Applications of Smart Windows: From Residential Homes to Commercial Skyscrapers
Smart windows are a type of window, which is equipped with multiple features, glazed glass that helps in controlling the various forms of light, like UV and IR rays. The smart windows also help maintain the temperature of an infrastructure, which further reduces the cost of energy. The key component of a smart window is the PDLC glass or Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal glass, which is a form of glass material that features a polymer structure and scattered fragments of liquid crystal. PDLC glass features unique properties, which help the glass to efficiently switch from completely transparent to opaque, with the introduction of electricity. In the global market, various types of smart windows are available, which include external smart windows, internal smart windows, safety glass smart windows, and retrofit smart windows among many others.
The smart windows feature multiple benefits and features, as they help reduce the energy and heating costs of the infrastructure. Smart windows have the capability to control the entry of lights, and also add an additional layer of privacy to the glass, enhancing security. The application of smart windows also increases the overall comfort and user experience and helps in improving the aesthetics of the infrastructures. The smart windows offer its applications across multiple industries, which majorly include construction & infrastructure, automotive, and aerospace.
Use Case:
- Construction & Architecture– In the construction and architecture sector, smart windows are used as replacements for normal windows and are also used as an outer facade of the buildings. The smart windows help minimize the energy cost of the infrastructure, as they control the flow of lights automatically, reducing the consumption of electricity during the day time. Smart windows also add a layer of privacy and security to the infrastructure.
- Automotive– In the automotive sector, smart windows offer their application as an optimum replacement for normal glass windows. In the automotive sector, smart windows are used as vehicle windows and sunroofs. The unique ability of smart windows to switch between transparent and opaque helps enhance the privacy of the vehicle and control the entry of light into the vehicle.
- Aerospace– In the aerospace sector, smart windows reduce the utility of traditional shade to regulate the light and temperature of the cabin. It also helps in offering comfort and ease to the customers in controlling the shades of the window.
The growth of the architectural and construction sector in the global market is expected to propel the growth of the smart window in the next few years.
1. Increasing constructions of skyscrapers.
With the increasing global construction of skyscrapers, the demand for smart windows is expected to witness significant growth. In skyscrapers, smart windows offer a key application, which helps in improving the overall looks of the building. A skyscraper is a type of tall building, which is majorly taller than 100 meters. In the past few years, the global infrastructure market witnessed massive growth in the construction of skyscrapers. In skyscrapers, smart windows offer major applications, which include increasing the energy efficiency of the buildings and also reducing the need for air conditioning and heating for such buildings.
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat or CTBUH in its global report stated that in 2023, the total completion of skyscrapers in the globe witnessed an increase of 16% over 2022. In 2023, about 156 total skyscrapers were completed. The agency stated that in the global market, a total of 2,310 200+ meter buildings are constructed, whereas a total of 237 300+ meter buildings are constructed. The agency further stated that in 2023, China witnessed about 94 skyscraper competitions, whereas India and UAE witnessed the completion of 11 skyscrapers each.
Total Number of Skyscraper Completion in China, India, and UAE, 2023
Source: Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
2. Growth of the global construction sector
The increasing output of the construction sector is expected to propel the demand for smart windows in the global market. With the increasing global construction sector output, the construction of residential and commercial infrastructures is expected to increase significantly. In the past few years, the global construction output witnessed significant growth, especially in developing countries like India, Malaysia, and Vietnam among others.
The Office of National Statistics of the United Kingdom in its domestic construction output market witnessed massive growth. The agency in its report stated that in 2023, the total value of new construction work was recorded an increase of about 4.2%, which reached GBP 139,029 million. The agency stated that in 2023, the value of new construction in the private sector increased by GBP 2,050 million, whereas the value of the public sector increased by GBP 3,578 million.
The agency further stated that in 2023, the total value of private housing in the UK was recorded at GBP 46,255 million, whereas the construction value of private commercial and private industrial was recorded at GBP 29,010 million and GBP 8,509 million respectively. The construction value of private and public infrastructure in the nation was recorded at GBP 16,643 million and GBP 20,053 million respectively in 2023.
Key developments
- In October 2024, Miru Smart Technologies, a global leader in electrochromic windows products, in partnership with Mativ Holdings, Inc. announced the launch of the latest and most innovative electrochromic window technology. The latest technology features on-demand tinting controls and is expected to revolutionize the global automotives sector.
- In January 2024, Marvin, a global manufacturer of windows and doors, announced the launch of its latest line of smart doors and windows in the global market. The latest line of smart windows and doors products by the company features an automated skylight control design, with sliding doors, and awning windows.
In the global construction and infrastructural sector, smart window plays a critical applications. Smart windows are used as a major replacement for traditional windows and shades in both commercial and residential infrastructures. In the commercial and residential infrastructural market, smart windows help in reducing the energy cost of the infrastructures. It also helps in enhancing the overall experience of the users and improving the looks of the buildings.
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