Fades windows with smart electronics – New Technology

A new type of smart window can change the natural light, transparency, and color temperature using an inexpensive electronics solution.

     The window is transparent … Photo: U of C
     

     … Or closed for transparency, but the light will still enter. Photo: U of C
     

     Blackout when desired. Photo: U of C
     

Traditional mechanical means against the natural light, such as curtains, blinds or awnings, has been cheap enough to prevent the development of smart windows.

But now researchers at the University of Cincinnati, Hewlett Packard and EMD / Merck Research Labs have developed a method to fade even large window needed. Window can have properties that can not be combined with mechanical aids. The technology is patent pending.

The electronics can be easily integrated in the production of new windows, but also be applied to existing windows by coating the glass with a film consisting of a honeycomb network of electrodes.

According to Jason Heikenfeld at the University of Cincinnati draws parable at how many people want to regulate the brightness of lamps. Similarly, the method now provides natural light without the possibility of transparency or change color scale from cold blue to warm yellow light. IR light can be turned out on a hot summer’s day, but the visible light to pass through. In winter, you might want to have in the warming sunlight.

The foundation is the same as used in displays. Different colors have different voltage. The voltage regulating of different colors to be repelled or attracted. The basic technique was known, but the challenge was to use technology as large surfaces like window panes.

According to the researchers, the glass panes of the smart electronics produced at a cost of over $ 30 per square foot, which is a standard price for window manufacturing.

A detailed description of the technique is the June edition of the journal Applied Optics.