DARMSTADT, GERMANY: Merck KGaA said that it will unveil its new innovative switchable liquid crystal window technology for architects, window manufacturers, automotive applications and etc. These are smart, eco-friendly windows, with three different variants, they can be used in buildings: sun protection, glare protection, and privacy control.
With the large selection of colours and shapes, the windows can be optimally adapted to the surroundings and they offer a high degree of design freedom.
The sun protection variant can be realised in different light transmittance bandwidths and achieves energy savings of up to 40 percent in building climate control systems. For users, the windows offer maximum ease since they offer continuously variable switching within seconds and are absolutely transparent and color-neutral in both switching states – two decisive advantages over competing technologies.
With the glare protection variant, the glass not only darkens, it also becomes diffuse in order to prevent sun glare. This can make working on a computer monitor more comfortable. It replaces mechanical solutions such as blinds.
The privacy variant switches from transparent to opaque and prevents outsiders from seeing in. The special feature of the Merck technology is that the windows are crystal-clear in the non-switched state.
Merck has been developing liquid crystal window technology for several years as part of its strategic initiative known as “LC 2021”. As the market and technology leader in liquid crystals for displays, the company has extensive expertise that is being leveraged in applications such as televisions, laptops, smartphones and tablet computers.
Creating a track record of effective fittings
Pilot installations in the field have shown that the liquid crystal windows meet the highest demands. The window facade on the west side of Merck’s modular Innovation Center in Darmstadt was fitted with liquid crystal windows for sun protection in early 2015. Switchable windows in both the sun protection and privacy control variants were also installed in the new OLED materials production building inaugurated at the Darmstadt site in September 2016.
They provide optimum light protection for the clean rooms and prevent outsiders from looking in the secure production environment. Long-term tests prove the longevity of the materials. They operate perfectly, from the icy cold of a winter's night to the afternoon heat of a midsummer's day. Other liquid crystal window installations include a building at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and a meeting room at the University of Eindhoven. The production site for the liquid crystal window modules will be located in Veldhoven in the greater Eindhoven area, a high-tech hotspot in the Netherlands.
Substantial features, energy and economic proficiency
Licrivision makes buildings more pleasant to live and work in by maintaining the view outside the windows and reducing the heat gain, which translates into less cooling. The light transmittance values lie between a maximum of 70 percent in the light state and a minimum of 5 percent in the dark state.
Various liquid crystal mixtures with different contrast and performance values can be selected within this range. Energy savings of up to 40 percent are possible. The energy consumption of the window modules is less than 1 W/m².
Licrivision is invisibly integrated into the panel, with minimal space requirements. Since fewer components are necessary than with conventional shading solutions and the ongoing costs for cleaning and technical maintenance are lower, liquid crystal windows stand for high economic efficiency.
“Going forward, Merck aims to be at the forefront of switchable glass for architecture and automotive applications. In order to bring the new technology to market quickly, we have set up a dedicated business field and are currently building a production facility for liquid crystal window modules in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. The manufacture and marketing of the modules are to begin at the end of 2017. Initially, the maximum size will be 1.60 x 3.50 meters,” said Johannes Canisius, head of the liquid crystal windows business field within performance materials at Merck.
Read More: Merck to unveil attractive, energy saving switchable windows
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