NEW CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL : Electronically Switchable Glass Smart Glass Smart glass or switchable glass — also called smart windows or switchable windows in its application to windows or skylights — refers to glass or glazing that changes light transmission properties under the application of voltage, light or heat. Smart glass controls the amount of light (and thereby heat) transmission. When activated, the glass changes from transparent to translucent, blocking some (or all) wavelengths of light. Smart glass technologies include electrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic, suspended particle, microblind and liquid crystal devices. When installed in the envelope of buildings, smart glass creates climate adaptive building shells, with the ability to save costs for heating, air-conditioning and lighting and avoid the cost of installing and maintaining motorized light screens or blinds or curtains. Most smart glass blocks ultraviolet light, reducing fabric fading; for SPD-type smart glass, this is achieved in conjunction with low emissivity coatings. Critical aspects of smart glass include material costs, installation costs, electricity costs and durability, as well as functional features such as the speed of control, possibilities for dimming, and the degree of transparency. Simple Operation A simple ON-OFF mode switches the glass from being clear (transparent) to frosted (opaque). In its frosted state the film acts as an electronic blind providing privacy and security for any glass, window or partition. Recommended Smart Glass Applications
Privacy / security glass
Glass walls / partitions
Vision panels / doors
TV / video screen
Presentation display
Furniture / displays
Manufacturing sealed units
Switchable Glass & Film at home. Applications include dividing partitions, external glazing, vision panels, shower screens and bifold doors.
Electrically-switchable smart glass Suspended Particle Devices (SPDs) Windows serve an important function in homes and commercial buildings. They not only let light in to cut down on electricity use for lighting, but the light coming through the window also provides heat. However, windows are not something people typically associate with being a cutting-edge technology. One tenacious company is trying to change that by offering a patented technology that enables a window to quickly change from clear to opaque and anywhere in between with the flip of a switch. Conventionally, curtains and mini-blinds have been used to block out light and give us privacy, but they don't block out all of the light. Research has developed a type of window that uses small light-absorbing microscopic particles known as suspended particle devices (SPD), or light valves to make it go from clear to dark in a matter of seconds. Here's a breakdown of the parts that make up SPD light-control windows: 1. Two panels of glass or plastic 2. Conductive material - used to coat the panes of glass 3. Suspended particle devices - millions of these black particles are placed between the two panes of glass 4. Liquid suspension or film - allows the particles to float freely between the glass 5. Control device - automatic or manual In suspended particle devices (SPDs), a thin film laminate of rod-like nano-scale particles is suspended in a liquid and placed between two pieces of glass or plastic, or attached to one layer. When no voltage is applied, the suspended particles are randomly organized, thus blocking and absorbing light. When voltage is applied, the suspended particles align and let light pass. Varying the voltage of the film varies the orientation of the suspended particles, thereby regulating the tint of the glazing and the amount of light transmitted.
Automotive Commercialization of SPD is accelerating in the automotive industry. SPD automotive side and rear windows and sunroofs offer many benefits to passengers in the vehicle. Because of their fast-switching and infinite tunability, they reduce unwanted light and glare, which allows users to more comfortably maintain their views of the outside and to enjoy glare-free viewing of displays and video screens. SPD automotive glass also minimizes heat build-up inside the vehicle because of their ability to block solar heat gain. They automatically switch to their maximum heat-blocking state when the vehicle is not in use. These features improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The deep tinting of SPD windows also gives users instant privacy on demand.
Aircraft Over 30 different aircraft models have SPD windows in operation. SPD windows reduce maintenance costs, block UV radiation to protect interiors, and block cabin heat build-up.
Marine Adaptability and control are especially important in the marine environment. SPD lets the user instantly and precisely control the amount of light, glare and heat passing through windows, skylights, portholes, partitions and doors.
Architectural Architectural SPD products – windows, skylights, doors and partitions – are available as laminated panels or insulated glass units for new construction, replacement and retrofit projects. These products offer a distinctive blend of energy efficiency, user comfort and security. Architectural products made with SPD technology:
Eliminate blinds and shades
Preserve daytime and nighttime views
Allow people to enjoy shading on-demand
Minimize glare
Reduce heating and cooling requirements
Maximize daylighting
Protect interior furnishings and artwork from fading
Privacy Glass & Solar Control Glass Product Benefits
Advantages of LC SmartGlass (Privacy Glass)
Instant and precise privacy control
Efficient use of space in the built environment
Blocks 99.5+% of damaging UV rays
Eco friendly
Exceptional optical qualities that reduce glare and eye strain
High durability, solid-state technology with no moving parts to wear out or break
Large sizes of many shapes can be produced
Stable colour characteristics for the life of the unit
Aesthetically pleasing
Hygienic and low maintenance
Enhance corporate image
Reduce uncomfortable “Gold fish bowl” feeling when working in high-density office buildings
Reduced fading of carpets, furniture and protects valuable artwork
High UV stability
Low working voltage
High contrast for use as rear projection screen
Long life – tested to in excess of 1,000,000 cycles
Advantages of SPD SmartGlass (Solar Control Glass) In an effort to reduce glare the windows of many commercial buildings are permanently tinted, therefore requiring more lighting inside the building than that which is optimally needed. Natural day lighting, which can be regulated using SPD products, has been shown to improve health and wellbeing, and thus its regulation is considered by many to have a strong influence on one’s attitude and productivity.
Quick and precise control of light
Energy Savings on cooling, shading & lighting costs
Eco friendly, reduced building carbon emissions
Exceptional optical qualities that reduce glare and eye strain
Elimination of the need for expensive window dressings like electronic louvers; blinds and solar shades used in architectural applications
High durability, solid-state technology with no moving parts to wear out or break
Stable colour characteristics for the life of the unit
Wide working temperature range from -20⁰c to +70°c – Ideal for exterior applications
Ambient temperature control
Aesthetically pleasing
Hygienic low maintenance material
Reduces uncomfortable “Gold fish bowl” feeling when living or working in high-density buildings such as apartment blocks or office complexes
Reduced fading of carpets, furniture and protect valuable artwork
Protects skin from damaging UV rays
High UV stability
Low working voltage
High contrast at any viewing angle and any illumination level
Long life – tested to in excess of 100,000 cycles
Wide range of light transmission levels without the blocking of ones view
References Wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_glass Manufacture of Switchable Glass :http://www.intelligentglass.net http://www.smartglassinternational.com YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbj9hZAF4I4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEAAhflIAik