Smart Window Manufacturing Technology Gets $4.9 Million Government Grant

MAG Industrial Automation Systems (Hebron, KY) will share in a $4.9 million Department of Energy ARPA-E grant as part of a team led by Littleton, CO-based ITN Energy Systems (ITNES), the prime contractor for development of a new manufacturing process to dramatically reduce the cost for electrochromic (EC) windows. The project will focus on development of ITN's high-yield, roll-to-roll, vacuum-deposition process using low-cost flexible plastic substrates, rather than conventional large-format glass.

"In addition to its lower cost based on high-rate production, roll-coated EC plastic film has advantages in lower shipping weight and volume, reducing transportation and handling costs," said Dr. J. Manjunathaiah, MAG vice president of energy business development. "Our automation designs have already reduced manufacturing costs to record lows for photovoltaic thin-film solar panels, so the company brings a strong background in scaling up these types of processes. This team believes there is an excellent opportunity to bring similar economies of scale to EC windows with a disruptive new manufacturing approach."

Studies have shown EC windows can cut electricity use in some commercial buildings by up to 40 percent by changing tint when subjected to electric current (C. Scruton, et al. "A Design Guide for Early-Market EC Windows," California Energy Commission Report). These "smart windows" allow building owners to darken them to block solar radiation on hot days, or lighten them to allow more heat in on cool days.

Also participating on ITN's team are Southern California Edison, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Colorado School of Mines.

After working for more than 20 years in aerospace industry, Dr. Mohan Misra founded ITNES in 1994 to bring aerospace know-how to the commercial marketplace, with the primary mission to identify, develop and commercialize emerging technologies for Defense and Commercial markets by establishing successful spin-offs, joint ventures or licensing arrangements. ITNES focuses on developing advanced products and technologies that address the needs of today?s competitive business environment, which is driven by the technology revolution.

MAG is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable-goods industry worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions in process development, automated assembly, turning, milling, automotive powertrain production, composites processing, maintenance, automation and controls, and core components for aerospace, automotive and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, solar energy, wind turbine production and general machining.

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MAG Industrial Automation Systems, 859-534-4537, www.mag-ias.com, e-mail: Bridget Spears, bridget.spears@mag-ias.com.

ITN Energy Systems, 303- 285-5131, www.itnes.com, e-mail: Bruce Lanning PhD, blanning@itnes.com.