Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have designed a window film with special molecules that can absorb energy from the sun's rays and then release energy, reducing the high temperature at noon and balancing the interior of the car. The temperature of the day.
The sun is bright in summer, and whether you stay indoors or in a car, it is almost unbearably hot. In this case, some people choose energy-intensive systems, such as air conditioners and fans, to use other forms of energy to combat thermal energy. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have proposed that this method of using heat allows the heat to be evenly distributed over a longer period of time.
This special molecule is an isomer. When it is illuminated by the sun, it captures photons and changes shape. After the sun goes down, it releases the absorbed heat, which can last up to 8 hours. This is part of the MOST concept proposed by the research team, namely Molecular Solar Thermal Storage.
Kasper Moth-Poulsen, a chemist who led the research, said: "Our goal is to create a comfortable indoor environment, even when the sun is hottest, without consuming any energy or shutting ourselves behind blinds. Current heating And cooling systems often ca n’t keep up with rapid temperature fluctuations. Why not take full advantage of the energy that is available for free and try to counter it? ”
At dawn, when the film does not absorb solar energy, it appears yellow or orange. When a molecule captures solar energy and isomerizes, it loses color and then becomes completely transparent. As long as the sun shines on the film, it captures energy, and there is very little heat that can penetrate the film into the room or car. The sky was getting darker, and when dusk came, the film began to release heat and gradually returned to yellow. The next day, it will be ready to catch sunlight again.
What the researchers also need to do is to increase the molecular concentration and reduce the price while maintaining the performance of the film. Moth-Poulsen said: "Our window film may soon be put into practical use, which is very exciting."