Smart windows in civil engineering

Smart glass is an innovative work material for daylighting whose light transmission properties are altered when voltage, light or heat is applied. Such glass can be used both in the construction of office and residential buildings. The purpose of the research was to study prospects of using smart glass in construction. The general aspects of the main part of the study were to compare different types of smart windows and to identify their main advantages and disadvantages. The research showed that the newest species of glass surfaces are extremely transparent, multifunctional and energy efficient. The basic smart window disadvantages include high cost, energy requirement and high power consumption. All these problems seem to be solved in the nearest future because sponsors invest a lot of money in the development of smart glass optical properties. Moreover, the study investigated the scope of smart windows сhanges in the smart glass market in recent years. The research showed that the market is growing steadily. Based on the findings, smart glass is an extremely promising material that is going to spread quickly in the nearest future. Further study requires to figure out the most efficient way of energy consumption and to reduce the price of the material.