This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II program will develop electrofluidic smart window modules with unique capabilities for managing infrared as well as visible light. As a result, these windows will better manage solar heat gain by switching between infrared transmittance and reflectivity. The ultimate objective is to develop skylights, windows, and roofs that adapt to seasonal, regional, and diurnal changes in solar flux and heating and cooling requirements. These window modules change the optical properties of surfaces by moving pigment from a small area reservoir to full surface coverage in a similar manner to the way squids change their skin color. The Phase I program developed pigmented fluids with engineering infrared responses, and demonstrated proof-of-concept functioning devices operating with these fluids. The Phase II project will develop the designs, processing strategies, and materials for full smart windows modules. Windows modules will then be built, measured, and directly compared with status quo windows. The innovation in this work is the development and realization of entirely new materials and devices for managing near-infrared light over a large surface area.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this smart window technology is empowering buildings to actively manage solar heat gain to improve energy efficiency, which is a truly green solution. U.S. building energy consumption (40% of total U.S. Energy Consumption) can be reduced significantly with smart windows and smart skylights that maximize sunlight for lighting, while effectively managing solar heat gain, including near-infrared energy. Current passive technologies for windows do not readily adapt to seasonal, regional, and diurnal changes in solar flux and heating and cooling requirements. By empowering buildings to adapt solar heat gain to daily local needs, U.S. energy consumption could be reduced by as much as one quadrillion BTU per year, while adding minimal cost to building infrastructure. The commercialization path for this technology is through the Advanced Flat Glass segment of the Flat Glass market. In addition, this program will enhance scientific innovation at the Ohio Center for Microfluidic Innovation, a cluster for commercializing micro/electrofluidic technology.
Gamma Dynamics has developed electrofluidic smart window modules with the unique capability of switching transmission of solar heat independently from solar light. The concept is that these windows will better manage solar heat gain, allowing smart windows and skylights to better fit the seasonal, regional, and diurnal changes in solar flux and with building heating and cooling requirements. Thus, they improve building energy efficiency. In collaboration with our partners, we developed several electrowetting inks, some of which reflect solar heat, and some of which transmit solar heat (and are black). We also developed several novel micro-replication-based techniques for fabricating the 3-D device structure at low cost. An additional outcome of this work was the development of a shading system that enables independent control of solar heat and solar light transmitted through a window. This capability allows occupants to better match their needs for glare control, comfort, heating, and cooling with the seasonal, diurnal, and regional changes in solar flux, improving both energy efficiency of the building and occupant comfort. This work should have near-term commercial impact in the window covering market where the value of controlling solar heat and solar light independently to optimize energy efficiency and comfort can be provided at a competitive price. The market for such windows coverings includes the vast number of windows installed prior to 2000’s, before low-e coatings on glass became widespread.
