Smart window blocks rays without blocking views

An international research team has invented a smart window material that controls heat transmission without blocking views, which could help cut the energy required to cool and heat buildings.

The new material has a specifically designed nanostructure and comprises advanced materials like Titanium dioxide, Tungsten trioxide, Neodymium-Niobium, and Tin oxide.

The composite material is intended to be coated onto glass window panels, and when activated by electricity, users would be able to 'switch on and off' the infrared radiation transmission through the window.

The invention, could block up to 70% of infrared radiation without compromising views through the window since it allows up to 90% of visible light to pass through.

However, current electrochromic windows are only effective in blocking visible light, not the infrared radiation, which means heat continues to pass through the window, warming up the room.

In lab tests, results showed excellent stability of the window, demonstrating its superior performance, feasibility and costs saving potential for long-term use in sustainable buildings.

The team created a switch system to control conducted heat, which is the heat from the external environment.

When the switch is turned off, conducted heat cannot transfer through the window. When switched on, the heat will be allowed to pass through the glass window.

When integrated with the newly developed electrochromic material, the team's smart window can control two types of heat transmission: infrared radiation and conduction heat, which is the main mode of heat transfer through matter.