How Smart Glass Brings Value to the Hospitality Industry
1 January 2024
Finastra
16 July 2024Smart Glass Explained: How Does Switchable Glass Work?
Priviglaze Smart Glass: On/ Off
Imagine a window that blocks 99% of UV rays, saves energy, and gives you privacy at the flick of a switch. That’s the power of smart glass.
Smart glass, often called switchable glass or dynamic glass, is a relatively new technology that alters its transparency in response to external stimuli like electricity, heat, or light. It has been widely adopted by modern industries, particularly in architecture, where energy efficiency and adaptable spaces are highly prized.
With Priviglaze being a pioneer in switchable glass and film technology, who better to explain the intricacies of smart glass?
While we are the go-to experts in smart glass for commercial and business use, we’ll also examine some of this technology’s other fascinating applications.
What is Smart Glass?
Smart Glass is an advanced product made from multiple layers, including glass, non-adhesive layers, transparent ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) conductive film, and liquid crystal molecules. This specialised construction allows Smart Glass to offer dual functionality – transparency and opaqueness in one solution.
How Does Smart Glass Work?
Smart glass operates through several different technologies that manipulate light transmission. These are the primary types of technologies available:
PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal)
PDLC smart glass is the technology we use at Priviglaze.
It works like this: tiny liquid crystal molecules are sandwiched between two layers of glass. When there’s no electricity running through the glass, these molecules are scattered randomly, blocking light and creating that frosted look.
Flip the switch, and an electric current aligns all those molecules neatly, allowing light to pass straight through – just like that, your frosted glass becomes crystal clear.
PDLC smart glass is commonly found in offices and conference rooms as switchable privacy glass.
SPD (Suspended Particle Device)
Similar to PDLC technology, SPD smart glass uses microscopic particles suspended in a liquid between glass layers.
However, these particles respond differently – they absorb light in their default state, making the glass dark.
When electricity is applied, the particles align to allow light through, making the glass clearer. This technology is particularly popular in the automotive industry for sunroofs and windows.
Electrochromic Glass
This type of smart glass changes its opacity through a chemical reaction. When a small electric voltage is applied, ions move between different layers in the glass, causing it to darken or lighten.
Unlike PDLC and SPD, the change is gradual rather than instant, making it ideal for buildings where subtle light control is preferred over immediate privacy needs.
Thermochromic Glass
Thermochromic glass responds to temperature changes in its environment. When exposed to heat (typically from direct sunlight), the glass automatically transitions from clear to tinted. This passive system requires no electrical input, making it a low-maintenance solution for climate control.
The glass contains a special coating or interlayer that becomes darker as it heats up, helping to reduce solar heat gain and glare. While more straightforward than other smart glass technologies, its main limitation is that users can’t control the tinting process – it responds purely to temperature changes.
Technical Features of Smart Glass Explained
Light Transmission
Think of light transmission like a window’s ability to let light through. Our smart glass lets through about 85% of visible light when it’s in its clear state. To put this in perspective, that’s similar to a regular clean window, meaning rooms stay bright and naturally lit when you want them to be. This high transmission rate ensures you’re not sacrificing natural light when you choose smart glass.
View Angle
The view angle tells you how far to the side you can stand while still getting a clear view through the glass. With a 150° viewing angle, our smart glass works effectively even when you’re looking at it from sharp angles.
Imagine standing almost beside the glass – you’ll still see through it clearly when it’s transparent. This makes it perfect for large windows or partitions where people might be viewing from different positions in the room.
Haze Levels
Haze is what makes the glass look clear or frosted. Our smart glass has two haze levels:
- When switched on (clear mode), there is only a 5% haze, meaning the glass looks almost completely clear, like a regular window.
- When switched off (private mode): 80% haze, creating that frosted effect that gives you privacy while still letting light through.
See Smart Glass in Action
Applications of Smart Glass
Commercial Applications
Smart glass works particularly well in office settings. It gives businesses easy control over their space – meeting rooms can be open one minute and private the next. Teams can work in an open-plan setting, then switch to private mode for client meetings.
Healthcare Applications
Hospitals need practical privacy solutions. Smart glass is perfect because it’s both simple to use and easy to clean. Staff can make consultation rooms private at the touch of a button, and there’s no need for curtains that collect dust and germs.
Residential Applications
More and more homeowners are choosing smart glass for their homes. It’s an excellent solution for bathrooms and pool areas – you get all the natural light you want, with privacy when you need it. We’ve fitted it in skylights too, which means no more fiddling with roof blinds or shutters.
Automotive Applications
Car manufacturers are using smart glass for sunroofs and windows to help control temperature and glare. Some high-end vehicles feature privacy glass that can switch from clear to opaque when parked.
