Innovative Window Coating Can Cool Buildings, Vehicles — Without Using Energy

Windows that cool buildings without using energy could be on the horizon. Scientists at the University of Notre Dame are developing a clear coating that lowers temperatures without expending a single watt.

Researchers say the energy-efficient window coating keeps rooms bright and comfortable by allowing visible light in, while reflecting warm infrared and ultraviolet rays into outer space. The team’s “transparent radiative cooler” (TRC) could also be used for cars, buses and trains. With scientists pointing to global warming threatening to make summers much hotter, the need for tech that can help keep buildings cool is rising too.

The coating consists of common materials like silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide or titanium dioxide. Alternating layers are placed on a glass base and topped with a film of spreadable oil called polydimethylsiloxane. Computer models calculated the type, order and combination using artificial intelligence.

Innovative window coating can cool buildings, vehicles — without using energy