Smart glass

This article is about windows with variable opacity. For wearable computing, see Smartglasses. For the Xbox control application, see Xbox SmartGlass.
Smart glass in a transparent state.
Smart glass in an opaque state.

Smart glass, also known as switchable glass, dynamic glass, and smart-tinting glass, is a type of glass that can change its optical properties, becoming opaque or tinted, in response to electrical or thermal signals. This can be used to prevent sunlight and heat from entering a building during hot days, improving energy efficiency.[1] It can also be used to conveniently provide privacy or visibility to a room.

There are two primary classifications of smart glass: active or passive. The most common active glass technologies used today are electrochromic, liquid crystal, and suspended particle devices (SPD). Thermochromic and photochromic are classified as passive technologies.[2]

When installed in the envelope of buildings, smart glass helps to create climate adaptive building shells,[3] which benefits include things such as natural light adjustment, visual comfort, UV and infrared blocking, reduced energy use, thermal comfort, resistance to extreme weather conditions, and privacy.[4] Some smart windows can self-adapt to heat or cool for energy conservation in buildings.[5][6][7] Smart windows can eliminate the need for blinds, shades or window treatments.[8]

Some effects can be obtained by laminating smart film or switchable film onto flat surfaces using glass, acrylic or polycarbonate laminates.[9] Some types of smart films can be applied to existing glass windows using either a self-adhesive smart film or special glue.[10] Spray-on methods for applying clear coatings to block heat and conduct electricity are also under development.[11]

  1. ^ Chase-Lubitz, Jesse (Nov 28, 2022). "Once a Luxury Amenity, Smart Glass Emerges as an Energy Saver". Bloomberg. Retrieved 1 Feb 2023.
  2. ^ "Everything You Ever Needed to Know (and More!) About Smart Glass". Technavio. 20 Aug 2014. Retrieved 1 Feb 2023.
  3. ^ Drück, Harald; Pillai, Radhakrishna G.; Tharian, Manoj G.; Majeed, Aysha Zeneeb (14 July 2018). Green Buildings and Sustainable Engineering: Proceedings of GBSE 2018. Springer. ISBN 978-981-13-1202-1. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Miller was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Egan, Matt (9 March 2021). "This smart window company is on a $1 trillion mission to eliminate blinds and shades | CNN Business". CNN. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  6. ^ "Scientists invent energy-saving glass that 'self-adapts' to heating and cooling demand". Nanyang Technological University. December 16, 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  7. ^ Wang, Shancheng; Jiang, Tengyao; Meng, Yun; Yang, Ronggui; Tan, Gang; Long, Yi (17 December 2021). "Scalable thermochromic smart windows with passive radiative cooling regulation". Science. 374 (6574): 1501–1504. Bibcode:2021Sci...374.1501W. doi:10.1126/science.abg0291. PMID 34914526. S2CID 245262692.
  8. ^ Elgan, Mike (September 24, 2013). "Is It Curtains for Curtains? Smart Glass Eliminates Window Coverings". Houzz. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  9. ^ "Smart windows that protect against solar radiation can help reduce greenhouse gases". techxplore.com. September 1, 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  10. ^ "Laminated Smart Glass". Gauzy. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  11. ^ "Spray-On Clear Coatings Developed for Cheaper Smart Windows". Lab Manager. August 5, 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2022.