More recently, the market for translucent structures has been replenished with a new group of products that can demonstrate unique physical properties. We are talking about electrochromic “smart” glasses (eng. Smart Glass), otherwise called “switchable”. Under the influence of an electric current, these unusual products can instantly change their original state: from matte, which hides what is happening outside the window, to completely transparent.
Technical reference
Smart glass production technology consists in the so-called triplexing (layering) of several tempered glass sheets, in some cases replaced by polycarbonate. Ready-made smart panels go through the lamination procedure without fail, which minimizes the sensitivity of the starting materials to various influences of a mechanical nature, moisture, as well as chemically aggressive environments.
The developers managed to achieve a change in the level of transparency by applying a polymer electrically conductive coating on the smart glass, between the layers of which a special liquid crystal film was laid. In the absence of electrical voltage, when liquid crystals are arranged chaotically, the glass takes on an optically opaque, matte white appearance. The voltage is applied – and the liquid-crystal particles are rapidly “ordered”, occupying a position perpendicular to the electrically conductive layer. As a result, the smart panel becomes visually almost transparent..
Benefits and scope
The operation of electrochromic glasses, based on the diffusion of the light flux, is controlled. This means that all optical metamorphoses that occur with the smart design are subject to one keystroke on the switch. Low-voltage power supplied to smart panels does not exceed 2 W per square meter, which allows the latter to be classified as electrical safety products, which are used without restrictions even in high humidity conditions. And in favor of the reliability of “smart” glasses is at least the fact that they found their first application in the aerospace industry.
In addition to the listed advantages, insulating glass units of smart panels can be supplemented with an option of electric heating, which, along with eliminating the effect of the “crying window”, reduces the time for regulating the level of transparency.
The technical features of electrochromic structures have led to a steady growth in their popularity. In recent years, smart glasses have been embodied in thousands of diverse objects, the most common of which are:
- advertising and demonstration stands;
- projection screens;
- partitions for zoning offices, gyms, restaurants and living rooms;
- glass “curtains” of bathrooms and pools;
- fitting booths;
- manipulation rooms in medicine;
- portholes for sea cabins and liners;
- dividing partitions in transport;
- winter gardens in private residences.
Installation of smart panels is carried out using specialized spider systems that allow them to be “suspended” directly on the supporting elements of structures. The absence of massive frame parts in the applied technique allows to achieve the effect of “solid” glazing of the assembled structure, which produces a very favorable impression from a design point of view.
What are some practical applications for smart glass? Can it be used in residential buildings for privacy purposes? How does it “know” when to change opacity?
Can you please explain how smart glass works and what its “intelligence” entails?
Smart glass, also known as switchable glass or dynamic glass, works by using technology that allows the glass to change its properties in response to external stimuli such as light, heat, or electricity. The most common type of smart glass is electrochromic, which uses a small electric current to change the transparency of the glass.
The “intelligence” of smart glass lies in its ability to adapt to changing conditions. For example, it can darken to block out sunlight and reduce glare, or it can remain transparent to allow natural light in. This not only enhances user comfort and privacy but also helps save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.
Smart glass technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations such as thermochromic and photochromic glass offering even more flexibility and control over the properties of the glass. Its ability to respond to environmental factors automatically or be controlled manually through a switch or remote control makes smart glass a versatile and effective solution for modern architectural design and energy efficiency.