Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) scientists have developed a liquid window panel that can not only block the sun to regulate solar transmission, but also trap thermal heat that can be released later, thus reducing energy consumption in buildings. This ‘smart window’ was created by placing hydrogel-based liquid within glass panels and the team discovered that this reduced up to 45% of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning energy consumption in buildings in simulations, compared to traditional glass windows.
Plus, it was also found to be 30% more energy efficient than commercially available low-emissivity (energy-efficient) glass, while costing less to make. According to the NTU research team, they believe this liquid window is best suited for use in office buildings, where operating hours are mostly during the day.
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This is the first instance of a hydrogel-based liquid smart window, and it takes us far from a conventional glass design. The disruptive innovation leads to solar regulation and heat storage, which together render outstanding energy-saving performance,” said Professor Ronggui Yang, of the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.
