Technology has changed every field of our life, and now revolutionary changes have also come into the aluminum and glass industry. Gone are the days when people relied only on curtains or blinds to block sunlight. Now, smart windows have arrived in the market, which change their color with just the press of a button or a remote control.
What is a Smart Window?
In technical language, a smart window is also called switchable glass or smart glass. This is a special glass that can change its state according to electrical signals, solar heat, or light intensity. This means it transforms within seconds from completely transparent glass into opaque glass, allowing both privacy and sunlight to be controlled.
How Do Smart Windows Work?
Behind the curtains, various scientific inventions work in smart windows, among which the most popular technology is PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal). Let's understand its mechanism in simple words.
Structure of the Glass: In this system, an extremely thin electric film is placed between two layers of glass. Inside this film, there are tiny particles of liquid crystal.
When the Power is Off: When the window is not receiving an electricity supply, these crystal particles are scattered randomly. Light coming from outside hits them and scatters, which makes the glass look opaque and nothing can be seen through it.
When the Power is On: As soon as you turn on the current using a button, remote, or mobile app, all those crystal particles align in a straight line due to the creation of an electric field. This allows light to pass through, and the glass immediately becomes completely clear.
Different Types of Smart Windows
Smart windows in the market basically work in three ways.
Electrochromic: These glasses gradually darken their color when a button is pressed. They are mostly used in large plazas to block sunlight and heat.
PDLC: This changes from clear to opaque in a tenth of a second as soon as a button is pressed. It is considered best for privacy.
Thermochromic: These windows do not run on electricity; instead, as soon as the sunlight gets intense and the heat increases outside, this glass automatically darkens its color to prevent the heat from coming inside.
Major Benefits of Installing Smart Windows
You do not need to install traditional curtains in your home or office. You can achieve privacy with just one click.
These windows block solar heat and UV rays, which significantly reduces the load on the AC in summers and saves energy.
You can connect these windows with your mobile phone, Alexa, Google Assistant, or remote control to operate them from anywhere.
Where Should They Be Used?
In conference rooms and office cabins where a glass wall can be turned into a private meeting room by pressing a button when needed.
In the main hall and TV lounge of the home where a beautiful outside view is desired, but shade from intense sunlight is also required.
In the windows and shower cabins of luxury bathrooms.
Summary
Although smart windows are quite expensive compared to ordinary aluminum or uPVC windows, their look, smart features, and energy savings are making them an important necessity for the coming era.
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