IIT Making Glass to Keep Buildings Cool in Summer & Warm in Winter
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, innovative solutions are being developed to make our buildings more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. One such breakthrough is being made by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, which is working on a ‘smart glass’ technology that can regulate light and heat by applying a small electric current.
The electronic curtain glass, developed using a special porous organic polymer, has the ability to change color and transparency, allowing it to block sunlight and heat when needed, or let it in when it’s cooler. This revolutionary technology has the potential to transform the way we design and build our buildings, making them more sustainable and comfortable for occupants.
According to an official from IIT Indore, the smart glass can adjust its transparency and reflectivity to suit different weather conditions. “It can change color and transparency, allowing it to block sunlight and heat when needed, or letting it in when it’s cooler,” the official explained. This means that buildings equipped with this technology can maintain a comfortable temperature, both in summer and winter, without relying on air conditioning or heaters.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching. For one, it can significantly reduce the energy consumption of buildings, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United States Department of Energy, buildings account for nearly 40% of the country’s energy consumption. By using smart glass, buildings can reduce their energy needs and lower their carbon footprint.
Moreover, the smart glass technology has the potential to improve the overall comfort and well-being of building occupants. By regulating the amount of light and heat that enters a building, it can create a more pleasant and productive indoor environment. This is particularly important for people who work or spend long periods of time in buildings, as a comfortable and well-lit space can boost their mood, productivity, and overall health.
The development of this technology is a significant step forward in the field of materials science and engineering. The porous organic polymer used in the smart glass is a novel material that has been designed to have unique properties that allow it to change its transparency and reflectivity in response to electrical stimuli.
The researchers at IIT Indore have developed a prototype of the smart glass and have tested its performance in various conditions. The results have been promising, with the glass showing significant improvements in energy efficiency and indoor climate control.
While the smart glass technology is still in the early stages of development, it has the potential to transform the way we build and design our buildings. With its ability to regulate light and heat, it can help create more sustainable, comfortable, and productive indoor spaces.
In conclusion, the development of smart glass by IIT Indore is a significant breakthrough in the field of materials science and engineering. This technology has the potential to make our buildings more eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and comfortable, and it is an exciting step forward in the quest to create a more sustainable future.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/319121e5-f2f2-4d36-b9bd-364925f8a154
