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Even when the vehicle is at a
standstill the interior does not overheat, since the roof is
switched to darkened mode when powered off.
The operating principle is based
on the physics of a plate condenser: if the glass structure is
subjected to an electrical voltage, particles in the structure
position themselves so that light is able to pass through the
glass. If the voltage remains switched off, however, the
particles position themselves randomly. This partially blocks
the light, and the glass remains dark. The control unit and
converter are integrated into the front section of the roof, and
the switch is in the overhead control console.
In addition to the unique
panoramic effect and transparency at the touch of a button,
MAGIC SKY CONTROL also provides a top-class wellness atmosphere.
UV and infrared light are also effectively blocked in
transparent mode, while insulation increases even more
significantly and noticeably in darkened mode, thereby helping
to keep the temperature on interior parts such as armrests
cooler by up to 10 degrees Celsius compared with conventional
green glass.
The demanding Mercedes-Benz
endurance test programme which prototypes fitted with the
switchable glass roof had to pass around the globe included
harsh practical tests conducted in Death Valley in the USA – one
of the hottest places on earth. Under the heat of the baking
sun, summer temperatures there regularly hit over 50 degrees
Celsius in the shade. The test engineers made the most of these
conditions to heat up the SLK prototypes with transparent roofs
for four hours around midday, for example. They then switched
the roofs to non-transparent mode and immediately noticed
significant relief from the torturing heat. Thermal images
showed that temperatures in the region of the head were reduced.
Measurements using a device called
a star pyranometer revealed why this was the case. This device
measures the intensity of exposure to sunlight. With an open
roof, the load from the sun in the heat of Death Valley reached
1000 to 1100 W per square metre. With the transparent glass roof
it dropped to 200 W, and when the roof was switched to darkened
mode with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, it dropped to 40 to 50 W – one 20th
of the original value.
But MAGIC SKY CONTROL not only
benefits passengers. Some of the strain is also taken off the
air-conditioning system, thereby in turn saving on CO2
emissions. The panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL will
be available to order as an optional extra for less than 2000
euros.
Photo: MB
(Oct 29, 2010)
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