Variable transparency glass: functions, advantages, applications
Today, we would like to introduce you to the innovative technologies that we have successfully used in the “window factory”. Of course, you have long known that some glasses have unusual characteristics, such as transparent inside and opaque outside. But how do you change the transparency of the glass as needed? Sounds like a fantasy, but for our customers, the future is here
Smart glass is smart glass with adjustable transparency. This material has a special structure and composition. The operation of electronic glass is based on the polarization of particles (PDLC/LCD, SPD, ECD) in the electromagnetic field. Under the influence of electric current, the glass surface will change the light transmittance.
With the help of electronic switches, you can adjust the characteristics of the glass: when opened, the glass will be frosted, and when closed, the glass is transparent. This conversion takes place in an instant.
The voltage (12-36 W) is supplied to the glass surface through hidden wiring.
Due to the polymer liquid crystal film between the glass plates, windows with adjustable transparency have special properties. The liquid crystal without electricity enters the solid state, spreads in a chaotic order, and forms scattered light on the film. This situation allows you to get a matte surface.
Changing the transparency variable will happen immediately. There is no halftone. In windows with adjustable light transmittance, the bluntness changes slowly. Under the influence of different voltage values, you can easily set the desired light transmittance.
The history of the appearance of electrochromic glass
The idea of using smart technology in the glass industry is not new. In production, such products have been actively produced since the late 1990s. Despite its long history, intelligence is a novelty for end users.
Engineer Steve Abadi (Steve Abadi) began to get involved in the idea of electronic glasses in the late 1970s. At that time, it was impossible to realize such a dream. But in 1984, using innovative liquid crystal technology, liquid crystal glass was born, this is the first smart glass (smart glass).
The glass market in the 80s-90s did not require innovative products, which industrialists could not understand. Steve Abadi must wait for the early 2000s. The inventor started his own company and brought electronic glass to the market under the E-Glass brand.
In the post-Soviet era, electronic Smart glass manufacturer did not appear until 2010. After gradually conquering the glass market, smart technology began to be applied not only in offices, administrative and medical institutions. Glass began to be used in the manufacture of double-glazed windows for residential buildings and private interior decoration.
Although very popular in Europe and Russia, double-glazed windows, partitions and decorative elements can still be found separately from electronic glass:
- Elite suburban real estate, multi-storey apartment;
- Banking institution office;
- Business center.
Advantages of Smart glass manufacturer
The ever-changing transparency of windows and glass is widely used in the field of design and architecture. The function of this glass product has the following advantages:
privacy
Partitions made of smart materials allow you to partition the room and divide it into a comfortable workplace. Such a glass structure can transmit light, but can maintain a comfortable and private atmosphere. Using smart windows allows you to abandon the usual curtains and blinds. In transparent mode, the window will transmit light perfectly. On the south side of the house, plenty of light will create a more comfortable atmosphere.
save
Using smart materials will save energy consumption (electricity) and significantly reduce heat loss. Electrochromic glass reduces the cost of air conditioning in summer (to protect the room from the sun) and the cost of heating in winter (windows are tight, do not allow cold air to enter, enough sunlight enters the room).
In the “window factory”, we also used intelligent double-glazed windows, whose sound insulation will be 20-30% higher than ordinary PVC windows.
Reliable protection
The electronic glass in dark and transparent mode can protect the objects in the room from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays, and ultraviolet rays will cause the surface to burn out/fading, thus adversely affecting the artwork (painting).
Of particular relevance is the use of glass in museums and exhibition halls.
Smart glass manufacturer Safety
To produce glass, special smart films are used. High-tech materials are environmentally friendly.
This glass consists of three layers: glass plate + film + glass plate. Before manufacturing, the sheet is hardened. The material is heated to +700 degrees and cooled rapidly with water. The strength of tempered glass products is six times that of ordinary glass.
In addition, the glass is not afraid of mechanical influences: scratching, cracking, or chipping. Under strong impact, the voltage changes suddenly, and the material will not break, nor will it break. Laminated glass (triple) will not break.
Electronic glass is driven by electricity, but does not conduct electricity. Therefore, you will not get an electric shock from such a glass surface.
easy to use
Convenient switch (button, touch), remote control is used to adjust transparency. You can adjust the properties of the glass through smart home systems, motion sensors and lighting.
