New smart glass technology unveiled

An energy-efficient, cost-effective solution that could help beat the anticipated big chill and keep buildings warm has been unveiled.

Experts have taken the wraps off the new technology which involves light-reactive windows that turn dark when temperatures soar and remain transparent when it is cold to absorb free heat from the sun.

The details of the technology were revealed in the ACS Nano journal, and several businesses have already shown interest in it.

The experts wrote: "To our knowledge, such extreme optical switching behaviour is unprecedented among established smart windows.

"This type of light control system may provide a new option for saving on heating, cooling and lighting costs through managing the light transmitted into the interior of a house.

"Smart windows can prevent the inside of a building from becoming overheated by reflecting away a large fraction of the incident sunlight in summer. Alternatively, they can help keep a room warm by absorbing the sun's heat in winter."

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