Scientists at the University of Chicago have created a material that changes color when applied to a building, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Photo: File
Chicago: University of Chicago experts have created a building material that works at a molecular level that will either absorb or release heat by changing color as the weather gets hot and cold.
On hot days, it will release 92% of the heat from the building and return it to the air, which will not only keep the building cool, but also reduce the air-conditioning bill. On the other hand, in cold weather it will collect only 7% of the heat from the sides, but it will definitely help in keeping the building warm.
Po Chun-su, associate professor of molecular engineering at the university, and his colleagues have created this cost-effective and effective material. On the one hand, this will save energy and on the other hand, the system that keeps the buildings cool and warm will be made environment friendly.
According to a report published in the scientific journal Nature, this material is non-flammable and free from all types of harmful chemicals. It has a solid copper layer on one side that absorbs heat, while there is a reflector that emits heat in the form of infrared. Interestingly, in both conditions it changes its nature immediately and repeatedly turns into metallic or liquid form. Thus, it can work through the hot and cold cycle for a total of 1800 times.
In the next step, experts have estimated its effectiveness in 15 US states with a computer model. It can reduce the electricity consumption in the building by 0.2% and this rate can reach 8.4% in a year. Thus, its widespread effect can be seen in thousands and millions of buildings.
According to scientists, only a 6 cm layer of this material will be enough to show its full effects.
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