page_title: SAGE Electrochromics
section_title: Technology
hierarchical_section_title: SAGE Electrochromics / Technology
caption_attribution_description: English: Diagram explaining how electrchromic windows function.
context_page_description: SAGE Electrochromics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, is a specialized window glass developer based in Faribault, Minnesota.
  The company develops electronically tintable smart glass, for use in building windows, skylights and curtainwalls, that can be electronically tinted or cleared to optimize daylight and improve occupant comfort in buildings.
  According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, " has the potential to reduce building heating and air conditioning equipment size by up to 25%, resulting in construction cost savings."
context_section_description: SageGlass is electronically tintable glass for use in buildings. It incorporates nanotechnology consisting of five layers of ceramic materials, which have a total thickness that is less than 1/50th that of a human hair. When voltage is applied [less than 5V DC] it darkens as lithium ions and associated electrons transfer from the counter electrode to an electrochromic electrode layer (see Figure 1). Reversing the voltage polarity causes the ions and associated electrons to return to their original layer, the counter electrode, and the glass clears. This solid state electrochromic reaction is controlled through a low voltage DC power supply. When the SageGlass coating darkens, the sun’s light and heat are absorbed and subsequently reradiated from the glass surface to the exterior.
  In addition to stopping solar heat gain, electrochromic IGUs block glare, reduce fading, eliminate the need for some other architectural environmental controls such as window shades and awnings, and enable building inhabitants to continually view the outdoors.
caption: Figure 1: How electrochromic glass works.
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