Smart glass is a high-tech glazing solution that can change from transparent to opaque and vice versa by applying electricity to it. On/off or more advanced control systems allow the user to shift the glass from clear to opaque, depending on privacy or openness needs. What was once considered part of science fiction has slowly but surely started to find applications as a workable solution in residences, commercial premises, and hospitals throughout India.
This article will describe what smart glass is, how it works, the underlying technology, and where it is commonly used today.
WHAT IS SMART GLASS?
Smart glass, also known as switchable glass or privacy glass, operates based on the premise of the switchable effect and utilizes an element that changes its optical properties in accordance with electrical stimuli. Smart glass addresses the challenge of privacy without the need to install curtains or blinds or use frosted glass, which obstructs the flow of natural light and impacts the design aspects of the building.
Activated glass allows light to pass through, hence becoming transparent, allowing visibility. Once deactivated, the glass becomes opaque, preventing visibility. Therefore, smart glass technology comes in handy where there are varying needs with respect to privacy throughout the day.
HOW SMART GLASS WORKS
In most smart glass designs, the functionality depends on the liquid-crystal technology and is commonly referred to as PDLC technology.
Inside the smart glass, there is a liquid crystal that responds to an electric current. When the electric current is turned ON, the liquid crystals align, and the light passes through, and this makes the glass transparent. When the electric current is turned OFF, the liquid crystals prevent the light from passing through, and this makes the glass opaque, which gives the user privacy.
This can be done in practically split seconds and can also be controlled with the help of wall switches, remote controls, and automation systems. Due to its reliability and practicality, PDLC smart glass is widely used in residential, commercial, and medical setups.
TRANSPARENCY LEVELS IN MODERN SMART GLASS
There are different levels of transparency offered by modern smart glass when turned ON, depending on the film type used. These levels are between 89% to 95%, which ensure good light transmission without transparency, hence clear view.
The latest smart glass technologies in film form provide transparency up to 95%, ensuring considerable improvement in transparency compared to their predecessors. The innovation enables smart glass to be used in high-end applications, including residential and commercial sectors.
SG Smart Glass has introduced its new technology for a 95% transparent smart glass, catering to the increasing demands for higher transparency.
BENEFITS OF SMART GLASS
Smart glass offers many functional performance advantages, along with modern design.
Instant Privacy with Natural Light
Smart glass enables privacy on demand without using curtains or blinds, while still maintaining daylight in the space.
Heat Reduction, Energy Savings
Smart glass helps in reducing the heat transmission by up to 20%, reducing indoor heat gain drastically. It may reduce air-conditioning needs due to reduced direct heat and glare, hence lesser consumption of electricity for AC units, would help in improving energy efficiency, especially under Indian climatic conditions.
UV Protection for Interiors
The smart glass ensures protection from UV rays, thus minimizing the effects of dangerous ultraviolet rays. The glass shields furniture, floors, curtains, paintings, and interior surfaces from fading and degradation due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Serene, Modern Aesthetics
Without needing additional fittings such as blinds or curtains, the smart glass makes it easier to achieve a clean and minimalistic interior design motif.
WHERE SMART GLASS IS COMMONLY USED
Residential Spaces – Bathrooms, bedrooms, balconies, and home offices
Commercial and Office Spaces – Meeting rooms, conference rooms, office partitions, and executive cabins
Healthcare Facilities – Patient rooms, consultation areas, and diagnostic spaces
Hospitality and Retail – Hotel bathrooms and suites, spa areas, showrooms, and private discussion zones
PROJECTS AND SERVICE COVERAGE ACROSS INDIA
Installation of smart glass today is no longer restricted within the boundaries of a city or a region. SG Smart Glass as a reliable a Smart Glass Manufacturer in Kochi, Kerala, India offers smart glass services in Kerala and PAN India. The company has successfully executed the project at Kochi, Palakkad, Trivandrum, Kolkata, Nagercoil, Mangalore, and Coimbatore, among others.
This broader exposure also helps in meeting the demands, environments, and applications related to architecture differently in various geographic locations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the common applications of smart glass technology in buildings?
Generally, the dominant type of smart glass used in architectural applications is based on PDLC technology because it is reliable and easy to use.
Why is PDLC better than other technologies such as PNLC?
PDLC offers privacy by design support to power OFF, and that is useful in areas like hospitals, bathrooms, bedrooms, and rooms. Besides, it is more widely supported and cost-effective and easier to support and integrate relative to PNLC.
What will occur in the case of smart glass in the event of a power outage?
In PDLC smart glass, the glass becomes opaque when the power is OFF.
Can smart glass be purchased as laminated glass or as film?
Yes. Smart glass can be provided either as laminated smart glass to be used during construction or as an applied film to be put over already installed glass. While laminated smart glass is more expensive and non-replaceable, surface-applied films are more maintainable.
Are you offering smart glass services across the entire states of India?
Yes. SG Smart Glass is a Smart Glass Manufacturer, as well as a Switchable Electric Glass provider at Kochi, Kerala, India, catering to customers throughout Kerala as well as PAN India.
CONCLUSION
Smart glass is revolutionizing the ways privacy, light, comfort, and energy efficiency are maintained today. Assuring about 20% heat reduction, lower consumption of air-conditioning, UV protection, and an advanced level of transparency of up to 95%, smart glass has been developed into a practical, present, and future solution.
With our experienced in Smart Glass Manufacturing, projects can be rest assured of proper planning and quality execution, with our support for a long time.
