Sunlight that bounces off the side of a building is wasted energy. At least, that’s how researchers at the University of Cincinnati think of it. They’re designing thin fluid-filled cells that, when applied to windows, can refract sunlight in any desired direction. If implemented correctly, these cells could replace most if not all artificial lights in, say, a 10-story office building. Excess energy could also be stored as electricity and used for internal power or sold to utility companies. The whole process could be controlled on your smart phone: swipe your finger and the sun’s rays will follow.
Sunlight that bounces off the side of a building is wasted energy. At least, that’s how researchers at the University of Cincinnati think of it. They’re designing thin fluid-filled cells that, when applied to windows, can refract sunlight in any desired direction. If implemented correctly, these cells could replace most if not all artificial lights in, say, a 10-story office building. Excess energy could also be stored as electricity and used for internal power or sold to utility companies. The whole process could be controlled on your smart phone: swipe your finger and the sun’s rays will follow.
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Sunlight that bounces off the side of a building is wasted energy. At least, that’s how researchers at the University of Cincinnati think of it. They’re designing thin fluid-filled cells that, when applied to windows, can refract sunlight in any desired direction. If implemented correctly, these cells could replace most if not all artificial lights in, say, a 10-story office building. Excess energy could also be stored as electricity and used for internal power or sold to utility companies. The whole process could be controlled on your smart phone: swipe your finger and the sun’s rays will follow.