Cheaper electrochromic glazing system
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers have created a cheaper and better performing alternative to traditional electrochromic, color-changing window systems. Windows that can change color on command, or in response to temperature changes, have been around for a while. However, they are often too expensive for widespread use. Much of the energy used in buildings in the United States is spent making up for lost energy through windows. If a window is able to adjust its transparency, it can reflect sunlight in the summer and let in more light during the winter.
The new system utilizes a spray-on coating. When a voltage is applied across the surface, lithium ions begin to move; this movement causes the two electrodes to color. Not only is the spray coating a more cost-efficient option than the traditional model, but it also increases performance.
Contact: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO, USA.
