Air conditioners consume a great amount of electricity, making them both a financial and an environmental burden. The good thing is scientists are increasingly coming up with innovative ways to slash down our over-reliance on these cooling machines. For instance, just this week we wrote about a highly reflexive white paint that buildings can lather on in order to bounce hot sun rays and avoid absorbing heat. This time we present to you a a team of researchers who have managed to develop a ‘smart’ window that can quickly turn from clear to dark thanks to layers of nickel oxide, lithium ions, and electrolytes. By applying a current to the layers in the glass, a chemical reaction causes the window to become opaque. Windows made according to this formula can switch states quickly, blocking 94 percent of light within 60 seconds. If scaled up, the new technology could significantly reduce the need for air conditioning in buildings and vehicles, benefiting both the environment and our wallets.
‘Smart’ windows could significantly reduce our reliance on air conditioners
More of Today's Solutions
Super sniffers: how dogs could help detect dangerous bacteria in cystic fibro...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Meet Jodie. She’s a golden Labrador with a nose for science—literally. At first glance, she might seem like ...
Read MoreShould you mix your friend groups? Here’s how to do it right
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Bringing together friends from different parts of your life can feel like introducing characters from different books into ...
Read More3 simple ways to save an extra $250 per month
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Everyone loves to save money, so here are three easy ways you can free up $250 in your ...
Read MoreIrish repay favor to Native American tribe severely hit by COVID-19
In 1847, a Native American tribe provided relief aid to Irish people that have been severely hit by a period of mass starvation known ...
Read More
