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Smart Glass
Smart Glass
Presented by
Stanley Varkey Raja Babu Rakesh Kumar
OUTLINE
WHY Smart Glass Technology INTRODUCTION to Liquid Crystals TYPES of Smart Glass Technology
Electrochromic Glass PDLC SPD
The distinguishing characteristic of the liquid crystalline state is the tendency of the molecules (mesogens) to point along a common axis, called the director.
LC Phases
Nematic Phases Chiral nematic
Ability to selectively reflect light of wavelengths equal to the pitch length, so that a color will be reflected when the pitch is equal to the corresponding wavelength of light in the visible spectrum. The Pitch can be controlled by temperature.
LC have property of birefringence(multiple refractive indices. When an external electric field is applied to the liquid crystal, the dipole molecules tend to orient themselves along the direction of the field.
If two polarizers are set up in series so that their optical axes are parallel, light passes through both. However, if the axes are set up 90 degrees apart (crossed), the polarized light from the first is extinguished by the second.
Applications
Liquid Crystal Displays Liquid Crystal Thermometers
Chiral nematic liquid crystals are used. Color reflected is dependent upon temperature.
Electrochromic Glass
A power source is wired to the two conducting oxide layers, and a voltage drives the ions from the ion storage layer, through the ion conducting layer and into the electrochromic layer. It is a bistable system. Transparent Conducting Oxide-Indium Tin Oxide EC layer-WO3 Electrolyte-Ta2O5
Specifications
Photopic Transmission: ~ Bleached 70% (Transmission State) ~ Colored 28% (Reflection State)
Switching Time: ~ 1 second at room temperature ~ 1,000,000 cycles w/ 2% loss in contrast Power Requirements: ~ 1.5 mW/cm2 Memory: ~ 2 days after switching off, best device is 2 months
Advantages
Bistable- Power required only for changing state Tunable transparency
Disadvantagess
Large size panels not possible Response time decreases Limited cycle lifetime
Applications
a) Possible to achieve excellent viewing properties with better contrast, particularly at off normal angels, than in the conventional liquid crystal based displays. Can be made flexible-allowing for flexible displays. b) An electrochromic film can be used to produce a mirror with variable reflectance. Antidazzle rear view mirrors built on electrochromic oxide films
c). Variable transmittance so that a desired amount of visible light and/or solar energy is introduced. Such windows can lead to energy efficiency as well as comfortable indoor climate. d) Crystalline tungsten oxide film at the exposed surface of an electrochromic device. Intercalation/denticulation of ions makes this surface infra reflecting/absorbing, i.e. the thermal emittance is low/high. Employed for temperature control under such as for space vehicles.
The main objective in the ECDs research for architectural that can control ,depending on the weather, the interior temperature and luminosity and therefore the energy consumption of the building.
STRUCTURE OF PDLC
Working Principle
Refractive Indices: -Polymer=np -LC = no,ne
OFF STATE: The LC crystal domains randomly aligned Light faces varying refractive indices ranging between no and ne , hence scatters.
Working Principle(Contd.)
ON STATE When Electric Field applied, LC crystals align themselves in the same direction. Light faces no due to LC . The refractive index of the polymer, Chosen such that it is very close to no Uniform refractive index allows for Minimum refraction.
Technical Considerations
The birefringence of the liquid crystal Higher the birefringence-Greater opacity in OFF state. Lesser viewing angle in ON state Thicker film Increased scattering Liquid Crystal Diameter For optimum scattering of white light the droplet diameter should be 1-2m.
Specifications
Parameter Response Time Power Consumption Visible Light(ON) Visible light (OFF) UV Block(ON) IR Block(ON) Visible angle 2-100ms 3W/m2 80% 40% 98% 40% 140 Value
Advantages
Do not require polarisers , therefore decreased loss of light intensity. Wide viewing angles. Easier fabrication than LC displays. Large area screens are easily fabricated . Due to higher transmitivitty , lower power backlit displays are possible. Blocks UV radiations very well. Lower response time than conventional LC displays.
Disadvantages
Trade off between ON state viewing angle and OFF state opacity. Non bi-stable.
Applications
Low power, large area displays.
As privacy windows without sacrificing illumination.
Working Principle
OFF STATE In its unpowered state the particles are randomly oriented and partially block sunlight transmission and view
ON STATE Transparent electrical conductors allow an electric field to be applied to the dispersed particle film, aligning the particles and raising the transmittance
Specifications
The suspension includes the light control particle-polyperiodide And the disperse medium-polysiloxane(Silicone oil)
In transparent state a small electric current required continuously.
Advantages
Variable transparency possible. Large panel sizes-Response time not affected.
Disadvantages
Electricity is required to keep the window transparent Currently quite costly.
Applications
Proposed use in optical computing because of fast switching times. Since particles tend to absorb light, and the glass panel looks opaque, it can provide maximum protection to light-sensitive objects. Allows for gradient of transmission which can be controlled by the bias voltage. Architectural windows, window coverings, skylights and interior partitions Can be used for protection against UV raditions.
Controlling the amount of heat entering a building-reduced energy consumption in terms of artificial lighting and air conditioners.
FUTURE ASPECTS
Low power consumption (for portable devices) Fast switching (for hight frame-rate video applications) Polarisation independent (for brighter and more efficient displays) High brightness, contrast and colour resolution