Smart Glass, switchable glass and smart films are glazing terms used to describe window and door glass technology that changes color or tint levels when exposed to light or another external trigger, like UV radiation or an electrical current.
Smart glass adapts to its environment on demand, reducing sun glare and enhancing privacy within the built space. It may appear as slightly tinted glass or as a smart window that fully darkens in response to environmental changes. Both interior and exterior smart glass applications are growing in popularity. Dynamic office spaces now require on-demand privacy as spatial needs shift in today’s remote and hybrid work environment.
‘Smart glass’ technology includes windows that allow natural light while obscuring unwanted outside views. Mirrors using smart glass maintain brightness but block visibility. Doors equipped with this tech bring in light while preventing unwanted viewing from inside or out.
Smart Glass or Smart Film?
The main types of ‘smart glazing’ are electrochromic glass and photochromic retrofit film technologies. Your application type, budget, and desired performance level will determine the best solution for each project. Below is an introduction to these innovative solutions, opening a world of possibilities for your window and door project.
The big difference between the two options is that electrochromic glass changes tint when electricity is applied via batten bars and wires. Electrochromic glass technologies are on-demand products that activate whenever an electrical current is applied as external stimuli. As long as electricity is connected by a professional installer and electrician, performance is excellent and delivers the “wow factor” designers and architects strive for.
Photochromic glass films are retrofit technologies applied to existing glass that change color based on UV light from the sun. CoolVu’s photochromic window films are triggered by UV exposure in the 380–400nm range on the solar spectrum. These films transition most under significant sun exposure. Transitions can reach 25–30% when the sun’s intensity is at its highest point.
On darker or rainy days when sun exposure is minimal, CoolVu’s photochromic window films are not triggered. This helps to make sure your window and door glass stays natural in these environmental conditions. Applied like traditional window films, these products do not require electricity or an electrician to tie into a power source. They are also 50-60% less expensive than electrochromic glazing as a result.
While electrochromic glass offers on-demand privacy, photochromic films provide dynamic sun control and adaptive conditioning based on sunlight exposure. Below, we’ll break down the technology behind these glass and film solutions to help you decide which option best fits your needs.
Electrochromic ‘Smart Glass” Windows
The first commercially available electrochromic glass technology was developed by 3M in the early 1980s. This technology uses electricity to change the color or tint levels of the glass. In the 1990s, the company began marketing the product under the brand name Ecolux®. These ‘on demand’ glass technologies are popular in restaurants, hotels, airports, and high-end office space. Today, there are several companies offering electrochromic products, with CoolVu partner Gauzy from Israel the leader of the pack.
Smart glass, also called switchable window film, is a window treatment that changes color when exposed to an electrical current. This technology lets users control light passing through window or door glass, offering enhanced privacy on demand. Software apps can control light transmission and opacity for advanced dynamic glass products. High-end products are programmable directly through your smartphone for full customization.
Photochromic Window Film
Smart window films are window film systems that automatically adjust to the amount of sunlight entering the room. Also used to block out harmful ultraviolet rays and reduce the amount of heat entering the building through windows, these films are ceramic-based and completely non-mirror in appearance. The most common type of smart glass film is photochromic glass film, which changes color when exposed to UV sunlight and lightens again when the sun goes down or on rainy days.
Whatever your smart glass or smart film needs are, CoolVu is here to help. When it comes to deciding between electrochromic glass or photochromic glazing products, we can discuss with you what your needs are to help guide you to the best solution for the project. Our national franchise partners provide for local service and can assess and install at the highest levels of professionalism in the ‘smart window’ industry.
