| influence of energy code requirements as factors that can restrict the use of glass in their projects. This comment from an architect whose firm serves both residential and commercial customers throughout the nation highlights some of the challenges posed by integrating glass into building designs: "The challenges we face are driven by the diverse climates in which we work. Each area is different environmentally, and building codes also vary. Getting the appropriate level of external shading in various types of climates is a challenge that often requires tradeoffs." Awareness, Knowledge and Usage Nearly three-fourths of the architects interviewed are aware of switchable glazings. However, relative to this moderately high level of awareness, architects' knowledge of the product category is limited. Overall, architects know of the light variability and electrical interface properties of switchable glazings, but few are able to provide additional perspective on other properties or distinguishing features of different types of switchable glazings. Only one architect in the sample works for a firm that has ever specified a switchable glazing project. When probed as to the reasons why architects have not specified switchable glazings, two primary inhibiting factors are cited: 1.) lack of knowledge regarding the product category, and 2.) a perception that the material costs associated with switchable glazings are prohibitively high. A subset of architects primarily serving the commercial market also express some concern about the limited installation history of switchable glazings, with several noting the need for assurances of product reliability, particularly for projects with long expected useful lives. Despite these concerns, the architects studied are very positive overall about the availability of switchable glazings as additional light-control product alternatives. Several noted greater aesthetic or functional flexibility as resultant potential benefits to them and their clients. Switchable glazings are particularly valued in situations where innovative designs are desired, when shading needs exist that cannot be addres sed using traditional shading devices or window treatments, and when clients seek lowmaintenance glazing solutions. Satisfaction with Current Products and Systems Study participants were asked to assess their current level of satisfaction with products and systems (excluding switchable glazings) currently available to manage exterior and interior light. Attitudes differ somewhat based on the focus of the firm. Organizations that primarily focus on residential projects are generally highly satisfied with the current offering of blinds, shades and curtains available to | them. Architects whose primary focus is commercial applications are less satisfied but still maintain a positive bias. The opinions of this latter group are primarily influenced by costs and by building and energy code issues that can impede the full extent to which they integrate light into their designs. Interest in Switchable Glazings Even with this positive orientation toward more traditional shading products and window treatments, the architects interviewed are amenable to consider substitute or complementary products to manage light, clearly expressing a keen interest to consider switchable glazings for their projects over the next three years (assuming reasonable costs for materials). Residential architects are optimistic about integrating switchables into their designs, while those focusing on commercial projects are also positive but tend to be somewhat more reserved in their willingness to specify these products. In a number of these cases, the architects noted that some of their clients were federal, state or municipal agencies that tend to be costconscious and would likely be disinterested in higherpriced alternative products at the present time. However, several of these also noted a countervailing trend of government projects to install "super windows" that are energy efficient, ensure privacy, and also offer protection from bombs or incoming projectiles. Importance of Various Attributes A variety of product-related attributes were presented to architects who were then asked to comment on the importance of these attributes to clients of theirs who might at some point be interested in switchable glazings. Attributes expected to be of greatest importance include: 1.) the ability to control light without blocking one's view, 2.) product warranties, and 3.) protection against heat gain. Some notable differences are observed in the comments of the architects interviewed. Compared to architects whose primary focus is commercial work, architects whose primary focus is residential design place greater importance on the ability to instantly change light transmission from dark to clear or clear to dark. Other differences exist. For example, architects focusing on the residential market place a high level of importance on the noise attenuation and energy saving properties of switchable glazings. Conversely, architects focusing on the commercial market place greater relative importance on the ability of switchable glazings to block almost all light and thus eliminate the need for window coverings like curtains, blinds and shades. |
