Dynamic glazing uses electrochromic technology to darken the interior of a piece of glass. This technology enables a thin coating to change from clear to tinted when a small DC voltage is applied. The most common example of this technology is displayed in eye glasses that darken when one goes outside. Dynamic glass for architectural applications can maintain four distinct tint levels, corresponding to 4%, 20%, 40%, and 60% visible light transmittance (Tvis) respectively. This innovative architectural glazing solution promotes a reduced carbon footprint, helps achieve LEED certifications, and greatly reduces energy costs.
By reducing solar heat gain (the amount of heat that enters a glass structure naturally from the sun) dynamic glazing greatly reduces the required HVAC unit size and thus its carbon footprint. The dynamic glass can be linked into an automatic building management system, a home automation system or even independently controlled from a mobile device. The dynamic glass is operated by a low-voltage system. This makes the glass both energy efficient and easy to install. The glass itself consumes only a tiny amount of power: 1800 square feet of glass will consume the same amount of power as a 60 Watt light bulb.
Any Solar Innovations, Inc. door, window, glass structure, or skylight can be outfitted with dynamic glass. LEED projects seeking certification or credits can also benefit from the use of dynamic glass and units have been independently tested to the ASTM E2141-06 standard by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The life expectancy for dynamic glazing is forty years and Solar Innovations, Inc. can accommodate operable panels as large as 5′ x 10′.
If you are interested in dynamic glazing solutions or Solar Innovations, Inc’s patent pending vertical and sloped glazing framing members structured for electrical wiring, please Contact Us for more information.
