PDLC preparation, installation and power supply

How is PDLC smart film prepared for installation, how is it mounted on glass and connected to power? How do we control smart film?

Wiring diagram

To make the smart film system easier to explain, let’s first look at the wiring diagram. The smart film system consists of a PDLC power supply (transformer), a controller and the PDLC film itself. The power supply converts standard 220 V mains voltage into the appropriate voltage for the PDLC film, while the controller enables simple switching of the system on and off.

Diagram of basic PDLC power supply, controller and smart film wiring

One suitable PDLC power supply can, depending on its power rating, be connected to one or more glass surfaces. Film connected to the same system can be switched on at the same time, while with the right configuration separate controllers can also be used for individual surfaces.

Diagram of options for connecting multiple PDLC surfaces and controllers

This diagram shows the basic way of connecting smart film to the power supply, but the actual installation and how the busbars are prepared can always be adapted to the location where the smart film will be installed.

Busbars

Smart film busbars are the main contact between the PDLC layer (the one with the crystals) and the electrical current. Two poles are always prepared on opposite faces of the smart film. Which side is positive and which is negative does not really matter — what matters is that a continuous current flows through the smart film.

Here is how we prepare the busbars in a few steps:

Step 1: trimming the protective layer — Step 1 — trimming the protective layer to expose the PDLC crystals

Step 2: applying silver paste — Step 2 — a thin coat of silver paste; this layer carries the electrical current directly to the crystals

Step 3: copper tape and wire contacts — Step 3 — as the final step, copper tape is applied to connect the PDLC layer, with wire contacts to the power supply

When smart film is ordered to size, Lumi Projekt can deliver the film with busbars already prepared (and of course tested).

Final installation

Once the smart film has been prepared and tested, it can be applied to the glass surface. The installation itself is not complicated, but it is important to keep the work area clean and apply the film carefully onto the glass.

Installing PDLC smart film onto a glass surface

Control

Home Assistant

Apple HomeKit

SmartThings

Remote

Wall switch

Smart film can be controlled in almost any way you want. By far the most popular options are connecting to smart home systems and control via a mobile app. The power supply also comes with a matching remote control, and an electrician can also wire control to a wall switch.

Power supply table

Choosing a power supply model — that is, how many watts [W] you need — depends on the total film area connected to the same supply. As a general rule, every 1 m² needs 5 W of power to ensure optimal performance.

In the table below you can check which models are available:

Model	Covered area	Price incl. VAT
20W	4 m²	€29.99
30W	6 m²	€44.99
50W	10 m²	€54.99
100W	20 m²	€69.99
200W	40 m²	€119.99
300W	60 m²	€124.99

Need more information?

Contact our team for a free consultation, technical specifications and a tailored quote for your project.