Electrochromic Windows

Flip a switch and an electrochromic window suggested for cars, where with a touch of a switch the driver can tint the mirror or sunroof. In buildings, the changeable windows allow for privacy, to cut down glare, and to ward off increases in solar heat.

can change from clear to fully darkened or any level of tint in-between.

The technology has beenThe action of an electric field signals the change in the window's optical and thermal properties. Once the field is reversed, the process is also reversed. The windows operate on a very low voltage -- one to three volts -- and only use energy to change their condition, not to maintain any particular state.

To make an electrochromic window, a thin, multi-layer assembly is sandwiched between traditional pieces of glass. The two outside layers of the assembly are transparent electronic conductors. Next is a counter-electrode layer and an electrochromic layer, with an ion conductor layer in-between. When a low voltage is applied across the conductors, moving ions from the counter-electrode to the electrochromic layer cause the assembly to change color. Reversing the voltage moves ions from the electrochromic layer back to the counter-electrode layer, restoring the device to its previous clear state. The glass may be programmed to absorb only part of the light spectrum, such as solar infrared.

Early research indicates that the technology can save substantial amounts of energy in buildings, and electrochromic glazings may eventually replace traditional solar control technology such as tints, reflective films and shading devices.

An added benefit of the smart window film is that it can act as an ideal projection screen, for presentations, whilst in its opaque state. The presentation can be displayed from either side of the film, the rear projection (facing outwards) being of the highest quality (for displays etc) whilst the traditional front projection (facing back into the room) would be of a standard suitable enough for business meetings etc. These features make the switchable film a perfect application for boardroom/conference rooms, especially where these rooms are multi-functional and privacy isn't required all of the time. A further additional benefit is the usual Solar/UV protection that films of this nature generally provide.

You may also come across the following terms in connection with switchable smart window film which are all essentially either describing the same thing or technologies that achieve the same effect:- switch glass, switch film, magic glass, SPD glass, smart glass, smart film, privacy glass, smart tint suspended particle displays.

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