ClearVue Technologies Ltd (ASX: CPV) and smart glass company Nodis Pte Ltd have signed a collaboration agreement to engineer an electronically controlled window solution for the US Air Force.

The Companies have undertaken a first phase evaluation for the US Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida trialling Nodis’ dynamic switchable glazing powered by ClearVue’s solar window technology. 

Nodis is a world leader in developing switchable glazing technology in windows that uses Dipole Nanoparticle Suspension (DNPS) to create an optical shutter system that can block light travelling through glass.

The Nodis product, marketed as TruTint, uses colour-coated micro particles suspended in super small wells which are sandwiched between two sheets of glass. Electric power is then connected to each side of the conductive film coating to create a low-cost, instantly switchable piece of smart glass with infinite tinting capabilities.

In early 2021, Nodis began the first phase of evaluation with the US Air Force to demonstrate its first proof-of-concept solution by combining its switchable film with a ClearVue PV window, which was deployed into a building operated by the US Air Force Civil Engineering Centre. Nodis’ smart glass film was used to control the tint level, which in turn controlled the amount of light and infrared entering a US Air Force building, with control coming from Nodis’ Window Control System using IoT (Internet of Things).

ClearVue is an Australian tech company operating in the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BPIV) sector which involves the integration of solar technology into building surfaces, specifically glass and building façades, to provide renewable energy. The Company has developed an advanced nano glass technology that preserves glass transparency while also producing electricity from sun exposure.

A second phase of the evaluation with the US Air Force kicked off in November last year with window solutions from ClearVue and Nodis, and there has also been planned further installation testing at Tyndall Air Force Base, which is set for June 2022. 

Following a successful second phase of evaluation by the US Air Force, Nodis will seek a third phase of commercial engagement of Nodis and ClearVue to supply smart windows and glazing for upcoming US Air Force building projects.

“We are looking forward to working with ClearVue on completion of our customer evaluations and then, subject to success of the same, look forward to working with ClearVue to explore licensing and sales opportunities together under the new Collaboration Agreement and more formal agreements that will follow,” said Nodis CEO, Michael Holt.

“To date, the combined Nodis and ClearVue solution has demonstrated the benefits of both solutions to the US Air Force: energy savings and energy generation offering a clear impact on sustainability and a path towards Net-Zero. The next step is to complete Phase 2 of the US Air Force evaluation with Nodis and then to scale and commercialise a combined product for potential sales to the US Air Force and others,” said, ClearVue CEO, Victor Rosenburg.  

For the quarter ended March 31 2022, ClearVue’s receipts from customers were $126k, while the Company recorded net operating and investing cash outflows during the quarter of just under AU$0.7m, which was down from AU$1.3m for the December quarter.