GVSU / MAREC Joins Forces with West Michigan Firm to Introduce Thermochromic Self-Tinting Laminated Glass Technology

Consistent with the mission of MAREC to highlight and showcase emerging technologies, the development of the Suntuitive® interlayer for laminated glass offers an important new energy saving opportunity for commercial and residential window glass installations.Arn Boezaart, Director of MAREC notes that “from an energy savings standpoint, the Suntuitive interlayer represents break-through technology that can provide significant energy efficiency through reduction of heat gain in a variety of commercial and higherend residential applications”.

The Suntuitive interlayer is North America’s first commercially available thermochromic interlayer for laminated glass that gradually darkens in response to rising temperatures caused by direct sunlight, then cools as the sun moves across the sky, returning to a clear, neutral state in cloudy or dark conditions. The Suntuitive interlayer requires no electrical or mechanical assistance.

Harlan Byker, Pleotint CEO stated “We are proud to partner with GVSU/MAREC as part of the introduction of our Suntuitive technology that provides energy saving by the reversible tinting of windows every day of the year, and on every orientation of a building simply by the amount of sunlight shining directly on the window”. Able to passively adapt to direct sunlight, the Suntuitive interlayer can optimize indoor comfort, views and daylighting, while blocking heat generated from sunlight, glare, and ultraviolet light without obtrusive window shades or other sun-blocking devices.

Recently, four standard insulated window units at MAREC were replaced with the Pleotint Suntuitive® laminated glass and will serve as a demonstration site for the technology while allowing for performance monitoring in comparison to the properties of conventional thermal laminated window glass. MAREC welcomes visitors interested in viewing the technology and learning more about the Pleotint innovation.

About MAREC:

The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC) in Muskegon is an economic development initiative of the City of Muskegon in partnership with Grand Valley State University and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. MAREC offers a range of technology oriented business start-up and incubation opportunities with emphasis on renewable energy innovation and efficiency. MAREC operates in partnership with the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program.

For more information, contact Kim Walton, MAREC Program Director at: 616-331-6907 or by e-mail at waltonk@gvsu.edu