Smart glass, also known as “electric glass,” can change from transparent to opaque, control heat and light, and transform from bidirectional to unidirectional. It works by using electrical voltage to influence microscopic particles within the glass. Applications include building windows, car windows, and computer screens. The technology is expensive but can save energy over its lifetime. Retrofitting standard windows is being researched.
“Electric Glass” may sound like a 70’s rock band name, but it’s becoming a 21st century reality. The working term is “smart glass” and its applications are as varied as the uses of glass itself. Through this technology, the glass can transform from transparent to opaque, control the passage of heat and light and transform itself from bidirectional to unidirectional, all at the behest of the user.
In basic terms, smart glass works by using electrical voltage to influence the alignment of microscopic particles within the glass. In the case of electrochromic devices, these particles align or scatter to change between translucency and transparency as soon as an initial electrical impulse is introduced. Subsequently, the conversion takes place by itself without the need for additional electricity. Another electrical application will then reverse the process.
The change takes anywhere from seconds to several minutes, starting at the edges of the glass and moving inward. In its “rest” state without electricity, some smart glasses have a dull appearance. Other types are reflective.
Applications for smart glass include building windows, doors and skylights; car, boat and airplane windows; appliance windows, computer screens and mobile phone screens. Its use in home and residential windows can nearly eliminate the need for blinds or curtains, and it fits into the “green movement” by helping with indoor heating and cooling.
Some aspects of the technology look familiar. The knob or sliding control used in some electric “smart windows” is very similar to one used for a long time to dim or brighten a light. Meanwhile, a related “passive” smart glass technology works in much the same way as sunglasses darken in response to a light stimulus.
As with many innovative products, however, smart glass is expensive up front, up to 400 percent more than standard glass. This has proved to be a stumbling block for companies building skyscrapers with hundreds of windows. It can be argued, however, that the energy-saving qualities of smart glass can pay for that differential over its lifetime. Research is also underway into retrofitting standard windows to incorporate smart glass technology.
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