eLstar Dynamics, specialising in the production of so-called smart adaptive glass, is opening its first ink production facility in Eindhoven. The site will have a capacity to produce enough ink for 300,000 to 400,000 m2 of smart glass.
The smart adaptive glass produced by eLstar Dynamics provides energy-saving dimmable windows, overhead lights and automotive applications, among others. Among other things, the company's technology allows it to accurately control the amount of solar energy, which involves both light and infrared rays, entering a building or vehicle. The technology also makes it possible to regulate glass reflection and direct heat exposure.
Light transmission from 0.2 to 70%
In practice, this means, among other things, that eLstar Dynamics' glazing controls how much sunlight enters a home or building through the windows. If desired, solar energy can actually be allowed to heat up a room. Or, on the contrary, further warming of the space can be prevented by blocking sunlight. The light transmission of the glass is adjustable from 0.2 to 70%.
The technology offers several advantages. For instance, smart glass can help reduce energy consumption. Among other things, smart use of solar energy can reduce the need to heat and cool a building. At the same time, the technology increases the comfort of occupants and users. For example, they suffer less from bright sunlight and benefit from a more pleasant indoor climate.
Scaling up manufacturing process
The new facility in Eindhoven realised by eLstar Dynamics is intended to scale up the manufacturing process of so-called 'solar control' inks for these panes. These inks are pigment-based. According to eLstar, this offers advantages in terms of longevity and robustness, among others. This property also ensures that glass can be produced in any colour. This increases design freedom and allows colours of windows to match their surroundings.
A large-scale prototype of the smart adaptive glass is planned for the end of this year. In this, the company plans to demonstrate a 1,300 mm by 1,100 mm glass panel. The company's roadmap is available here.
eLstar foresees various applications for its technology. These include the design of sustainable homes. eLstar's windows can help minimise energy consumption. However, think also of the automotive sector, where the technology can increase the privacy and comfort of motorists.
Invisible glass coating from TNO
Using windows to improve the sustainability of homes to reduce energy consumption is not new. TNO, among others, has been experimenting with this for some time. In 2020, for instance, TNO presented windows with an invisible glass coating that can lead to energy savings of 22% compared to using untreated window glass. The coating does this by keeping heat out at high temperatures and allowing heat in at cold temperatures.
TNO calculated that the use of these so-called 'thermochromic windows' in the Netherlands could save EUR 638 per home. On an annual basis, a CO2 reduction of 4.5 million tonnes is possible.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: Pixabay / jplenio
