According to the market research report Global Smart Glass market 2012-2017, by technology (Thermochromics, Liquid Crystal (LC), Suspended Particle Display (SPD), Electrochromics, Photochromic), Applications (Architectural [Commercial, Residential], Transportation [Automotive, Rail, Aviation, Marine]) published by MarketsandMarkets smart glass is now considered essential by facilities managers to add “green” factor to building.
“Smart glass and smart windows helps in achieving zero-energy goals. Energy efficiency, coupled with potential energy harvesting by incorporating PV cells in these glasses is most likely to make it as a key element of smart and green buildings. The green building is currently an enabler of the smart glass market and is most likely to continue driving the market in long run as well,” the study noted.
“Reflective coatings, low emissivity glass, and gas-filled cavities have all been components of energy-efficient windows since decades but with the commercialisation of smart glass technologies such as Electrochromic (EC) and Suspended Particle Display (SPD) among others, there is an increasing adoption of smart glass in both – residential and commercial construction.”
The study notes that, historically beginning in the early 1970s, the number of research activities resulting in patenting of technologies increased rapidly, leading to the development of advanced fabrication processes, enhanced properties, and an increased number of applications across varied verticals such as construction and automotive.
Tints were applied to glass to reduce heat transmission and glare, and glass coated with metal oxide films reflected heat or conducted electricity. This marked the first application of “smart glass”.
