Smart Multifunctional Glass

Important results from the project

The project was about adding functionality to glass structures intended for e.g. buildings or the automotive industry. Autonomous smart electrochromic windows are already existing on the market. Different concepts were evaluated during the project, and the idea to integrate alarm sensors and displays in glass laminates was chosen for the prototypes, to create smart multifunctional windows. Integration of components and control electronics was successful, and the whole concept is therefore considered highly interesting for further commercialization.

Expected long term effects

The entire system has now been implemented in real multifunctional windows, where burglary attempts are detected by the alarm sensors and indicated on both the built-in display and the server computer. One of the window prototypes has been delivered to a property company, for further evaluation. This is an important milestone for the project, even if the delivery was delayed due to the pandemic. The possibility of adding functionality to automotive windows has also been evaluated, but the pandemic prevented the development of a multifunctional glass prototype.

Approach and implementation

The software work for all electronics units required a lot of resources. In retrospect, a simpler form of control electronics should have been implemented. The pandemic also created delays in the project, and the final assembly and testing of the windows had to be carried out at RISE in Norrköping. The prototype work for an application within the automotive industry was suspended. Trade fair participation at Nordbygg and Glasstec was postponed. Two industrial parties had to withdraw from the project, but this only affected the project to a small extent.