Car industry and smartwindow

The car industry has a huge impact on the field of electronic, chemistry, energy, environment, and leisure market as well as the field of machine as an assembly of high-tech machinery. Recently, since resource depletion and environmental regulations, privacy protection and an increased interest for the quality of life are the major concern for the modern society, high efficiency, reliability, and convenience is appearing as an important issue.  Therefore the car industry is trying to meet this requirement through improvement of manufacturing technology. Smart window technology has attracted attention in the spotlight as a solution to improve energy efficiency, functionally and sensibility at the same time. 

Smart window for car application can be applied to the component which requires optical modulation effect as wall as glass front passenger seat, sunroof, sun visors. Smart window has energy saving effect due to the fact that the function of smart window is complemented through an active control of solar permeability and it can be compatible with solar cell, hence smart window is expected to be an important role in leading renewable energy industry and futuristic eco-friendly car market in the long business term. Advanced car manufacturers have continuously developed smart window for car application and have already applied it into few models. Korean car manufacturers also have supplied car which is fitted smart window from 2012.

According to the report 'smart window market 2010' , because of the advent of advanced technologies that can solve the problems caused by Smart Window System and the growth of auto market led by BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China), related industries are expected to grow rapidly and to create sales in excess of $ 6 billion in 2017.

Smart window can be applied in various parts for vehicles and can be classified by driving system.

1. Head Up Display(HUD) : The system which improves the safety and performance by marking driving information or surrounding situation onto the windshields of cars to provide drivers information required for driving without interruption of driver's visibility.

        GM : Applied Head-up display technology for the first time all over the

                world. Prevent possible accidents by installing night vision devices

                which identify the object in the car.

        Toyota : Freely controls the location and brightness of the image seen

                      in the front glass.

        PSA : Installed device which projects driving information including the 

                 speed of vehicle and navigation on the front glass.

        KIA motors in Korea : Loaded HUD device into the model K9 in 2012.

    

2. EC : While EC has an advantage in durability compared to different way, 

           its response speed is slow and manufacturing cost is high, hence the use

          of EC is limited to rear-view mirror for antiglare purpose. The percentage 

          of vehicle retrofitted electrochromic mirror currently accounts for less 

          than 20%, however since the driver's stability and convenience has

          emerged as the main subjects of interest, more than 45% of vehicle 

          equipped with the electrochromic mirror is expected to be supplied.

        GENTEX in America : Developed rear mirror which can control the 

                                       brightness for the outside and inside automatically.

        SAINT-GOBAIN in France : Commercialization of active control window

                                               for sun roof.

3. Suspended Particle Device(SPD) : It can save energy which is generated by

                                                      heating and cooling by UV protection and

                                                      near-infrared reflection as wall as visible

                                                      light transmission rate adjustment. It also

                                                      can protect driver's skin and vision.

      BMW : launched a model which is equipped with a panorama loop that can

                control the extent of the penetration light, depending on the flow

                of the electric current in Paris Motor Show in 2012.

4. Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) : PDLC has not been applied yet for 

                                                     car components, but its interest in related 

                                                     technology has increased in a steady way

                                                     as energy efficiency and privacy protection 

                                                     function is required over the world.

LEXGEN in Taiwan : Launched a model which and freely adjust the level of light

                             penetration, applying PDLC technology into panoramic

                              sunroof in Shanghai Motor Show in 2011.

Smart window technology which had been developed mainly for display and semiconductor field is taking the step for testing commercialization possibility to enlarge its business market into the car industry. On top of that, smart window technology is being highlighted as future technology because of energy saving and high performance features towards construction and transportation field as well. Since energy efficient use, interior privacy protection and maintenance of pleasant environment emerge as a matter of concern nowadays, it is expected that smart window technology will be an integral part of intelligent car in the near future.

※The above contents are the summary of the report 'The application of the

   smart window development trends and liquid crystal materials for vehicles.

 

※ Vitswell smartwindow

 

       

Types of Smart window &Switchable glass

Smart Glass Technology Overview
Smart glass film is intended to have the ability to control the amount of light, and heat, passing through. With a switch of a button a wall or smart phone app, the glass can change from transparent to completely opaque. Unlike blinds, smart window are capable of partially blocking light while maintaining a clear view of what lies behind the window.

