Smart glass

As an intelligent glass switchable glazing are called, whose light transmittance can be varied by applying an electrical voltage or by other triggers ( eg sunlight or heating ). Under the generic term smart glass, various techniques and applications are summarized. Depending on the design, these glasses can for example serve as a sunscreen (glass remains transparent ) or the function of a visual screen ( glass is opaque) take over.

  • 2.1 Structure and function
  • 2.2 Application Examples
  • 3.1 Structure and function
  • 3.2 Cost
  • 3.3 Application Examples

Electrochromic glass

Design and operation

Electrochromic glass uses the property of electrochromic materials that change the transmittance depending on the applied DC voltage. By applying a low voltage of 3 volts, a bluish color is achieved. With the distribution of electrical charges on a microscopically thin coating (eg, tungsten oxide, polyaniline ) it is optically active and changes its color. The duration of this process may range from a few seconds to several minutes. If the applied voltage is removed or changed, the polarity of the voltage, the glass becomes transparent again. Depending on the application, the voltage may be controlled manually or automatically, for example, by sensors which measure the brightness.

The glass requires power only during the coloring phase or in the manufacture of complete transparency. If no voltage is applied, the glass maintains the current color, and current is supplied again.

Application Examples

  • In automotive engineering as a skylight, for example, the Ferrari 575 M Superamerica
  • Dimming automatically or at the touch of a button rearview mirror
  • Architectural glazing for temperature regulation or as UV protection

A thermochromic glass

Design and operation

Thermochromic glass uses the property of the thermochromic material to change its light absorption in dependence on the temperature. When the sun shines, the thermochromic glasses heat and color on. Leaves by the sunlight, the thermochromic glasses cool again and discolor. Thermochromic glasses are usually executed as laminated glass, ie two panes of glass are laminated together with a special foil. This film contains the thermochromic substances.

Application Examples

  • As thermochromic switchable solar control glass

LC Glass

LC - glass or glass for liquid crystal PDLC or polymer dispersed liquid crystal, referred to the glass, which is opaque due to an electric power plant. This process is reversible.

Design and operation

LC glasses based on a polymer liquid crystal film sandwiched between two flat glass panes and is connected to a power source. Within the solid polymer contains the randomly oriented liquid crystals. The incident light is scattered, and the disk is opaque.

By applying an electrical voltage to the liquid crystals arranged in a preferred direction - the glass is transparent to the eye. At an oblique angle, the effect causes a slight haze to the viewer.

When there is no voltage or applying AC voltage, the crystal structure has again opaque and thus completely opaque. These glasses are suitable primarily as a screen, but not as a sunscreen.

Costs

The price is 1700-2000 € / m² including installation.

Application Examples

  • Partition systems for open-plan offices
  • The lounge on the ICE 3 and ICE T trains will be separated by LC - glass from the driver's cab.
  • In the Maybach 57 and 62 as options
Electrochromism Ferrari 575M Maranello
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