A new system designed by View, previously Soladigm, makes use of electrochromatic glass and software to control it.
View stayed away from traditional LCD electrochromatic glass, instead opting for a new vapor deposition technique typically reserved for thin-film solar or display technology. The new smart glass is thinner and less expensive, as well as more durable.
View’s smart glass, which is about 50% more expensive than typical glass, would require more in up-front construction costs, but typically promises a 20% reduction in utility costs, making it break even after about 2 years.
“The energy savings are tremendous but this is much larger than that. It’s a truly intelligent window system that allows for a fantastic user experience,” says View CEO Rao Mulpuri.
View’s smart glass system is controlled via Wi-Fi network, by a central controller using algorithms taking into consideration internal and external temperature, solar load, and occupancy. In an office setting, an employee can sit comfortably next to the auto-dimmed window without getting too hot or having to suffer glare from the full sun.