Smart glass technologies include electrochromic, photochromic, suspended particle and liquid crystal device technologies(PDLC)

While the basic concept behind all smart windows is the same, they can be made in several different ways, each with a different method and properties for blocking light. Critical aspects of smart glass include material costs, installation costs, electricity costs and durability, as well as functional features such as the speed of control, possibilities for dimming, and the degree of transparency.

Why Use Smart Glass?

• Control the amount of privacy, light and heat that enters a space manually or automatically
• Switch instantly or dim anywhere in between
• No need for blinds or curtains
• Enable privacy while retaining natural light
• 98% UV protection

Smart Glass Application

Corporate office building / Residential / Healthcare facilities / Retail / Transportation

Passive Smart Glass

: Responds to non-electrical stimuli(heat, UV). Cannot be manually controlled

Active Smart Glass

: Responds to an electrical stimulus & and is controllable manually or automatically

: Electrochromic, Suspended particle device(SPD), Polymer dispersed liquid crystal(PDLC)

Electrochromic

1. Typically used for solar control on exterior glass
2. The visible light transmission in the darkest state can be less than 3%. The resulting shading has limited privacy function as it can still be seen through.
3. Consists of two glass panes with several layers sandwiched in between.
4. It works by passing low-voltage electrical charges across a microscopically thin, clear conductive coating on the glass surface, which activates electrochromic layers that change color from clear to dark.
5. The electric current can be activated manually or by sensors which react to light intensity.
6. One advantage of the electrochromic smart window is that it only requires electricity to change its opacity, but not to maintain a particular shade.
7. The switching speed of electrochromic glass is very slow and varies depending upon the size of the panel(large panels typically take many minutes to switch.)The consistency of tint changes also varies, with large panels sometimes exhibiting tint changes that begin at the glazing's outer edges and then move inward(known as the 'iris effect')

Suspended particle device(SPD)

1. In suspended particle devices(SPDs), a thin film laminate of rod-like nano-scale particles is suspended in a liquid and placed between two pieces of glass or plastic, or attached to one layer.
2. When no voltage is applied, the suspended particles are randomly organized, thus blocking and absorbing light
3. When voltage is applied, the suspended particles align and let light pass
4. Varying the voltage of the film varies the orientation of the suspended particles, thereby regulating the tint of the glazing and the amount of light transmitted.
5. The visible light transmission at the darkest state of SPD glazing is around 0.5% and the process takes one to three seconds after power is applied, regardless of the size of the window.
6. The resulting dark blue shading blocks light and provides only partial privacy.

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal(PDLC)

1. Polymer dispersed liquid crystal is simply micro droplets of liquid crystals encapsulated in a polymer matrix.
2. The liquid crystals respond to an electrical charge. In a static state, the liquid crystal molecules remain in a randomized configuration that refracts the light that enters the mixture, making it appear opaque.
3. When electricity is applied, the molecules line up the direction of the electric field, allowing light to pass through what is now essentially a transparent surface.
4. When electrical charge is deactivated, liquid crystal droplets again become randomly oriented, the incoming light is again heavily scattered and does not pass through in a straightforward manner, resulting in fully blocked images.
5. Liquid crystal applications are a familiar technology for numeric and flat panel displays.
6. Liquid crystal display, or LCD, is the most popular flat panel display technology, seen in portable computers, cell phones, calculators, digital clocks, gas pumps, and watches, etc.
7. In LCD, applied electricity changes the shape of liquid crystal to allow light to pass through individual elements, thus forming image, figures, and numbers on the displays.

PDLC Technology 

1. Can be used for interior or exterior glass applications.
2. Switches from opaque (milky whits or gray) to clear in less than a second.
3. Can run on standard 110-volt AC.
4. Available in a self-adhesive switchable film that can be applied to existing window surfaces.
5. Provides total privacy in its opaque state ( cannot be seen through).

Electrochromic Technology

1. Used for exterior glass applications, for solar control.
2. Not used for interior privacy.
3. Long transition time from clear to opaque. Larger windows can take five to 20 minutes.
4. New glass must be installed. no film option for existing glass.
5. Not used for privacy as you can still see through it in its dark (tinted) state.

Privacy Occupant Comfort, Energy Use Reduction with PDLC Technology

• Blocks 99% of UV rays which cause damage and discoloration of interior walls, carpets, and furnishings.
• In its opaque state, PDLC smart glass can reduce solar heat gain by up to 40%.
• The reduced heat gain in hot months helps keep the interior cooler, thus requiring less air conditioning producing increased occupant comfort, and proving cost savings.

