Dynamic/smart glass windows

mjq2108

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Hello,

looking for reviews and information from those that have come across thermochromic and electrochromic smart windows.

Currently in the design phase of our build in the northeast. looking for light/heat control.

is there such a thing that one is superior to the other?

cost effective?

ease of installation?

apologies for the silly question, I haven’t done all the research yet. Does one depend more on the sun coming in order for it to tint Or it doesn’t matter?

Appreciate any information that can be provided from personal experience.

Thank you

Featured Answer

oberon476

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I am reasonably well familiar with both thermochromic and electrochromic glass having had the opportunity to interact with both while still in development and during early roll-out. I have never worked for either thermo- or electro- chromic manufacturers, but I have worked with both at a manufacturing and limited performance development level.

Given the choice (and lots of money) I would choose electrochromic 100%. I don't like the look or the performance of thermochromic.

Disclaimer....I was indirectly involved with electrochromic glass manufacturing through the end of 2018, but I have not worked with thermochromic glass for probably 8-10 years so my observations may be out-of-date; they may have even fixed the problems that I mention...or they may not have since the problems are related more physics than engineering or manufacturing. So not sure how or if they could have fixed their issues without major redesign, but also not saying that they didn't come up with a solution, just that if they did I haven't heard anything about it.

Specifically, thermochromic has to be HOT in order to darken. Walking into a room with dark thermochromic windows is like walking into a sauna. While the dark glass is blocking direct solargain it is also radiating absorbed heat into the room, and you can feel it...a lot.

I also don't like the color of thermochromic glass. I find it depressing. In my experience looking out a thermochromic window is like looking out a clear window at a thunderstorm rolling in, even on a clear day. It has a dark greenish tint that I (and others I know) find...unpleasant.

When I knew thermochromic glass one of the defining characteristics was a clear, roughly 2" "ring" that formed around the outside edge of the glass where it met the sash. While the glass window is a rectangle, the "ring" was more of an oval with straight long dimensions. The clear area was the result of having cooler glass close to the edge of the sash versus hotter in the middle of the glass.

I have also seen significant yellowing along the edge of thermochromic glass prior to being framed, and that more recently than when I last worked with them.

Both electro- and thermo- chromic products consist of multiple layers of glass and interlayers. Both are VERY heavy and as previously mentioned, electrochromic will need additional wiring installed into each opening prior to installation

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Comments (7)

mjq2108
Original Author
5 years ago
Bump
millworkman
5 years ago
Existing windows or new windows? New construction or replacement windows? I have used it but exclusively in commercial applications. The cost will be about $150 a sq ft for the glass typically if replacing glass. Installation is a bit tricky as every piece of glass will require a bus bar, running wires thru the sash/frame and wiring to a power supply. New windows the glass, bus bar and wiring would be run thru the frame already.
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mjq2108
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for the response. New construction. I’m in the early stage of research between thermochromic and electrochromic. is there a difference between the two? Is one better than the other? I believe the thermochromic will adjust tint based on the sunlight and you cannot manually control it if you want more or less sun, is that correct?
millworkman
5 years ago
I have pretty much only worked with the electrochromic honestly and not at all familiar with thermochromic. I can try and research later if I get a few minutes.
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HobertWaller2
6 days ago
last modified: 3 days ago
I’ve looked into these for a renovation, and the biggest distinction is that thermochromic glass reacts passively to heat, so you don’t get much control. Electrochromic glass is more predictable and can be adjusted electrically, but it’s considerably more expensive and usually needs planning with the glazing and wiring from the start. Neither is a simple retrofit.

For existing windows, I’d get quotes for smart film, though it’s mainly for privacy rather than serious solar heat reduction. PNLC film can be a practical option when you want opaque/clear switching, but good edge finishing and professional installation matter a lot. Exterior shading or low-E glass may handle heat better.
oberon476
6 days ago
kind of a moot point now...from Pleotint site

Due to COVID-19’s impact on our operations, Pleotint, LLC has decided to temporarily suspend all production and sales activities of its Suntuitive® product line. While we are taking a break or hitting the pause button on our current Suntuitive product offering, we are not quitting. We hope to bring Suntuitive back in the near future. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our customers, employees, partners, and others who have supported Suntuitive.