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System Performance | System Description | Case Study |
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System Performance
Electrochromic technology relies on the reversible change in optical properties (transmittance, reflectance and color) that some materials exhibit when a voltage is applied. Sage Glass uses electrochromic technology to provide a dynamic glazing that can be switched from clear to darkly tinted (and from darkly tinted to clear) to obtain a glass insulating unit easily adaptable to varying outside conditions. When there is no direct sunlight hitting the glazing it can be set to transparent to maximize daylight penetration. When glare, solar heat and/or UV radiation must be avoided, the glass unit can adopt a dark tinted state. This switching process requires a very low voltage to be applied (1-2 V) when the optical changes take place. The time required to switch the ITO coated plastic (small piece) to bleach is 10 to 20 seconds, and 1 to 2 min to color. For a standard window size, most of the tinting occurs within 3 to 5 minutes, depending on glass size and temperature of the glass. Faster tinting can occur in smaller panes and/or for warmer temperatures. For a more advanced lighting analysis and project specific results, we recommend using the Lightsolve program (under development).
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Performance data for all systems in the same category. Comparison to systems in other categories, selected through the matrix filtering process.
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| System Description
The electrochromic device comprises five layers: the working electrode, the ion conducting layer and the counter electrode are sandwiched between two electronically conductive transparent electrodes coated on glass or plastic (which can be clear, tinted or laminated), housed inside a glass insulating unit. The glass units are currently available in dimension 40” x 60” (100 x 150 cm), which forms a double glass unit that is about 27 mm thick, and is easily replaceable. The outboard lite is a 1/4” (6 mm) tempered clear glass with the SageGlass coating. The inboard lite is laminated or heat-treated glass. The 1⁄2” (12.7 mm) space between panes is argon-filled. For most applications, the EC coating is on surface two (the inside surface of the exterior lite) where it blocks solar heat before it ever gets inside the building. This means that there is significantly less requirement for cooling by the HVAC system. The SageGlass pane has bus bars, which conduct electricity through the electrochromic layers. The IGU is powered by low-voltage DC. SageGlass units can oriented vertically or horizontally, or can be used in tilted glazing applications as well as in almost any commercial glazing system that is hollow. The hollow frame accommodates the IGU wiring, which runs from the IGU to a splice box (usually hidden in an accessible location in a wall or ceiling), and from there to a control box in a utility closet in the building. Those controls can then be integrated with an automated or energy management system within the building or connected to a wall switch. |
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