Innovative technology from BENTELER to produce smart windows that enhance user-comfort and reduce energy demand
Bielefeld/Salzburg, June 13, 2019. Dynamic windows that cut solar glare on demand to instantly adjust indoor light: Merck’s new product brand for dynamic liquid crystal windows eyrise™ is the solution. Enhanced comfort for the occupants and reduced energy demand while preserving transparency and color neutrality are some of the benefits of these dynamic windows. BENTELER Glass Processing Equipment has developed a new production line that is now being used for Merck’s liquid crystal windows production in Veldhoven, in the Netherlands.
Merck's dynamic window modules contain a layer of liquid crystals placed between two glass sheets (cell). Prompted by low voltage, the liquid crystals change their direction instantly to regulate the amount of light passing through the glass. Demand for heating, air conditioning or electrical light is thereby reduced, which are significant factors in a building’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. Other bonuses – the windows always remain transparent, even in a darkened state, natural light is preserved, and the outside view retained. This creates unparallel comfort and wellbeing for room occupants. It also enables architects’ new possibilities for the use of glass.
BENTELER's "Cellmaking Line" enables Merck to serial production of liquid crystal windows
Merck produces its dynamic liquid crystal windows in Veldhoven in the Netherlands. They are manufactured on newly installed equipment, developed and built by BENTELER Glass Processing Equipment. The "Cellmaking Line" enables serial production of the glass cells which are then filled with liquid crystals.
"On the market, there was no technology to manufacture these switchable window panes until now," says Peter Oswald, Managing Director Sales and Service of BENTELER Glass Processing Equipment in Bielefeld. BENTELER is ideally positioned to meet such challenges – thanks to its 60 years of experience in glass processing and its unique expertise. "Our equipment is always custom-made. Developing innovative solutions for our customers is our business," stresses Oswald. The development took almost three years: The Bielefeld-based team found totally new paths to process the panes. In doing so, the knowledge accrued from over 3,500 projects was invaluable.
Automated production under clean room conditions
The unique ability to prepare windows up to a format of 3.50 m x 1.60 m to be filled with liquid crystals requires numerous complex production steps that no other competitor can presently offer. Among other things, this includes gluing the panes and then putting them through an oven. In daily operations, this whole process is for the most part fully automated; only two employees operate the entire line. The whole process is executed under clean room conditions which ensures the proportion of airborne particles is kept to an absolute minimum. The complete production line delivered by BENTELER Glass Processing Equipment measures 75 m x 15 m and consists of 52,500 parts.
