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Canadian scientists have proposed an optofluidic system that can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 30%. They were inspired by the ability of marine life
What’s going on
- Krill are transparent marine organisms that have developed a dynamic darkening system: pigment granules move within their skin cells and darken UV-vulnerable internal organs if the sun gets too active.
- University of Toronto graduate student Raphael Kay and his research team were inspired by this feature of krill, as well as some other marine life, and described a prototype optofluidic system (optofluidics studies how light can control fluid microflows) with a similar principle that could change the appearance of building facades in depending on sunlight.
- The authors of the project noted that buildings are a kind of organisms that have a metabolism in the form of a flow of consumed and expended energy. At the same time, in order to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the building, mechanical heating or air conditioning systems are used.
- Scientists propose to transfer the principle of dynamic dimming to the “skin” of buildings – their facades with windows. The system proposed by Kay and his group is a “cage” – a layer of mineral oil 1 mm thick, sandwiched between two transparent sheets of plastic. A tube is connected to the center of the structure, through which water enters, containing a pigment or dye. Many such “cells” create a colored film on the facade. Transparency is regulated by a pump – the more water enters, the larger the color spot.
- The film reacts to changes in the environment and allows you to distribute heat evenly over the facade of the building. The authors compared the system with blinds: when it’s hot, they close them, when there is no light, they open them.
- According to the calculations of the authors of the model, the system can reduce the consumption of electricity spent on heating, cooling and lighting the premises by up to 30%.
What does it mean
Scientists and engineers propose a variety of projects aimed at reducing energy consumption. For example, a predictive controller model controls the internal temperature of a building based on weather forecasts.
In addition, there are building concepts with low energy consumption. They are based on reducing energy consumption through the use of highly efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as the integration of a solar heating system into buildings. It consists of a solar collector, a heat exchanger, storage and a backup system.
Another development that helps maintain a comfortable climate inside the building without additional energy costs is cold roofs. Their difference from the usual ones is in a higher albedo, or reflectivity. For the manufacture of such roofs, metal and light-colored tiles are used, covered with a reflective coating.