Additional Uses
Smart glass also works well for digital advertising, where storefronts can switch between clear windows and display screens.
It creates private dining spaces or meeting rooms in hotels and restaurants. The same technology works for HD rear projection screens, turning ordinary glass partitions into high-quality display surfaces.
Benefits of Smart Glass
Energy Efficiency
- Natural temperature control – the glass helps keep heat out in summer and warmth in during winter, reducing heating and cooling costs
- Better daylight management – less need for artificial lighting as natural light can be controlled effectively
- Reduced HVAC load – smart glass helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, meaning air conditioning and heating systems don’t have to work as hard
- Lower energy bills – these features combined typically lead to significant energy savings over time
Greater Privacy
- Instant switching from transparent to opaque – no manual adjustments needed
- Clean, modern appearance – eliminates the need for traditional window coverings.
- Versatile control options – can be operated by switch, remote, or smart device.
- Maintained light levels – stays bright even when privacy mode is activated.
UV Protection
- Blocks up to 99% of UV rays, even in transparent mode
- Helps prevent fading of furniture, flooring, and artwork
- Reduces heat from direct sunlight
- Protects interior materials from sun damage
Reduced Glare
- Manage bright sunlight without blocking views
- Reduce eye strain in work areas
- Eliminate screen reflections
- Maintain natural light while controlling brightness levels
Energy Efficiency
- Natural temperature control – the glass helps keep heat out in summer and warmth in during winter, reducing heating and cooling costs
- Better daylight management – less need for artificial lighting as natural light can be controlled effectively
- Reduced HVAC load – smart glass helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, meaning air conditioning and heating systems don’t have to work as hard
- Lower energy bills – these features combined typically lead to significant energy savings over time
Smart Glass vs Traditional Glass |
||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Smart Glass | Traditional Glass + Blinds/Curtains |
| Privacy | Instant privacy at the switch of a button | Manual blinds/curtains needed |
| Maintenance | Simple glass cleaning only | Regular blind/curtain cleaning is needed |
| Space | No extra fittings needed | Requires space for blinds or curtains |
| Energy Efficiency | Helps control heat and light | Limited temperature control |
| Hygiene | Easy-clean surface | Blinds/curtains collect dust |
| Aesthetics | Clean, modern look | Old fashioned appearance |
Smart Glass Challenges and Limitations
Let’s be transparent (pun intended)—like most things, smart glass has some trade-offs worth discussing.
Initial Cost
Smart glass does require a higher upfront investment than standard glass, but the long-term benefits can outweigh this initial cost. Factor in the Energy savings, reduced need for window treatments, and added property value, and these benefits should offset the investment over time.
Installation Requirements
Smart glass needs professional installation and a power supply. But if you choose a reputable service such as ours, an expert team will handle the entire process, so everything works perfectly from day one.
If you have existing windows, our smart film option might be a better choice. It offers similar benefits but simpler installation.
Maintenance
Though generally low-maintenance, the electrical components need occasional checks. The good news? No more cleaning blinds or washing curtains – just a simple wipe of the glass keeps everything looking pristine.
Technology Limitations
In its frosted state, you might notice slight variations in opacity or a faint haze when the glass is clear. These are normal characteristics of the technology and don’t affect its performance. Our latest systems minimise these effects, and most clients find them negligible in day-to-day use.
Looking Ahead
Smart glass is becoming increasingly connected through the Internet of Things (IoT), working with everything from home automation systems to environmental sensors. Voice controls and smartphone apps are now standard features.
As the technology becomes more affordable and energy efficiency more important, smart glass is set to play a more prominent role in how we design and use our buildings.
Talk to Us About Smart Glass
Want to see how smart glass could work in your building? We’re here to help. At Priviglaze, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses and homeowners get the most from this technology.
FAQs
The cost depends on the size and type of installation. Get in touch for a detailed quote.
You can control smart glass in several ways: wall switch, remote control, smartphone app, or even voice commands through Alexa. It also integrates with home automation systems like Crestron, Lutron, and Control4.
Smart glass is surprisingly economical to run. It uses about 6 watts per square metre – for context, 10 square metres uses roughly the same power as a 100w light bulb. That works out at around £10 a year in electricity costs.
We can’t speak for all smart glass products, but our smart glass is made in the UK and meets British Kitemark Standards. It’s both laminated and toughened, making it as safe and secure as standard safety glass.
Switching between clear and frosted takes one tap. Use the wall switch fitted during installation, the handheld remote, or control it from an app if you’ve added smart-home integration. The glass stays in place and simply changes state, so it can be adjusted as often as you like throughout the day.
