IIT Making Glass to Keep Buildings Cool in Summer & Warm in Winter
As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, innovative solutions are being developed to make our buildings more eco-friendly. One such breakthrough has been achieved by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, which is working on a “smart glass” that can regulate light and heat by applying a small electric current. This revolutionary glass, made using a special porous organic polymer, has the potential to transform the way we design and construct buildings.
The smart glass, also known as an electronic curtain glass, can change color and transparency, allowing it to block sunlight and heat when needed, or let it in when it’s cooler. This unique property makes it an ideal solution for buildings in hot and cold climates, where maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is a constant challenge. For instance, in summer, the glass can block out the harsh sunlight and heat, keeping the building cool and reducing the need for air conditioning. In winter, it can allow sunlight to enter, warming up the building naturally.
The development of this smart glass is a significant breakthrough in the field of materials science and architecture. Currently, buildings rely heavily on traditional insulation methods, such as foam boards and fiberglass, to maintain a comfortable temperature. However, these methods have their limitations, and often require additional energy consumption to heat or cool the building.
The IIT Indore’s smart glass, on the other hand, is a self-regulating system that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. The porous organic polymer used in its construction allows it to change its transparency and color in response to electrical stimuli. This means that the glass can adjust its opacity and reflectivity to suit the needs of the building, without the need for additional energy consumption.
The potential applications of this smart glass are vast. It can be used in commercial buildings, residential apartments, and even in vehicles to regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption. In addition, it can also be used in greenhouses and solar panels to improve their efficiency.
The development of this smart glass is a result of extensive research and experimentation by the team at IIT Indore. The team has been working on this project for several years, and has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the glass in laboratory conditions.
The implications of this technology are significant. With the global energy crisis and climate change becoming increasingly pressing issues, the need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions is more urgent than ever. The IIT Indore’s smart glass offers a promising solution to this problem, and has the potential to transform the way we design and construct buildings.
In conclusion, the IIT Indore’s development of a smart glass that can regulate light and heat by applying a small electric current is a significant breakthrough in the field of materials science and architecture. This innovative technology has the potential to reduce energy consumption, improve the comfort and well-being of building occupants, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/319121e5-f2f2-4d36-b9bd-364925f8a154
