TNO smart windows applied in buildings and homes for the first time
TNO’s SunSmart smart windows have now been applied in real buildings and homes for the first time. The coating in the transparent thermochromic glass automatically blocks solar heat at temperatures around 21 °C. At lower temperatures, it allows solar heat to pass through. This happens autonomously, without electricity, without additional connections and without any visible tint change. This clearly sets SunSmart apart from conventional solar control glass and electrically switchable systems.
From development to real world application
Recently, more than 300 m² of SunSmart glass was produced in a commercially viable size of 2.25 x 3.21 metres. These glass panels have been used to create insulating glazing units for, among others, the Brightlands Circular Space building at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen and a residential property in Almere.
In addition to the ongoing field research within the Interreg Flanders Netherlands USave project, TNO is now testing SunSmart smart windows in occupied buildings. This marks an important next step towards market introduction.
Lower energy use and improved comfort
Smart windows can contribute to a climate neutral built environment. This is highly relevant, as buildings in the Netherlands account for approximately 40 percent of energy consumption and nearly one third of CO₂ emissions. Windows play a key role, as they influence both heating demand in winter and cooling demand in summer.
Compared with standard HR++ glazing, SunSmart can reduce energy consumption. For an average household in the Netherlands, this equates to an energy saving of approximately 5 to 9 percent. This represents around €500 and approximately 400 kilograms less CO₂ per year. In addition, the technology can reduce the number of indoor hours above 28 °C by approximately 60 percent. This not only lowers cooling demand, but also improves comfort and helps reduce heat stress in buildings.
The glass remains visually transparent, with a high light transmittance, while insulation performance is at the level of HR++ glazing. This makes the technology suitable for integration into standard building applications.
TNO supports the full scale up pathway
TNO is involved across the entire value chain, from material development and laboratory validation to pilot production and application in real buildings. Through its pilot demonstration line and collaboration with value chain partners, TNO helps reduce the risks associated with scaling up and prepares the technology for broader market introduction.
Brightlands Materials Center
Brightlands Materials Center, where a significant part of this development takes place, is a collaboration between TNO, BCC and the Province of Limburg. Together with partners from the glass and construction sectors, TNO is working on further scaling up, enabling smart windows to contribute on a larger scale to lower energy costs, improved comfort and a more resilient built environment.
Would you like to be part of this? Please contact Eugène Veerkamp.
Contact us
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Eugene Veerkamp
Functie:Business developerEugène can rely on an impressive career in international business as a chemical & materials engineer that spans 25 years. He understands that the commercial and financial aspects are essential for new sustainable solutions to become successful. Cooperating closely with the industry and launching new innovation onto the market are two key drivers in Eugène’s daily work, along with sharing his own business development experience within an enthusiastic team of specialists.
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Standplaats:Geleen - Brightlands Materials Center
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Email:Email Eugene
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LinkedIn:Eugene on LinkedIn
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