INDIAN RESEARCHERS DEVELOP SMART WINDOWS THAT SAVE ENERGY AND STORE POWER

A team of Indian researchers from Bengaluru has developed an exciting new technology: smart dual-function windows that can both regulate light and heat and store energy. These smart windows, made with simple and affordable materials, may soon be used in homes, offices, and vehicles to reduce power usage and help store energy for later use.

Let’s explore what these smart windows are, how they work, and why they are such a big step forward in clean and smart technology.

What Are Smart Dual-Function Windows?

Smart windows are special windows that can change how much light and heat they allow to pass through. This helps in controlling the indoor temperature without needing air conditioners or heaters. These windows can switch between being clear or tinted, depending on the amount of sunlight or heat outside.

But the Bengaluru team took this idea one step further. They made a window that is not just smart in controlling heat and light-it also acts like a battery, storing energy that can be used later. This kind of technology is called “dual-function” electrochromic energy storage.”

Who Developed It?

This innovative work was done by a research team based in Bengaluru, one of India’s leading cities for science and technology. The scientists focused on creating a smart window that is affordable, easy to manufacture, and suitable for India’s climate.

What Materials Are Used?

The team used titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and an aluminium-ion-based electrolyte to build the window. These materials are:

Low-cost

Abundant in nature

Non-toxic

Environmentally friendly

Titanium dioxide is already used in many products like paint, sunscreen, and food coloring. Its use in this smart window makes the technology safer and cheaper than other materials used in foreign electrochromic windows.

How Do These Smart Windows Work?

The smart windows developed in Bengaluru work in two ways:

Electrochromic Function (Light and Heat Control):

When a small electric voltage is applied, the window changes color-from transparent to blue.

This blocks sunlight and heat, keeping rooms cool.

When the voltage is removed, it becomes clear again.

This reduces the need for fans or ACs, saving electricity.

Energy Storage Function:

The same window also stores energy, like a rechargeable battery.

This stored energy can be used to power small electronic devices or LED lights.

After 2,000 cycles (times of switching between tinted and clear), the window still retained 96% of its capacitance, meaning it works well even after long use.

Why Is This Important?

This breakthrough is important for many reasons:

Energy Saving: These windows can reduce electricity bills by blocking heat and light when needed.

Climate Control: Helps maintain indoor temperature naturally, reducing dependence on air conditioners.

Power Storage: Acts like a small battery, storing energy from solar panels or grid power.

Eco-Friendly: Uses materials that are safe for humans and the planet.

Cost-Effective: Designed to be cheaper than existing smart windows made in other countries.

Applications in Daily Life

The dual-function smart windows can be used in many places:

Homes and Apartments – for cooling rooms naturally and storing solar power.

Office Buildings – to reduce energy costs and maintain comfortable temperatures.

Cars and Buses – to block sunlight while storing energy for lights or fans.

Greenhouses and Farms – to regulate sunlight for plants while powering irrigation sensors.

Future Potential

The research team believes that with mass production and government support, these windows could become a regular feature in Indian buildings in the next few years. If used widely, they could help lower the country’s energy consumption and reduce pollution.

Also, this technology could be paired with solar panels. The windows could store the extra energy generated during the day and release it during the night, providing clean power 24/7.