What is the power source of smart glass/film?
Smart glass/film is operated using 48-65VAC power supply. Transformer will be needed for 110-230V power source.
What are the major reasons for using PDLC smart glass?
Enhanced security (since the glass is shatter-proof thanks to the internal plastic lamination)
Privacy (thanks to the scattering of light, essentially hiding whatever is behind the smart glass)
Glare reduction (again thanks to the scattering effect)
Reduction of the carbon footprint of the building thanks to the solar control, which reduces HVAC needs, both in summer and in winter
Reduced colour fading of interior furnishings and artworks, thanks to the rejection of UV
Creative marketing, since when the PDLC smart glass is off, the scattering effect creates a screen upon which you can project images.
Does PDLC smart glass conduct electricity?
No, the internal PDLC layer is plastic and does not conduct electricity, since it is electrically insulated. Rather, it behaves more like a capacitor, where the applied signal alternates between positive and negative voltages at the plates of the capacitor, causing an alternating electric field throughout the PDLC dielectric, which is what aligns the liquid crystals with the frequency of the signal (normally 50 Hz or 60 Hz).
Does PDLC smart glass become opaque?
No, the correct term is translucent, since light still gets through, albeit scattered in many directions. The glass would be opaque only if the light was blocked or absorbed.
What is a Liquid Crystal?
A liquid crystal is a hybrid between (i) a liquid which flows like a fluid and (ii) a crystal which is normally found as a solid, exhibiting short- or long-range symmetry.