SmartWrap™ is the building envelope of the future: a composite that integrates the currently segregated functions of a conventional wall and combines them into one advanced composite. The intention of the pavilion is to explain the concept of the wrap in its architectural and artistic context, to describe its various components, and demonstrate the transfer technologies associated with it.
SmartWrap™ is the building envelope of the future: a composite that integrates the currently segregated functions of a conventional wall and combines them into one advanced composite. The intention of the pavilion is to explain the concept of the wrap in its architectural and artistic context, to describe its various components, and demonstrate the transfer technologies associated with it.
Efficient
SmartWrap™ replaces the conventional "bulky" wall with a composite of millimeter scale that can be erected in a fraction of conventional building time and with greater ease.
Mass Customizable
SmartWrap™ can be produced for an infinite number of conditions and desired aesthetic programs. The pattern with which one would print the wrap is subject to the needs of a particular project usage.
Inspired by material science and the printing industry, SmartWrap™ utilizes innovative products rolled and printed onto fabrics and plastic films in roll-to-roll processes. The idea is realized through the transfer of technologies from other industries to provide for the following selected criteria: Shelter, Climate Control, Lighting and Information Display, and Power.
Shelter Polyester Film Substrate
Protection from rain and wind is provided by a polyester film which also acts as the substrate for the various other SmartWrap™ layers.
Examples of polyester polymers in use.
Polyester and its derivative polyethyleneapthalate (PET) have been used in a variety of applications from food and beverage containers to clothing. PET is colorless and transparent, inexpensive, quick drying and mildew resistant, with low moisture absorption and high mechanical strength. Ink-jet printing and roll-coating onto PEN/PET can be done under normal room conditions, eliminating the cost and complication of clean-rooms, high temperatures, and vacuum manufacturing for final assembly.
Climate Control Phase Change Materials
To moderate temperature SmartWrap™ contains micro-capsules of Phase Change Materials (PCM's). The microcapsules are embedded into a polymer resin and then extruded into a film.
What Is A Phase Change Material?
There are three phases of matter that we are most familiar with: solid, liquid and gas. When a substance reaches a certain temperature it changes phase. However, for a substance to undergo this change, energy such as heat must be exchanged.
When an object goes from liquid to solid, heat is released, and when it goes from solid to liquid, heat is absorbed. This is the principle behind phase change materials as temperature regulators: When an environment gets hot, the heat is absorbed to later be released when it is cold.
Current Usages of Phase Change Material
In countries where electricity is far more expensive during the day, encapsulated PCM's have been used in boilers to allow water to be heated at night and stay warm throughout the day. PCM's in the form of microcapsules have been embedded in fabric and used in clothing. PCM's have also been used in building materials such as drywall and latent heat "thermal batteries."
Lighting & Information Display OLED Technology
To provide lighting and information display, SmartWrap™ uses organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, which is thin, flexible, and self-emissive.
What is OLED technology? OLED technology is based on organic molecules that emit light (photons) when an electric current is applied. OLEDs are either made in polymer form, or small molecules that can be deposited onto glass and plastic substrates. OLED in themselves are many layers, some of which must be manufactured in clean rooms.
Current Usages of OLEDs Currently OLEDs are being used as monochromatic displays in razors, cell phones and PDA's, with full color displays being released shortly and flexible displays on the horizon.
Power Organic Photo-Voltaics
How Solar Cells Work SmartWrap™ utilizes organic photo-voltaics (OPV's) in order to self-sustain the imbedded OLED system via an OPV composed of PEDOT:PSS coated with a layer of Buckminsterfullerene (C60).
In addition to heat, energy can be manifested as light which is a broad term for electromagnetic radiation, which includes gamma rays, x-rays. the UV, visible spectrum, infrared and radio waves. When illuminated with broadband light, the polymer PEDOT:PSS will absorb energy and transfer an electron to the Buckminsterfullerene coating.
When engineered properly and attached to electrodes, this polymer/coating pair will provide a steady stream of electrons when in contact with a steady stream of photons. Photons are produced by the sun and converted to electricity by the act of layers.
HOW SMARTWRAP™ IS MADE
A Printable Skin
The printable skin is made up of a substrate, an applied or imbedded layer, and various printed layers. The substrate suggested is a polyester mixture, polyethyleneapthalate (PET). It is colorless, and fully transparent. The printed layers are what give the more dramatic properties to the wall. OLEDs are attached to the surface and function as monitors of sorts. The OTFT, organic thin-film transistor, works in conjunction with the OLED performing as its circuitry and power is supplied from organic solar cells. And finally the PCM is added to the surface of the polyester as a printing process. The PCM's serve to regulate latent heat properties in the micro climate adjacent to the curtain.
Deposition Printing
This method is analogous to the process of inkjet printing. Materials of various colors or properties are suspended in a solution that is then sprayed or deposited upon the substrate and "dries" much like an ink on paper.
Roll to Roll Printing / Roll Coating
One of the methods used to create the final SmartWrap™ product is roll coating. This is essentially a process of laminating materials from two different rolls in a rapid automated fashion. Large amounts of materials can be laminated together in a short amount of time.
© 2007 KieranTimberlake Associates LLP
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