How it works - Pleotint LLC

The science behind SRT^™ film is a dramatic advancement in the field of thermochromics and its use in windows represents the world’s first practical approach to cost effective variable-tint windows. The basic idea behind SRT^™ windows is a lightly tinted thermochromic film that warms up in the presence of direct sunlight. The warm film darkens to absorb a significant portion of the sunlight shining directly on the window. The tinted film, in combination with a special heat reflecting, low E layer allows the window to prevent undesirable heat load in a building or structure. In the absence of direct sunlight the window clears to allow much of the indirect sunlight into a building or structure.

In an era of high energy prices and concern about green house gas (“GHG”) emissions, we believe the SRT^™ technology is very timely. By reducing the heat load, and varying tint levels, SRT^™ film allows windows to be a truly “green” element of office building and home designs, solving one of the most vexing problems in window design – reducing heat build-up from the sun, while providing “cool” daylighting. We believe the SRT^™ technology produces impressive energy savings while enhancing occupant comfort and preserving aesthetic appeal.

The SRT^™ film is laminated between two sheets of glass, which is then inserted as the middle pane in a triple-pane window; with one of the other panes having a low-E coating, as demonstrated below:

An alternative SRT^™ window system for Skylights, atriums, sunroofs and residential casement windows is:

In direct sunlight the SRT^™ film absorbs some of the sunlight and turns the light energy into heat energy. The heat energy causes the SRT^™ film to darken from a light green tint to a dark gray color. The SRT^™ film never eliminates visibility – building occupants can always see outside. The SRT^™ film only reduces the intensity of the light penetrating the glass, which is consistent with daylighting uses. The low-E coating on the near-side pane of glass helps to keep the heat energy formed in the SRT^™ film from radiating into the building. When the sun is not shining directly on the window, it stays in its high light transmission mode letting indirect light inside the building, which offsets the need for interior lighting.