Global energy consumption increases every year as a result of the rise in temperature of the earth’s surface. To reduce energy consumption, many countries have invested in the development of green energies. Electrochromic glass is one of green energy-related technologies which maintains indoor temperature by blocking infrared and certain visible light; it can reduce the amount of energy consumption to keep the office buildings and residential houses cool in summer and keep them warm in winter. The Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) had engaged in the missions of applying atomic energy technology to consumer industry, integrating renewable energy systems, and assisting domestic manufacturer to advance their technologies. INER has successfully established a rapid deposition machine for producing electrochromic glass. The machine equipped with a unique high-density plasma deposition system and is able to steadily mass-produce electrochromic glass with high transmittance. Although the cost of the machine is only 1/3 of that of a traditional magnetron sputtering system, its deposition rate is increased by 4 times; therefore, it has the advantages of low cost and high production rate, which can considerably reduce the price and increase the market competitiveness of electrochromic glass.
Licon technologies incorporated is the largest electrochromic rearview mirror production and sales company in Taiwan; its market share is the third largest in the world, and its product sales territory covers Europe, Mainland China, Japan and Southeast Asia. To expand into international market and create new products, the company has consecutively invested in the research and development of automotive electrochromic sunroof technology since 2017, including 3 commissioned research projects executed by INER. After 5 years of cooperating with INER, the company will complete the establishment of a large-scale mass production machine and plan to break into the profitable global electrochromic sunroof market. INER’s technology is distinguishably different from the traditional magnetron sputtering technology, so patent or intellectual property infringements are confidently prevented. In addition, INER’s technology has higher production rate. Therefore, on April 9, 2021, Licon and INER signed the “Technologies of large area electrochromic film deposited by high-density plasma” licensing agreement, with a contract value of NT$16 million.
With the cooperation and efforts of INER and Licon, the production and distribution speeds of electrochromic products in Taiwan can be accelerated, and the related products can enter the global market. It is a new chapter of the energy efficient technology in Taiwan and can contribute to achieve the goals of “green economy” and “environmental sustainability” in Taiwan's energy policy.
Electrochromic windows (20×30cm2). Left: un-tinted glass. Right: tinted glass. The percentage of variation rate of visible light is 50%.
【Contact Information】
- Division of Isotope Applications, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
Director, Dr. Hui-Fen Hung (O)03-4711400#7300
Dr. Po-wen Chen (O)03-4711400#7483
- 發稿單位：綜合計畫處編訓科
杜若婷科長 （O）02-82317919＃2070 (M) 0988-826-692
何 璠 （O）02-82317919＃2072 (M) 0988-826-697