Intelligent glass products – the future of our windows
In this article we inform you about Smart glass products and privacy protection on glass. You may already be familiar with the classic privacy films. These are self-adhesive window foils for attachment to clear glass panes.
Glass inserts in windows and doors can be made opaque with a privacy screen protector. In this context, the vernacular speaks of:
- frosted glass film
- milky film and
- Opaque film for windows.
Basically, this is a translucent film that prevents transparency.
What are switchable glass- Smart glass products?
Switchable glass Smart glass products are also called “intelligent” glass due to its ability to change the light transmission at the push of a button. It is one of the so-called “functional glasses”.
One of its greatest advantages is that it can be made milky, transparent, dimming or colored using the remote control.
Large companies use dimmable windows via circuitry. For example, to avoid excessive heat or glare in the staff offices. Or as a constantly changing partition between meeting rooms and other areas. Smart glass is a purchase that is certainly not part of the standard equipment of most houses.
In offices, however, a facade that includes intelligent functional glass can be very useful. And even save air conditioning and blinds.
Intelligent film- Smart glass products
Classic privacy films are opaque and remain so. In contrast, there is the Smart glass products intelligent film. This self-adhesive window film switches from clear to opaque simply by pressing a button. Assume that a meeting room with clear glass walls is supposed to be temporarily opaque. Intelligent film is also known as switchable film. It is mainly used for privacy purposes.
Smart glass products advantages:
- Suitable for all smooth glass panes
- Any size is possible
- It is attached without removing the glass pane
- Low power consumption of 5 watts per m² per hour
- Long service life of over 50,000 hours when switched on
- Radio-controlled switching and dimming is possible
- Integrated UV filter protects against premature fading
- Ideal for use as sun protection, privacy protection and glare protection
- Removable without residue
How do intelligent film Smart glass products work?
The clear, transparent glass elements switch to “opaque” at the beginning of the meeting. The individual Smart glass products surfaces then appear milky white and translucent. Then you simply switch the intelligent film back to clear “transparent”.
Glass elements of any size can be switched individually and separately. For example:
- Wirelessly
- by radio
- manually via the light switch or
- With intelligent smart home technology.
What is an intelligent film? Smart glass products?
Intelligent Smart glass products film is a high quality, electrically conductive plastic film. This aligns the laminated liquid crystals when voltage is applied. The glass pane becomes transparent. Continuous dimming, which changes the transparency of the film, is also possible.
Variants of Smart glass products film
Smart film is in the colors white, black, blue, green, and red available. It can be used for:
- advertising purposes
- privacy
- sun protection
- Darkening on flat and curved glass panes.
That is why the black electro chromic Smart glass products are ideal for temporary sun protection. It darkens the glass surface at the push of a button and accordingly protects against intense sunlight.
In addition, all Smart glass products have one thing in common: the integrated UV filter blocks UV-A and UV-B rays. This significantly reduces the process of prematurely fading organic colors.
Smart glass products – the future of our windows
Intelligent glass, also known as switchable or smart glass, refers to glazing that can change its transparency. The energy required for this is either directed to the pane via electricity or solar radiation.
The areas of application for intelligent glass are expanding. But since the price is currently still relatively high. It can be found in the luxurious office tower rather than in the normal residential building.
Some Smart glass products protect against glaring light and sun. While others only offer privacy. Sometimes the promising technology also regulates the temperature.
The innovation for more well-being – that’s how Smart glass products work
There are three different types of intelligent glazing. Depending on the technology used to manufacture these glasses and influence their transparency:
- Electrochromic glass (“switchable glass”)
- Thermochromic glazing
- LC glass
Thermo- and electrochromic Smart glass products can completely regulate the incidence or the radiation of light and heat. The light transmission, especially in summer, can be reduced to 15 to 50 percent.
Electrochromic glass / switchable glass
Electrochromic discs can change their color when a voltage is applied thanks to a special, thin coating. This does not provide effective privacy protection. But these glazing are suitable as sun protection. For subdued light or for temperature control in the room.
As soon as the voltage is removed, the switchable film becomes transparent again. And the light can enter the room unhindered. When darkened, smart glass product windows usually have a bluish tint. Which is due to the coating used? In extreme heat, they reinforce the effect of a partition between the inside and the outside.
Thermochromic glazing
The color of thermochromic windows is influenced by the incident sunlight or the degree of warmth generated by them.
The glazing automatically darkens when the temperature on the glass pane reaches a certain value. This is done using a film with thermochromic substances.
If the sun hits the window, the substances in the film change color and create an effective sun protection glass. The process can also be controlled via an operator control. Sometimes even with a smartphone.
Liquid crystal Smart glass products
Liquid Crystal – or LC – is an intelligent Smart glass product that works using polymeric liquid. The difference to the other examples in the field of functional glass is that liquid crystal panes only become transparent when electricity is applied and do not lose their transparency.
This technology does not prevent UV radiation. However, the crystals scatter the incident light in such a way that a frosted glass look is created. The glasses, which consist of two float glass panes – with the crystal film in the middle -, are ideal as a privacy screen. That can be switched off at the push of a button.
Saving energy with intelligent Smart glass products
If the lighting conditions are classified as optimal, the Smart glass product surface usually remains clear. Otherwise you can simply switch it to another state. Electrochromic Smart glass product on the building is very common.
What do Smart glass products cost?
The prices of smart glass products are currently still relatively high. In addition to the price per square meter, controls, and switches or similar must be added.
As a rule, the manufacturers create a non-binding offer. Whereby the total number of:
- square meters
- additional control elements
- Assembly transport, etc. are calculated.
In the case of darkening, lower surface temperatures are measured on the pane. Which saves high costs for an air conditioning system? Electrically controllable Smart glass product prevent unnecessary electricity costs. And not only contribute to a positive energy balance, but also to a pleasant working atmosphere. In addition, the use of smart windows ensures that there are no annoying reflections on the screen.
