Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Vol.54, No.1, 203-211, 1998
Intelligent window using a hydrogel layer for energy efficiency
The intelligent window is a thermotropic glazing based on the sealed laminate of a new type of intelligent material, a highly viscous polymer aqueous solution or hydrogel, which consists mainly of water, a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic groups, an amphipathic molecule and sodium chloride. The hydrogel was developed after conducting fundamental studies on hydrophobic bonding. The amphipathic molecule enables autonomously reversible light adjustment while retaining its homogeneity. In addition, a cellulose derivative is used selectively in the water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic groups, by which problems such as lack of durability, toxicity and high cost, which had previously prevented the commercialization of the intelligent window have been resolved. Peripheral technologies were also established for sealing and lamination, so that the panel type, autonomously responsive, light adjustment window, the Affinity Intelligent Window (AIW) can be produced with a large area of 1 m(2) with the properties required for practical use.
Keywords:THERMOTROPIC LAYERS;FILMS