Electrochromism has been known since the 19th century, and its application as a glazing technology has been investigated since the 1980s. However, it is only recently with major new investment and scaled-up production that electochromic (EC) glazing has shown the potential to become a mainstream product. EC glass is manufactured by coating float glass with nano-layers of metal oxides using a sputter deposition system. It is a process similar to that used to manufacture low-e glass. The coated glass is then fabricated into an insulating glass unit (IGU). The control of EC glazing can be any combination of manual and automatic, employing whatever sensor inputs are required, e.g. illuminance levels, sun position,or internal air temperature.
To be most effective, the artificial lighting should allow for dimming and the lighting controls should be integrated with the EC controls to maintain optimum task lighting levels during normal operation. Where the EC glazing also serves to protect from overheating, the control should also be linked to building energy management systems. Effective integration of the EC controls with other building control systems is the key to realising the significant energy saving potential of EC glazing. (John Mardaljevic, Ruth Kelly Waskett, Birgit Painter)
To be most effective, the artificial lighting should allow for dimming and the lighting controls should be integrated with the EC controls to maintain optimum task lighting levels during normal operation. Where the EC glazing also serves to protect from overheating, the control should also be linked to building energy management systems. Effective integration of the EC controls with other building control systems is the key to realising the significant energy saving potential of EC glazing. (John Mardaljevic, Ruth Kelly Waskett, Birgit Painter)