Transparent power delivery for embedded designs
Zytronic in Newcastle, UK, has launched a technique for delivering power through a transparent glass laminate. The ElectroglaZ technology can be used to deliver power at under 50V and 3A to USB sockets, induction charging pads, motors, fans, security cameras and sensors, air monitoring units in HVAC systems, and small displays.
The transparent power technology is a bespoke lamination of two or more conductive glass panels. This arrangement allows the transfer of power across the inner conductive coatings within the insulated surfaces of the laminate. To tap into the power, small apertures, typically 30 to 100mm, are machined into the laminated glass where the customer’s connection and electrical device or assembly fits and connects to the positive and negatively charged inner coatings. A 1mm wide printed conductive busbar around the perimeter of the glass is applied to supply the external power into the laminate.
Industrial designers can also combine the technology with the Zytronic multitouch projected capacitive technology (MPCT) to add multi-user touch interactivity and tangible object recognition in ‘smart’ tables and other design-led furniture. It can also be used with the ZyBrid hover contactless sensing technology that detects user interactions up to 30mm away from the surface of the glass.
Initially, Zytronic will be offering ElectroglaZ panels in any size up to 1m x1.8m. The maximum number of mounting holes machined into the glass depends upon the size of both the panel and apertures themselves. However, as a design guide, there should be a minimum of 2x the aperture diameter between each hole, and also from the glass edges.
“We will closely consult with each customer depending upon their individual project requirements and product design and provide guidelines and recommendations on attaching electrical connections to the busbar and power delivery apertures,” says Dr Andrew Morrison, Technical Director, Zytronic. “The industrial design engineer would then take the final system assembly through any applicable electrical safety tests and certification as per usual.”
Next: In-house production and samples for transparent power
As all of Zytronic’s manufacturing processes are in-house, samples and prototypes of ElectroglaZ can be fabricated within a few days or weeks, supporting customers increasingly rapid product development timescales.
“ElectroglaZ is completely transparent and can be used to power a near limitless variety of low power, electronic and electrotechnical devices embedded within a glass panel,” said Ian Crosby, Sales & Marketing Director, Zytronic. “Potential applications include LED lit display cases and shelving units for museums, art galleries and high-end retail stores.”
www.zytronic.co.uk/technology/electroglaz/
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