| Expected Market Penetration of Switchable Glazings The architects interviewed were asked to hypothetically assess the penetration rate of switchable glazings within the next 5 years assuming reasonable costs of materials. The median expected percentage of all interior and exterior windows, doors and skylights installed or retrofitted with switchable glazings in the US by 2009 is 13.5%, with opinions consistent when segmented based on the focus of the firm. Architects were asked to comment on the greatest need for switchable glazings at the present time. The most commonly cited applications include: 1.) exterior window applications in residences and office buildings, 2.) interior partitions for conference room and office dividers, 3.) skylights, and 4.) retail storefronts to manage heat gain and occupant comfort. Architects also cited numerous other potential applications of switchable glazings, including glass atriums and ceiling glass, curved glass, curtainwalls, displays, glass elevators and retail showrooms. Several commented that switchable glazings have unique characteristics that make them ideal for windows and skylights that are either difficult to shade or challenging to clean. Finally, when asked to summarize their attitudes toward switchable glazings, one architect offered this comment: "We're generally pleased with the traditional shading devices available to us. Not many architects are aware of switchable glazings. Sure, blinds and other shading devices also add cost, but they also provide the opportunity for decorative treatments. However, the ability to adjust light entering a room is a very nice feature. People like having more freedom to integrate different options into their designs, so a variable tint would be more appealing than simply clear and opaque options." Another architect whose primary focus is commercial applications offered this statement: "Being able to have a choice of visible light transmission ranges is a good benefit. I see this having a lot of application in green building design. We're in a northern climate, so our clients generally are dealing with low light levels. We want the warmth of the sun but glare can be very difficult. Glare in the summer on a western exposure can be very uncomfortable. With a variable tint, you could tie the window to a calendar that would manage light and glare depending on the time of year." SUSPENDED PARTICLE DEVICE TECHNOLOGY While it is likely that each of the most widely known switchables glazings has enjoyed some measure of commercial success, no switchable glazing technology has experienced as much market momentum over the past several years as suspended particle device (SPD) technology, developed and licensed by New York-based | Research Frontiers Incorporated (www.smartglass.com). The company's licensees include many of the world's leading glass, chemical and solar control film companies. SPD technology is a film-based switchable technology. Its basic operating principle is straightforward. The SPD film contains microscopic particles that are randomly dispersed and absorb light in their off state. As small but increasing amounts of electrical voltage are applied, the film's particles become aligned and allow light to pass through. SPD film is adjustable over a wide range of light transmission levels, thus yielding an infinite number of light transmission levels from clear to dark. The film can be integrated into virtually any product where control of light is needed. SPD products, which operate off of AC voltage or battery power, consume very little power (0.05 watts/sf maximum) and can be operated manually or automatically using standard sensing or control devices. SPD technology has numerous characteristics that positively differentiate it from other switchable glazings. It is the only switchable technology that offers the ability to control light transmission instantly or slowly (depending on the desired application) and to offer a range of light transmission ranges as opposed to simply clear and opaque states. SPD film also varies light transmission uniformly over an entire surface area regardless of size, and as such, is particularly appropriate in design applications that involve surfaces of differently sized panels. In its "dark" state, SPD film can block more than 99.5% of incoming light. In addition, SPD film can be applied to curved surfaces, operates over a wide temperature range of –40C to +120C (-40F to +248F), and can be used with either glass or plastic substrates. SPD film is highly durable as well, and has been tested successfully at millions of on/off switching cycles. Products incorporating SPD film block up to 99% of ultraviolet (UV) light. Because they are filmbased, SPD products als o have strong noise attenuation and impact resistance properties. Further, these products can be produced with various configurations of substrates, coatings and static films to optimally meet the needs of a particular project. While commercial availability of SPD products is less than two years old, they already have been installed in a wide range of applications worldwide. In the architectural market, installations include exterior windows, skylights and conference room windows and partitions. Installations in the automotive application include the use of SPD technology on the panoramic glass roof of DaimlerChrysler’s new Setra S 415 HD luxury bus. In addition, DaimlerChrysler's new Jeep Rescue was outfitted with an SPD-Smart sunroof and exhibited at the 2004 Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows. SPD-Smart windows |
