading, solar control, or projection.
When on, particles align, allowing light to pass through creating transparency for an open atmosphere and natural light. When electricity is applied, the ITO conductive coating forces the molecules or particles in the chemical layer of the film to align, creating transparency. One key trait all three technologies share is the ability to change the transparency of glass through polarization a uniform lining up of their molecules or particles inside the formulation PDLC or emulsion SPD.
When off absence of voltage , the molecules are randomly scattered, and therefore, light cannot pass through the film. When charged, the LC formulation or SPD emulsions polarize, and the molecules align, allowing light to pass through, creating transparency. As voltage decreases, and the film starts turning off, varying levels of opacity are achieved for dynamic shading, privacy, or IR solar light control. A dimming effect can be achieved by controlling the amount of voltage that is applied.
In contrast, electrochromic smart glass never goes completely opaque and becomes clear when there is no current and it depolarizes. Two sheets of glass are laminated over the PDLC film.
The components are assembled under high pressure and temperature to form a single unit. The ordinary refractive index of these liquid crystals does not match that of the polymer, and the incident light is thus scattered, resulting in a translucent state. When an electric field is applied across the material, the PDLC droplets re-orient, and subsequently the extraordinary refractive index of the liquid crystal matches that of the polymer.
Therefore, the incident light can pass through, resulting in a transparent state. Once the current is stopped, they return, and the glass becomes totally clear again. This kind of switchable glass is the most popular for use in buildings and homes, mainly because the inhabitants of the building have full control over it.
Electrochromic glass also offers many of the insulating and energy-efficient properties of thermochromic glass, with the added accessibility and flexibility of being manually operated. What is switchable glass used for? There are all kinds of uses for switchable glass in building design, but there are two main reasons people choose to have it installed: energy efficiency and privacy. Thermochromic and electrochromic glass can both reduce the amount of heat that enters and escapes through a glass surface, and for this reason they are often chosen for modern designs with a focus on reducing energy costs in the form of heating or air conditioning.
However, while this practical application is certainly important, the privacy afforded by switchable glass is the main reason many people choose to include it in their homes and commercial properties. There are all kinds of situations when switchable privacy glass can make a big quality-of-life difference to the inhabitants of a space, such as:. Office windows.
Private meetings, sensitive discussions with employees -- the list goes on. Hospitals and hygienic interiors. This change occurs slowly, but settings can be adjusted to user preference. Windows on buildings, rearview mirrors, and museum display cases are examples of how electrochromic smart glass can be used. One drawback to the technology is that it may affect the durability of the glass. However, unlike electrochromic glass, the transparency changes when the applied light source changes.
This technology is most commonly seen in optical lenses that block the sun when outdoors but remain clear otherwise. Thermochromic Glass: As you might guess, thermochromic glass translucence changes when heat is applied. This change happens when the external temperature rises above the transition temperature and the thermochromic filter on the glass activates, transitioning the tint on the window in just minutes.
This technology blocks light, heat and glare while retaining clear views through the glass. Suspended-Particle Glass: For opacity, the nanoparticles on this type of smart glass are randomly organized to block and absorb light.
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