Helen Sanders Discusses the Benefits of Dynamic Glazing
September 13, 2012

by Casey Neeley, cneeley@glass.com

Helen Sanders, vice president of technical business development for Sage Electrochromics Inc., provide a presentation titled "Dynamic Glazing Case Studies," during which she explained not only the science behind electrochromic and thermochromic glazing, but also the practicality of the products. The presentation was given in Las Vegas as part of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) Educational Seminar.

Sanders described dynamic glazings as "glazings that change their transmission properties in response to an external stimulus such as heat, sunlight, gas or electricity." Types of glazings discussed include liquid crystal devices, or privacy glass, suspended particles devices, monolithic ceramic thin film electrochromic glazing and polymer-based electrochromics.

According to Sanders, the commercial applications are limitless because of their "human factor" appeal. As energy concerns rise, dynamic glazing offers a relatively inexpensive solution to controlling temperatures and lighting. "One of the benefits of dynamic glazing is that you maintain that uninhibited view to the outside," said Sanders.

Sanders offers examples of companies with buildings built with either high, extensive windows or full-room sunroofing where extremes of light, heat and glare were often problems that affected either the efficiency or comfort of the space. Solutions presented by this glazing offered a less expensive, more attractive solution, claimed Sanders.

Sanders added that installing dynamic glazing "reduces energy loads, lowers peak demands power requirements, eliminates need for blind/shade maintenance, reduces overall HVAC equipment requirements, maintains occupants' view and connection to outdoors and enhances buildings' sale and rental value."

The IGMA Educational Seminar was held over the last two days at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.