The Technology Behind ConverLight® Electrochromic

ConverLight® Dynamic is a world-leading electrochromic technology that provides precise control over light and solar energy transmission. Developed by ChromoGenics and through decades of research at the Ångström Laboratory of Uppsala University, this Swedish innovation enables dynamic glass tinting while maintaining clear visibility, architectural aesthetics, and a healthy indoor climate.

At the core of ConverLight® Dynamic is an advanced multilayer structure featuring a flexible electrochromic foil laminated between two glass panes. Lithium and hydrogen ions migrate between electrochromic layers by applying a low electrical voltage, altering their oxidation state. This reaction causes the glass to transition from a high-transparency state to a darkened mode – effectively regulating the amount of light and solar heat that enters a building. Unlike traditional shading solutions, this adjustment is seamless, energy-efficient, and preserves the external view.

For seamless glass tinting management, ConverLight® Dynamic also features an intuitive cloud-based control system. It supports automated and manual operations via building automation or mobile devices. Installation is simple with minimal wiring, and the glass consumes power only when switching states. Integrated solar cells enable wireless, self-sustaining operation, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.

ConverLight® Dynamic has been rigorously tested under ISO 18543:2021, an accelerated aging test that simulates over 20 years of usage. The glass maintains high performance under extreme conditions, including 5000h of UV exposure at high temperatures and 30 000 switching cycles.

The film structure consists of several key layers:

Transparent Conductive Layers – Thin coatings that enable electrical charge distribution across the surface.

Electrochromic Layers – Composed of tungsten oxide and nickel oxide, these layers undergo controlled optical property changes in response to voltage.

Electrolyte Layer – A polymer-based ion conductor that facilitates the reversible redox reaction responsible for the dynamic tinting effect.

Electrochromic Foil Manufacturing
ConverLight® Dynamic is produced using an advanced roll-to-roll sputtering process. Tungsten and nickel oxide layers are deposited onto a flexible PET film inside a vacuum chamber, ensuring precise coating uniformity. The coated PET films are then laminated with an ion-conducting polymer electrolyte, forming the active electrochromic foil. This process enables high production efficiency and transportability, as the foil can be delivered in rolls rather than sheets.

Glass Integration and Lamination
The electrochromic foil undergoes the FreeForm® process, allowing it to be cut into custom sizes and shapes before being laminated between two glass sheets. With no height limitations and a maximum width of 1550 mm, ConverLight® Dynamic offers flexible design options, including curved and custom-shaped glass for diverse architectural applications. The lamination process secures the foil while preserving its electrochromic properties, ensuring durability and long-term functionality. Since the foil is laminated, virtually any type of glass can be used, with various coatings, functionalities, and manufacturers to choose from.

IGU Assembly
Once laminated, the electrochromic glass laminate is integrated into an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), consisting of multiple glass layers separated by spacers filled with inert gas for optimal thermal insulation. High-performance sealants ensure an airtight construction, preventing fogging and enhancing energy efficiency. The electrochromic glass laminate can be used on its own or incorporated into double-, triple-, or even quadruple IGUs – achieving the same insulation properties as a brick wall. 

ConverLight® Dynamic is a highly versatile technology, ideal for commercial facades, residential windows, and specialised glazing solutions. It is available in standard variants, ConverLight® 75 and ConverLight® 65, offering different levels of light transmittance and solar control. However, as the core technology is based on a flexible foil, there are virtually no limitations, allowing you to create a customised solution by configuring the insulated glass unit.

To enhance performance or alter aesthetics, ConverLight® Dynamic can be customised with energy-efficient coatings, solar control layers, coloured PVB, or tinted glass. It also integrates seamlessly with other interlayers and glass types to provide specialised functionalities such as soundproofing, bullet resistance, fire resistance or enhanced insulation – ensuring a solution tailored to your specific needs.

Energy Efficiency: Reducing solar heat gain during spring/summer and allowing heat entry during fall/winter dramatically lowers HVAC costs and enhances overall building efficiency.

Environmental Benefits: Contributes to sustainability goals by reducing CO2 emissions and supporting green building certifications (BREEAM, LEED).

Architectural Freedom: Design freely and eliminate the need for external shading solutions such as blinds or awnings.

ConverLight® Dynamic is engineered to minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency – marking a significant advancement in sustainable innovation. By optimizing production, transportation, and installation, ChromoGenics achieves the market’s lowest carbon footprint throughout the glass’s entire lifecycle, reducing emissions to just 8 CO₂eq/m². By dramatically lowering CO₂ in both manufacturing and operation, ConverLight® Dynamic sets a new standard for energy-efficient, eco-friendly architecture.

Production: The roll-to-roll manufacturing process enables high-volume production of the foil, ensuring an energy-efficient production process while reducing overall carbon emissions.

Transportation: Local glass processors can integrate ConverLight® Dynamic into various glass types, minimizing transportation emissions and enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Operation: Once installed, the glass significantly reduces energy consumption by lowering the need for artificial lighting, cooling, and heating. The system itself has a very low operating voltage, where the energy required to switch from light to dark mode is less than 0.05W/m².