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   Smart windows  evaluated  
Innovative composite glasses allow to automatically adapt the characteristics of light and heat transmission to different external circumstances. The resulting smart windows are a promising technology for energy efficiency since they may shield direct sunlight through the windows and thus save energy for air conditioning
Technology field: Optimisation of comfort functions
open main section General information
close main section General criteria
  close sub-section Status of development: concept
    External technology, no railway application discussed yet.
  Time horizon for broad application: 5 - 10 years
    (no details available)
  Expected technological development: highly dynamic
    (no details available)
    Motivation:
   
  • Energy savings
  • Improved passenger comfort
  Benefits (other than environmental): big
   

Passenger comfort

A continuous shading of windows without impeding sight improves passenger comfort. Smart windows have variable shielding (both technologies to about 30% of the incoming light). No extra sun-blind needed, which saves costs.

  Barriers: medium
   

Costs

Smart windows as a retrofit measure will probably not be an option due to high costs.

In new stock additional costs will be justifiable by reduced energy costs.

Complexity

Smart windows are high tech applications and defect liability could become a problem.
    Success factors:
    (no details available)
  Applicability for railway segments: high
    Type of traction:  electric - DC, electric - AC, diesel
    Type of transportation:  passenger - main lines, passenger - high speed, passenger - regional lines, passenger - suburban lines
    (no details available)
    Grade of diffusion into railway markets:
  Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: 0 %
  Share of newly purchased stock: 0 %
    Not yet applied in railway sector.
  Market potential (railways): highly uncertain
    (no details available)
    Example:
    (no details available)
open main section Environmental criteria
open main section Economic criteria
open main section Application outside railway sector
open main section Overall rating
References / Links:  www.gesimat.de
Attachments:
Related projects:
Contact persons:
 date created: 2002-10-09
 
 
© UIC - International Union of Railways 2003
 
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