Adaptive glazing systems - survey of systems

Glazed facade units must satisfy numerous criteria. In addition to allowing an unobstructed view of the exterior they should also provide protection from direct sunlight and the associated heat transfer. In order to optimize the performance of glazed facades under varying conditions, much effort has been directed towards the development of adaptive glazing systems based on smart materials or smart mechanism. This article will outline the functional principles and visual properties of one self-adjusting, thermochromic glazing, two controllable electrochromic systems and one liquid crystal based system.