A team of scientists at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore has developed a self-powering, self-tinting electrochromic window. This smart window invention requires zero electricity to power and can also store energy to power low consumption devices.
The smart window technology was developed using liquid electrolyte in between to glass sheets coated with indium tin oxide (ITO), with one sheet having an additional pigment layer made from Prussian Blue and the other attached to a thin strip of foil. Electrical cables connect the two glass sheets and when the circuit is broken a chemical reaction causes the electrolyte to turn blue. When the electrical circuit is closed to discharge the battery, the window will return to a colorless Prussian white. This technology can adjust the amount of sunlight coming into buildings helping to reduce cooling and lighting costs.
