Month: August 2023

Miru surpasses critical milestone in durability testing

Published on
August 31, 2023
Words by
Lesel Radage

Next Generation eWindows Prove Resilient to Thermal and Solar Stresses

VANCOUVER, BC, August 31, 2023 – Miru Smart Technologies, a developer of next generation electrochromic windows (eWindows) achieved a critical testing milestone that proves the technology’s resilience to thermal and solar stresses.

Miru eWindow samples have surpassed 150,000 cycles under ambient conditions and 50,000 cycles under aggressive sun and heat testing conditions. Miru’s eWindow samples showed no degradation throughout the rigorous testing cycle. Miru’s patented electrode formulation and manufacturing process showed resilience to thermal and solar stresses—validating Miru’s system design and setting the stage for Miru to move to the commercialization phase of its manufacturing process.

The 50,000 cycle test is an accelerated version of ASTM E2141 testing conditions, with 1 Sun irradiance at 85°C and an extreme accelerated cycle time of one minute. The ASTM E2141 test is the industry standard for materials, products, systems, and services for electrochromic windows. To reach 50,000 cycles is considered to meet 50 years of operation for electrochromic windows in buildings.

“Through this intense testing, Miru has validated our eWindow technology and confirmed our key materials, system and manufacturing design considerations” said Curtis Berlinguette, Founder and CEO, Miru Smart Technologies. “This significant achievement demonstrates the reliability and durability of Miru’s technology, and underscores our commitment to delivering innovative and high-performance window solutions.”

About Miru

Miru is developing next generation eWindow solutions for the residential, commercial and automotive markets. Miru is disrupting how eWindows are produced and distributed, with a patented process that lowers costs, improves performance and significantly reduces carbon emissions—enhancing the well-being of people and our planet. Miru imagines a world where windows expand your view and keep you connected to your community and the world around you. Miru’s growth has been significantly aided by the support of the National Research Council, the BC Innovative Clean Energy (BC ICE) Fund, and the Canadian Sustainable Development Technology Fund (SDTC). Learn more at mirucorp.com.

Miru Media Contact:

Irene Tod
i.tod@mirucorp.com
604-356-8164

Take the longer view with Miru smart sunroofs

Published on
August 20, 2023
Words by
Lesel Radage

The number one factor consumers cite when deciding which electric vehicle (EV) to purchase is driving range. But while car manufacturers focus on improving battery designs, tintable windows also extend the driving range of an electric vehicle. By controlling the amount of light passing through the vehicle window, drivers can realize a 10% increase in EV driving range.

Smart sunroofs change the level of tint in response to electricity. The driver can therefore dynamically tint the window with the press of a button. These windows offer greater comfort in changing weather conditions, while reducing the energy vehicles consume to increase the driving range for EVs.

The first generation of smart sunroofs are finally hitting the market after years of development. Porsche Taycan and Renault Solarbay are both examples currently in the market.

The Porsche Taycan comes with optional panoramic glass roof with variable light control. Image from: www.porsche.com

While these first gen smart windows diffract light, Miru is pioneering the use of electrochromic technologies that better control the sun’s heat. Miru is bringing to market electrochromic windows (“eWindows”), which have been proven on flat glass in large commercial buildings—making Miru the first to make curved eWindows for automobiles.

Miru eWindows can span large panoramic sunroofs without bisecting busbars, and use low voltage power to drive the switching. These features are important to both consumers and manufacturers, as automobiles are designed with increasingly more glass.

By using Miru eWindows to increase the driving range of electric vehicles, drivers can reduce CO emissions, enhancing the wellbeing of our people and our planet.

To learn more about Miru eWindows for automobiles, email contact@mirucorp.com.

Expand your view: Electrochromic windows and dynamic glass trends in 2023

Published on
August 14, 2023
Words by
Lesel Radage

Electrochromic windows are expanding our view. This past year has seen electrochromic windows (“eWindows”) gain traction as energy codes, increased regulations and incentives drive more builders to adopt these energy efficient windows. And as electric vehicles (“EVs”) become more prevalent to help address climate change, so too is using dynamic glass for EVs and other automobiles.

We’ve compiled some of the more noteworthy eWindows and dynamic glass updates, trends and news articles that we’ve seen in 2023.

In the media

Forbes, CBS News and more covered eWindows and highlighted the important role the technology plays in reducing building energy use and carbon emissions. Smart glass and energy-efficient windows also trended at the largest trade shows in glass and consumer electronics throughout the year.

New buildings

Architects and developers are increasingly driven to minimize the energy and carbon impact of their buildings. In 2023, airports, universities, offices, commercial spaces, and hotels globally incorporated eWindows into their architectural innovations and created dynamic façades that are environmentally conscious. These buildings married functionality and aesthetics by using eWindows like Miru’s to optimize daylight and improve building energy efficiency by 20%.

The CURV 60-storey residential tower in Vancouver will be the world’s tallest Passive House. Image from: https://thecurv.ca/

Airports

Universities, think tanks and hospitals

Offices, commercial space  and hotels

New cars

Dynamic sunroofs also made significant strides in the automotive industry. In 2023, we saw an increasing number of vehicles incorporating dynamic glass into sunroof panels, windows, and mirrors. Carmakers are taking advantage of the technology’s ability to control tint, reduce glare and optimize comfort.

McLaren’s new supercar, the 750S, has optional electrochromic glass added to the car’s retractable hardtop. Image from: www.zigwheels.my

Want to learn more about Miru eWindows? Reach out to us at . contact@mirucorp.com.