Smart Windows with Electrochromic Film: Almost Ready for Prime Time
December 14, 2015 | CORDISEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
Retrofitting windows with an electrically dimmable plastic film is a dream that is finally coming close to fruition. According to life cycle assessment studies, considerable energy savings may result when such films are included in architectural glazing, appliance doors, aircraft cabin windows, and vehicle sunroofs; and user comfort is enhanced as well.
The EU-funded EELICON (Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Comfort by Smart Light Transmittance Control) project is focusing on an innovative switchable light transmittance technology that was developed in a project previously co-funded by the EU Framework Programmes. The project developed mechanically flexible and light-weight electrochromic (EC) film devices based on a conductive polymer nanocomposite technology with a property profile far beyond the current state-of-the art.
Dr. Uwe Posset, project coordinator and Expert Group Manager at ZfAE - Center for Applied Electrochemistry, Fraunhofer ISC, discusses the project’s achievements so far.
Do you have any results to show regarding the objectives that you have defined?
We are indeed working on a demonstration line to roll out a possible production process for electrochromic (EC) films, i.e. plastic films that can change colour upon application of a small voltage. Such films can be used to create smart windows for the control of sunlight and glare in buildings and vehicles. This technology is known to have the potential to save substantial amounts of energy for air conditioning. Darkening the film will decrease heat gain in the interior while maintaining the view through the window. The film provides possibilities to retrofit existing windows.
Do you have results from a life cycle assessment (LCA)?
Yes. The results essentially show that the targeted film technology can be produced with less primary energy than a standard EC window. We are currently working on extending the LCA to demonstrate the energy saving potential of the EC film during the use phase.
The EU-funded EELICON (Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Comfort by Smart Light Transmittance Control) project is focusing on an innovative switchable light transmittance technology that was developed in a project previously co-funded by the EU Framework Programmes. The project developed mechanically flexible and light-weight electrochromic (EC) film devices based on a conductive polymer nanocomposite technology with a property profile far beyond the current state-of-the art.
Dr. Uwe Posset, project coordinator and Expert Group Manager at ZfAE - Center for Applied Electrochemistry, Fraunhofer ISC, discusses the project’s achievements so far.
Do you have any results to show regarding the objectives that you have defined?
We are indeed working on a demonstration line to roll out a possible production process for electrochromic (EC) films, i.e. plastic films that can change colour upon application of a small voltage. Such films can be used to create smart windows for the control of sunlight and glare in buildings and vehicles. This technology is known to have the potential to save substantial amounts of energy for air conditioning. Darkening the film will decrease heat gain in the interior while maintaining the view through the window. The film provides possibilities to retrofit existing windows.
Do you have results from a life cycle assessment (LCA)?
Yes. The results essentially show that the targeted film technology can be produced with less primary energy than a standard EC window. We are currently working on extending the LCA to demonstrate the energy saving potential of the EC film during the use phase.
Page 1 of 2
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Indium Corporation Earns Mexico Technology Award for New Halogen-Free Flux-Cored Wire
09/18/2025 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation recently earned a Mexico Technology Award for its new high-reliability, halide- and halogen-free flux-cored wire, CW-807RS, which improves wetting speeds and cycle times for electronics assembly and robot soldering applications.
Blaize, Technology Control Company Partner to Power Saudi Arabia’s Next-Generation AI Innovation Infrastructure
09/17/2025 | BUSINESS WIREBlaize Holdings, Inc., a leader in programmable, energy-efficient edge AI computing, and Technology Control Company (TCC), a leading technology solutions provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), announced a strategic partnership to advance Saudi Arabia’s AI innovation infrastructure and accelerate its digital transformation goals.
BLT Joins Microchip Partner Program as Design Partner
09/17/2025 | BUSINESS WIREBLT, a U.S.-owned and operated engineering design services firm announced it has joined the Microchip Design Partner Program.
Curing and Verification in PCB Shadow Areas
09/17/2025 | Doug Katze, DymaxDesign engineers know a simple truth that often complicates electronics manufacturing: Light doesn’t go around corners. In densely populated PCBs, adhesives and coatings often fail to fully cure in shadowed regions created by tall ICs, connectors, relays, and tight housings.
On the Line With… Podcast: UHDI and RF Performance
09/17/2025 | I-Connect007I-Connect007 is excited to announce the release of a new episode in its latest On the Line with... podcast series, which shines a spotlight on one of the most important emerging innovations in electronics manufacturing: Ultra-High-Density Interconnect (UHDI).
Copyright © I-Connect007 | IPC Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Log in