Liquid Windows

February 2, 2023

Squids like cuttlefish change colors. Inspired by these organisms and their color-changing mechanism Toronto University developed a fluidic system called Liquid Windows. The main objective of the system is to reduce energy costs. It targets decreasing the energy consumed during certain processes like lighting the buildings, heating, and cooling.

What are liquid windows?

They have basically stacked sheets used as room windows. Each layer in the stack has a specific optic function. Meaning they allow only a particular type of wavelength to pass through them. By controlling these stacks individually or collectively the scientists control the following parameters:

Intensity of light
Wavelengths of light entering the room
Light scattering

The stacks are made of plastic. Between the stacks, there are thick channels. Fluids are passed through these channels. Fluids are added or removed using pumps. Light transmission through the system is optimized through the amount of fluid in the stacks.

Principle of Liquid Windows

The main principle is to control the natural light entering the room. Buildings consume lots of energy for cooling, heating, and illuminating a room space. By controlling the direction of solar rays, the type of solar rays, and the amount of solar energy entering a room, the temperature and illumination of the room can be controlled.

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