What Are Smart Glass Windows?
A smart glass window is a type of glass that you can use to block light, insulate, or both. An external force controls the ability of the window to transmit light. In most cases, people can activate smart glass by applying electricity, heat, or light to it. The pane turns from transparent to translucent or opaque. Other names that refer to the same glass include light control glass, privacy glass, smart tint, dynamic glass, tintable glass, and switchable glass.
The technology arose out of necessity. People wanted a way to keep using glass while maintaining privacy. The benefits of privacy glass have made it very popular for commercial applications. Commercial buildings are the largest market for smart glass products.
Advantages Of The Smart Glass Window
Energy Savings
A smart glass window reflects sunlight and keeps the internal building temperature low. The glass can reflect up to 40 percent of the heat that strikes it. As a result, the air conditioning does not need to work very hard to maintain the building’s temperature.
You recoup the initial cost of this glass in the long run from the energy savings it provides.
Science Daily reports the significant energy savings provided by the smart glass. Buildings fitted with smart glass can use up to 35 percent less energy than conventional buildings. Additionally, smart glass during construction can reduce their steel and concrete usage by 10 percent.
Versatility
There are numerous places where you can use the smart glass window. Since the glass does not have to be flat, you can come up with creative ideas that will give your buildings a unique look.
Security Barriers
Switchable glass can give you privacy instantly with the flick of a button. It is ideal for areas where you need privacy but not all the time.
You can get these glass panels with varying properties. For instance, glass panels for security applications could be fire-retardant, blast-resistant, or bulletproof to improve security.
Protects You From Sunlight
A smart glass window designed to block sunlight can block harmful ultraviolet light. While letting light through, this glass can block up to 99% of ultraviolet radiation.
Sound Isolation
A little-known feature of the smart glass window is sound insulation. The type of glass can attenuate up to 39 decibels of noise.
Sound insulating glass is ideal for conference centres, board rooms, and any commercial space where you do not want the sound to come through.
It Is Environmentally Friendly
There is an increasing urgency to make buildings, particularly commercial ones, more friendly to the environment. Designers of modern office buildings are already incorporating smart glass into their projects.
The glass also helps builders of commercial buildings to comply with the legislation and protect the environment.
Cost-Efficient
Smart glass windows do not cost the same as regular panels. In fact, they are costlier. However, over time, the energy savings you gain offset the initial cost and even take you into profitable territory.
The cost of maintaining privacy glass is also lower than that of conventional glass.
It Increases A Building’s Market Value
A commercial building with smart glass for its facade can sell for more money than one with regular windows. Installing these windows on buildings for rent or sale increases your rate of return on investment.
Visual appeal
Switchable glass does not have to be boring. Most people think that a smart glass window can only turn from transparent to translucent. However, the glass can turn into any colour that the manufacturer wants.
In places like museums and art galleries, coloured glass is usually preferable. These places like to use bold and colourful glass.
There are other advantages as well:
- Immediate access to panoramic views
- Enhanced Security
- Glare Reduction
- Efficient Use of Space in the Built Environment
- Reduction of Carbon Footprint
- Longevity
- Blocks Damaging UV Rays
- Easily customizable to accommodate many shapes and sizes