MIT Creates Self-Shading Windows, Could Save Energy

The researchers from MIT invented windows that transform the glass to darken or switch from transparent to opaque. This could potentially save energy by obstructing the sunlight during hot days and reduce air-conditioning costs.

Findings of the study were printed in the online journal Chem. It was led by Mircea Dinca, MIT Professor of Chemistry, Caset Wade, assistant professor at Brandeis University and Khalid Al-Kaabi, a doctoral student, according to My Broadband.

.@MIT develops self-shading window that will 'create significant energy savings' https://t.co/PbqUbdBbgp pic.twitter.com/1dBwiV2iFL

— CLAD (@CLADglobal) August 15, 2016

Dinca explained that the new discovery uses electronic materials. This changes their color and transparency in response to an applied voltage. He further said that the windows can be darkened by turning on the voltage. On the other hand, when you flip the switch, it actually takes a few minutes for the window to turn dark. He added that obviously, you want that to be faster.

According to Nature World News, the shade shifting is slow due to the positive ions, which are responsible for the color change to move slowly. This delays the darkening process. The researchers solve this issue by using sponge-like materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These conduct electrons and ions at increasing speeds. The MIT researchers were the first to use them for electrical and optical properties.

Dinca also said that the other problem with existing versions of self-shading materials is that the difficulty of looking for a material that changes from completely transparent to completely black. The material they use for the windows is made by combining two chemical compounds, which are the organic material and a metal salt. They mixed them and self-assemble them into s thin film of the switchable material.

Dinca explained that people get excited with this combination of these two materials, of the relatively fast switching time and a nearly black color. He added that new windows could do more than just preventing glare but could also lead to significant energy savings. This could also reduce the need for air conditioning in buildings with many windows in hot climates.