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, sine 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, functionality and sensibility at the same time.

Smart window for car application can be applied to the component which requires optical modulation effect as well 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 manufactures 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 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 dark.
     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 well as visible 
                                                     light transmission rate adjustment. It also 
                                                     can protect driver's skin and vision.

      BMW : Iaunched 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 can 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 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.'

Types of Smart Window & PDLC Switchable glass

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 on 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 protevtion

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 charge 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 electrochomic smart window is that it only requires electricity to change its opacity, but not to maintain a particular shade.
7. The switching speed of electrochomic glass is very slow and varies depending upon the size of the panel ( larger panels typically take many minutes to switch.) The consistency of tint change 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 pass.
4. Varying the voltage of the film varies the orientation of suspended particles, thereby regulating the tint of the glazing and 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, regadless 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 crystal encapsulated in a polymer matrix.
2. The liquid crystal 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 change 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 change the shape of liquid crystals to allow light to pass through individual elements, thus forming images, figures, and numbers on the displays.

PDLC Technology

1. Can be used for interior or exterior glass applications.
2. Switches from opaque (milky white 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.
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 providing cost savings.

Vitswell PDLC Switchable glass

The market situation of smart windows

Recently the glass industry has shown a tendency to 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 film. 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, Dsrk Gray and so on

Smart Window and Smart Window classifiction

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 products 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 windows" can be used to describe many different kinds of functionality including futuristic capabilities such as windows 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 crystals dispersed in a polymer matrix that are sensitive to electric fields. it dims through the use of diffraction of light upon application of an electric filed. Smart windows can be embedded in building codes and have the implicit effect of broadening the addressable markers for 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 classifiction

Passive Smart window
Responds to non-electrical stimuli(heat, UV) can't be manually controlled

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


EC(Electrochromic window)

• Used for exterior glass applications, for solar control
• Not used for interior privacy
• Long transition time from clear to opaque. larger windows can take five to 20 minute
• New glass must be installed no film option for existing glass
• Not used for privacy as you can still see through 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)

• 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  to one layer
• When no voltage is applied the suspended particles are randomly organized thus blocking and adsorbing 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 particle 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 Technology Policy Center

             Next generation High-function & High sensitivity Smart Window Growth

Vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com

Vitswell PDLC Film Features

• the world's first patented SSB section division film can be adjust incoming light freely.

• 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.

• it block 99% of Ultraviolet(UV) and 99% of infrared(IR) to protect furniture and floor from discolored.
• it is able to be applied to digital advertisement, screen and other various sectors as well.

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 the 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

Vitswell SSB(Smart Section Blinds) Cross Type

Cross Type

with different sections it can be represented horizontal, vertical, basic type of various look. depending on the direction of the incoming light of the interior space this products can adjustment the light by several stage. if you want to apply the section based on the space it will improve the utilization of space, as well as can be represented to different atmosphere depending on the type of section of film. 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

Vitswell SSB(Smart Section Blinds) Vertical Type

Vertical Type

it just like regular curtains from side ti side gently moving section controls the incoming the light through to interior space more beautifully. it also provide clean and clear view without any line, and can be adjusted section to protect from UV and protect your privacy. it's practical and beautiful product. it not only suitable for the living room but also on large windows. it can be installed without the constrains of space, and SSB control system can be controlled in conjunction with the home network.

vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com

Vitswell PDLC SSB(Smart Section Blinds) Horizontal Type

Horizontal Type

horizontal shape of blind design to adjust the light to present worm and comfortable atmospere. various of lighting effects well match with inside of room to maximizing the interior effects. the simple and neat appearance is well-matched with the modern interior or office space and it also make it looks the space more wider. it can be installed without the constrains of space, and the SSB control system can be controlled in conjunction with the home network
  

vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com

Vitswell PDLC SSB(Smart Section Blinds) Basic Type

Basic Type

 it in the form that opens and closes that control the incoming light for separate space. you can adjust the amount of incoming light by dimming function of film. mild to throng natural light to make it softens the interior space. it can be installed without the constrains of space, and the SSB control system can be controlled in conjunction with the home network.

vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com

Vitswell SSB(Smart Section Blinds) Function 2

SSB film makes us free from UV rays by installing it to the window of building. also solar film included in SSB, is the one of the functionl window films totally block UV rays up to 99%, reducing energy consumption sfficiently.

• the world's first patented SSB section division film can be adjust incoming light freely.

• only this kinds of smart blinds film can be detachable on the surface of exiting glass

• highly transparent film state-of-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 1200mm

• film has various color for your choose such as milky white, gray, dark gray and so on

• it block 99%of Ultraviolet(UV) and 99% of infrared(IR) to project furniture and floor from discolored

vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com

About PDLC Technology

PDLC technology is based on the principle of immiscible mixtures of liquid crystal and polymer. normally pdlc are opaque with cause in the dispersed polymer, however if it turns on the electricity, they changes the state from opaque to clear because light goes through them(which are lined up orderly)

• power off : irregular arrangement of crystal polymer makes scattering of                light phenomenon

• power on : regular arrangement of crystal polymer makes light                               transmission phenomenon

vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com

Vitswell SSB(Smart Section Blinds) Various function

This Vitswell SSB(Smart Section Blinds) have a various of functions
blinds, interior and  the screen features.

• sun shade : can be attached to the glass of building as a replacement                           goods of curtain and blinds

• interior : it can be use as partition of apartment , kitchen and living room                 and also effectively blocked the eye from outside

• advertising, screen : it also suitable for a large screen of conference room                              or advertisement purpose for company or new                                        products

   

 vitswell homepage : www.vitswell.com