What Can Smart Glass Do?

What are smart windows?

Smart glass—often called smart windows or dynamic glass—is glass that can change its properties in response to sunlight. Windows made from dynamic glass can automatically change their tint level to prevent excess light and heat from entering a building. They’re used in a variety of applications and are gaining popularity all over the world, as they create comfortable spaces for building occupants and improve energy efficiency.

How do smart windows work?

SageGlass smart windows use electrochromic glass technology—essentially using electrical charge to adjust the tint level of the glass. The insulating glass unit is the glass itself. A thin piece of glass is coated with five layers of ceramic material. When a small electrical charge is applied, lithium ions switch between the layers, making the glass tint. When the polarity is reversed, the glass clears. Learn More

In addition to the insulating glass unit itself, SageGlass smart window installations also include controls hardware, which transmits information and settings to the windows across the building, and systems intelligence, which accounts for a variety of factors (weather, building orientation, occupancy, time off day, sun position, and more) to automatically customize the glass tint for the people in the building. 

Customers can control their smart windows via a wall panel, a mobile app, and/or via integrating with their building management system.

How is dynamic glass installed?

The customer works with SageGlass to design a smart window setup that meets their needs. After the glass is fabricated to those specifications, the glass is installed by a glazing contractor. Next, an electrical contractor installs the wiring for the smart windows and the controls. After the electrical installation has been completed, a SageGlass project specialist ensures that the system is meeting the design requirements and performing optimally prior to building occupancy. During this process, the project specialist tests the glass and makes sure all sensors and system settings are performing as designed.

Where are smart windows used?

As more industries adopt smart glass technology, SageGlass dynamic glass has been installed in dozens of commercial and institutional buildings around the world. Those include airports; cultural institutions like museums and theaters; health and life sciences buildings like hospitals and clinics; higher-education buildings like university teaching centers and labs; hotels and restaurants; office buildings; and retail stores. 

What are the benefits of smart windows?

Dynamic glass allows buildings to feature a lot of windows, letting in plenty of natural light and outdoor views, without compromising energy efficiency and performance. Smart windows improve occupant wellness: Studies show that workers are more productive, students learn better, and patients heal faster than in buildings with traditional windows. Occupants get the benefits of natural light and views of the outdoors, without excess heat or glare.

Smart windows also improve energy efficiency, by limiting the solar heat entering the building on warm days (reducing cooling needs) and allowing in more solar heat on cool, cloudy days.

Because smart windows automatically tint in response to the sun, architects and designers don’t need to include traditional blinds or shades, which can interfere with aesthetics, block views, and collect dust and grime. Smart windows are easy to keep clean and offer unobstructed views.