Researchers in South Korea have developed a revolutionary smart window made from wood that can control indoor temperatures without using electricity, offering a potential game-changer for homes and offices in India.
What Makes It Smart?
The smart window is created by scientists from Hanbat National University and Kongju National University, who infused liquid crystals into balsa wood, turning it into a glass-like, transparent material. This innovation allows the window to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while controlling light and heat in a room. Remarkably, it requires no sensors, electricity, or external controls to operate, making it energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
How It Works
- When the room is cold, the window becomes transparent, letting sunlight in to naturally warm the space.
- When the room gets too hot, the window turns opaque, reducing sunlight and keeping the interior cool.
- At normal temperatures, the window allows about 28% of sunlight, adjusting automatically as the environment changes.
This temperature-responsive behavior provides a passive heating and cooling solution, which could significantly reduce electricity consumption in homes and offices.
Potential Benefits for India
India experiences both hot summers and cold winters, making energy-efficient climate control essential. If commercialized, smart windows could help regulate indoor temperatures, cut electricity bills, and serve as a sustainable alternative to glass and plastic. Beyond energy savings, these windows offer aesthetic value, as the wood shines like glass, giving spaces a modern, elegant look while maintaining functionality.
NBT Perspective
This innovation could transform the construction and design of residential and commercial buildings in India. By naturally managing sunlight and indoor temperature, smart windows provide both energy efficiency and comfort, while offering an eco-friendly, high-tech alternative to traditional materials.
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