Production technology
When using Smart technology to produce glass products, tempered glass plates and electrochromic films are used. Using the three-layer method of several glass plates and films, manufacturers can obtain durable, tough materials.
Movie type:
EVA ethylene vinyl acetate film is the most economical choice for cost and production.
Material advantages:
High turbidity
Low transparency.
PVB. Polyvinyl butyral film is an expensive and high-quality material.
Material advantages:
Adheres well to the glass surface;
Reliability of use.
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for plastics;
Fear of high humidity (not used in bathrooms, kitchen interiors).
Thermoplastic polyurethane The film is based on thermoplastic polyurethane. This material is most suitable for smart tinted glass with adjustable brightness.
advantage:
Not afraid of humidity (suitable for manufacturing double-glazed windows, showers, decorative elements in high-humidity rooms);
Resist aggressive effects;
It adheres well to glass and plastic surfaces.
harm:
expensive.
Cost per square meter 2
The price of smart glass products is still high. The material cost of one square meter is 30,000 rubles, and the total cost of the structure is calculated separately according to the size, use, frame material and other parameters.
Indoor smart glass: modern design solutions
Electronically controlled glass with variable transparency is used inside. This solution is used in medical institutions, office centers, meeting rooms, commercial and commercial facilities.
The partition is made of special glass. The lightweight and stylish design is ideal for partitioned spaces. Unlike traditional transparent partitions, smart allows you to work most comfortably, “not visible at all” and without the need for other blinds, curtains.
Office partitions, meeting rooms, cash areas (banks, insurance and travel agencies), dressing rooms (boutiques, hypermarkets and sports facilities), showers and sanitary rooms, display cabinets, reception areas and advertising shelves are all designed with such partitions.
Smart glass is needed in museum venues and galleries to protect artwork from ultraviolet radiation.
In dining places, special glasses are used for interior decoration.
In country houses and apartments, use glass that changes transparency:
Full glass (ceiling, bathroom) for windows and partial glass (panoramic windows);
Used for decoration of balcony, loggia, winter garden and interior door;
As a shower or corner divider.
This design decision will make the room more comfortable.
Smart glass can also be used as a projector screen on the wall. In the automotive industry, this material is used for hatch cover, side glass and yacht design.
For decorative purposes, you can paint on glass.
Smart glass: new trends in the glass industry
Due to its function, energy efficiency, UV protection, noise isolation and safety, intelligent technology is gradually entering ordinary life.
Glass is used for partitioned spaces, interior decoration, and general glass for civil and public buildings.
The technical characteristics of the product allow combining the characteristics of other types of glass. Our experts believe that installing windows with smart glass will reduce energy consumption by 35-40%.
Large companies in the glass industry are also interested in developing smart window products. The main task is not only to develop manufacturing methods, but also to make it easier for end users to use the technology.
Since 2015, more than US$100 million has been allocated for the development of new glass manufacturing technologies. Analysts predict that by 2022, the market size of smart glass technology will exceed $120 billion.
As the demand for energy-saving technologies and environmentally friendly buildings continues to grow, so does the demand for smart glass. In Russia, consumers are just beginning to understand all the advantages of smart technology. In the future, “smart” glass products will face the public and will replace the usual curtains and blinds.
How to order glass installation with variable transparency
You can request the installation of transparent glass on the website or on the phone. You can order a call back, our manager will call you back, provide suggestions and fill out the application form.
Our host will arrive at the factory and make free measurements and conduct climate engineering to identify problem areas in the room. Experts will advise you to choose materials, accessories and other accessories.
The second stage of the installation is the production of glass for residential and commercial premises, smart glass windows for loggias or internal partitions.
Off-the-shelf smart windows are provided by our own “window factory” own transportation. Installation is carried out by qualified craftsmen, who will carry out disassembly and preparation work and install according to GOST.
other options
With our help, you will choose:
Profile: PVC, wood, aluminum;
Accessories and other security features: anti-theft accessories, child locks;
Outline color (more than 200 shades in stock);
Accessories, such as mosquito nets;
Insulation (heat dissipation, sealing).
Smart windows with manufacturer warranty
In our “window factory”, you can buy smart windows for various purposes and rooms in any area. In production, we use modern technology and the latest European equipment to enable us to achieve high-quality designs.
Unlike ordinary glass used for PVC windows, special glass can perform other tasks while maintaining good sound insulation, safety and low thermal conductivity.