<write source : smart apps>
<image source : vitswell>

PDLC Vitswell Rear Screen

The general screen is a typical screen in a manner to project the projector only behind the screen to view the video you can see only the front. But unlike the general screen, Rear Screen can be seen both in the front and in the back sides. Rear Screen can be provided in various forms such as way as to attach the film to the motorized roll screens manner glass. The rear screen is a neat interior advantages can see a clear and bright image is not affected in the indoor illumination place the projector.

SSB Rear Screen from Vitswell is special, unlike other typical third-party products. It is not only that right to screen functionality blinds function, but also can be used to adjust the transparency of the electricity is run through the screen when you turn on the electric field between indoors and outdoors becomes clear, turn off the electricity to the blind function becomes opaque screen. Using this low point has a multi-product used as blind partitions to protect the privacy and space and have large screens used for advertising and promotion in the night. General home screen is a practical product for such stores as well as the necessary buildings and conference rooms, free publicity

PDLC and Smart Window

The market situation of smart windows
Recently the glass industry has shown a tendency to produce based on energy saving and eco-friendly materials. accordingly, the smart window glass material as a new material is going to increase the awareness in the market. it has a transmittance adjusting function, with not only visible light transmittance but also UV and infrared ray transmittance. therefore smart window has been variously applied to construction sector, transport sector, and advertising sector.

Smart window history
Smart window is first developed by Dr edwin, the founder of the polaroid land in 1934. then a full-fledged research was conducted by newly founded RFI in 1965. in korea, korean glass manufacture(Hangulas) introduced the core technology in the 1990 and then succeeded in producing large-sized products manufacturing technologies for architectural purpose. afterward, the hardcore research and development progressed from 2003.

Smart window principle
Smart window uses the material of PDLC(Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal). PDLC film consists of two PET film. there is an ITO film between the two PET films. in PDLC , liquid crystals are dispersed into a liquid polymer. so the liquid mix of polymer and liquid crystal is placed between two layers of PET films. users can control PDLC film's transparency and opacity with the electrical on/off switch.

Smart window technology development
Domestic
- 'korea institute of industrial technology' has developed the metal/metal oxide      thin film material deposition process and technology development for smart        window application
   (source : smart window technology civil research information center)
- 'SungkyunKwan university' has developed a simple-structured electrochromic      device that does not require application as an electrolyte in smart window
   (source : futurecreation science)

Overseas
- US company 'View' has developed and commercializad a thin film deposition       process which creates a conductive layer between two glass panels to control     the sun light and heat passing through from the sun
  (source : smart window technology, engineering research information center)
- US nanotechnology company, raven brick, has developed PCM which applied     nanotechnology and smart window which controls solar heat
  (source : nano inside, nano convergence industry research association)  


vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com 

Smart Window and Switchable glass

The window varies depending on the season and weather?
Adjusting the transmittance depending on the season we had a window that appeared self-adjusting color saturation and temperature. Switchable glass.
Switchable glass is one of the smart window and switchable glass is used for energy saving and environment-friendly materials is attracting attention as a new material which change the properties of existing glass. Switchable glass is suitable for environmental issues and energy savings as the most typical features of self-regulating solar heat absorption outside temperature rises darker the color becomes transparent and the temperature goes down. In response to the low energy consumption and increase the economic value of the environment. So Switchable glass is to build a safe and pleasant residential and urban environments used in various fields such as building, construction, industry and transportation sectors. Also, use the vehicle superstructure Switchable glass can protect the skin and eye of the driver, so to block the visible light by up to 40%

Smart window technology development

Korea
-'korea institute of industrial technology' has developed the metal/metal oxide thin film material deposition process and technology development for smart window
(source : smart window technology civil research information center)
-'SungKyunKwan university' has developed a simple-structured electrochromic device that does not require application as an electrolyte in smartwindow
(source : futurecreation science)

Overseas
-US company 'View' has developed and commercializad a thin film deposition process which creates a conductive layer between two glass panels to control the sun light and heat passing through from the sun
(source : smartwindow technology, engineering research information center)
-US nanotechnology company, raven brick, has developed PCM which applied nanotechnology and smart window which controls solar heat
(source : nanoinside , nano convergence industry research association)


Switchable glass are the most difficult thing for us to retain the broad market price. Complex and difficult to produce Switchable glass products. Due to. But Switchable glass are high in energy efficiency and also outstanding is high in construction, manufacturing capabilities for aesthetic and functional.

Vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com

Smart Window and Smart Window classification

Background growth of Smart Window

The energy efficiency is likely to be a persistent concern of building managers, owners and construction companies throughout the period under consideration. Because smart windows are able to offer a clear and distinct solution here, we think that smart window makers will be able to ride the wave of energy shortage throughout the period under consideration. In reality, most of the revenues that will be generated by smart window product will essentially be derived by the needs of building owners and managers to improve on energy conservation. Smart windows may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to providing reduced energy use in buildings, because it can provide improvements in this regard of up to 40 percent.

Smart Window

The "smart" in "smart window" can be used to describe many different kinds of functionality, including futuristic capabilities such as window that can double as panel lighting or solar panels. Smart windows carry out a function such as blocking or transmitting sunlight on-demand in response to an external stimulus, such as an electric current provided by the user. This technology is based on liquid crystal dispersed in a polymer matrix that are sensitive to electric field. Smart windows can be embedded in green building products. In the context of this development, smart windows may also from an important part of net zero energy buildings. The general trends that we have discussed here are ultimately based on various aspects of the significant energy efficiency benefits that smart windows can bring in their wake.

Smart Window classification

Passive Smart Window 
Responds to non-electrical stimuli(heat, UV) cannot be manually controlled

Active Smart Window
Responds to an electrical stimulus & and is controllable manually or automatically


EC(Electrochromic window) 

                                                               image source : Howstuffworks 2003

• Used for exterior glass application, for solar control
• Not used for interior privacy
• Long transition time from clear to opaque. Larger windows can take five to 20 minutes
• New glass must be installed no film option for existing glass
• Not used for privacy as you can still see though it in dark(tinted) state.

PDLC(Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal)

• Can be used for interior or exterior glass application
• Switches from opaque(milky white or gray) to clear in less than a second
• Can run on standard 110-volt AC
• Available in a self-adhesive film that can be applied to existing window
• Provides total privacy in its opaque state (cannot be seen through)

SPD(Suspended Particle Devices)

                                                              image source : howstuffworks 2003

• In suspended particle devices (SPDs) a thin film laminate of rod-like nano-scale particles is suspended in a liquid and placed between two pieces of glass or plastic , or attached to one layer
• When no voltage is applied the suspended particles are randomly organized thus blocking and absorbing light
• When voltage is applied the suspended particles align and let light pass
• Varying the voltage of the film varies the orientation of the suspended particles, thereby regulating the tint of the glazing and amount of light transmitted
• The visible light transmission at the darkest state of SPD glazing is around 0.5% and the process takes one to three seconds after power is applied regardless of the size of the window
• The resulting dark blue shading blocks light and provides only partial privacy

Source : Energy saving & High insulation material by National Nano Technology Policy Center     

Next generation High-function & High sensitivity Smart Window Growth

                                  

Vitswell PDLC Switchable glass

The market situation of smart windows

Recently the glass industry has shown a tendency to produce products based on energy saving and eco-friendly materials. accordingly, the smart window glass material as a new material is going to increase the awareness in the market. it has a transmittance adjusting function, with not only visible light transmittance but also UV and infrared ray transmittance. therefore smart window has been variously applied to construction sector, transport sector, and advertising sector.

Smart window principle

Smart window uses the material of PDLC(Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal). PDLC film consists of two PET films. there is an ITO film between the two PET films. in PDLC, liquid crystals are dispersed into a liquid polymer. so the liquid mix of polymer and liquid crystals is placed between two layers of PET films. users can control PDLC film's transparency and opacity with the electrical on/off switch.

• only this kinds of smart blind film can be detachable on the surface of exiting glass
• highly transparent film state-of-the-art construction techniques and offers a clean and refreshing view with no line when it operation
• low-power consumption technology of 5w/㎡ to realizing energy saving effect
• it's possible to install and design by the world's largest widen size of 1,200mm
• film has various color for your choose such as Milky White, Gray, Dark Gray and so on

vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com

Vitswell SSB(Smart Section Blinds) Rear Screen type

Rear Screen type

on horizontal, vertical, basic types of film possible to apply to video screen blinds. during the day, it protects interior space and privacy from strong natural light. at night, i can be use as a large screen for projector represented indoor advertising and public relations. it's a utilitarian products and suitable for glass building and conference rooms. can be installed without the constraints of space, and the SSB control system can be controlled in conjunction with the home network.

vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com