Collaborative Research: Smart prismatic-louver technology for enhanced daylighting and management of thermal loads in green buildings

该项目将开发可用作光阻挡装置的纳米流体填充百叶窗，以及可见光重定向器和太阳红外能量吸收器和操纵器。百叶窗通过对可见光的光学透明和光学特性将入射的准直太阳光重新定向，从而实现自然照明的改善和更深层次的日光穿透管理，从而降低照明电力成本。此外，还可以减少眩光和抵消人工照明需求，增加乘员的舒适性。参与该项目的教师和学生将组织讲座和研讨会，向当地社区分享他们的成果，以告知这项研究可能带来的好处。综合教育和研究计划将加强在两所公立大学招生和接触不同代表性不足的社区，这两所公立大学服务于STEM中大量代表性不足的学生。日光是建筑物内日常生活的一个重要方面，因为它提高了个人生产力，提高了学生的表现和幸福感。该项目有可能通过可持续能源技术对旧建筑的认知和适应现代用途产生影响。项目成果提供了更好的工作环境，减少了建筑的能源需求和碳足迹。该项目的主要目标是研究通过使用所建议的填充纳米流体的棱柱形百叶窗来增强采光、增强太阳红外(IR)能量收集和增强能量传输的基本光学和热流体机制。特别是，该项目将研究棱柱形百叶窗的几何形状、方向和控制，以及纳米流体的光热物理，以实现：(A)可见光重定向和扩散以及智能控制，以更好地穿透室内的自然光，以及(B)通过红外吸收增强型纳米流体选择性辐射吸收，以控制进入的太阳辐射的热获取。该项目的具体目标包括：(I)增强采光的光学分析和实验验证；(Ii)用于增强太阳红外辐射收集的选定纳米流体的光谱分析；(Iii)增强传热和储能的热分析和测量；以及(Iv)实现智能百叶窗系统的采光和热管理控制。该项目将开发棱柱形百叶窗的几何形状和方向，以便为各种气候区域提供最佳的采光条件。与此同时，将开发和研究为选择性增加太阳红外吸收/收集而不影响可见光穿透而量身定做的纳米流体(例如，水中的低体积二氧化钛纳米颗粒)。该项目的一个重要目标是研究日光透过率增加与减少供暖/制冷需求之间的相互作用。这是通过适当控制光重定向和热传递到周围环境、二次热交换和/或储热罐、或热电发电机，从而有效地管理入射光和太阳辐射所必需的。讨论了光学和传热学问题的理论和实验工作。据项目组所知，该项目第一次以一种能够满足不同气候和季节需求的综合和适应性设计，以最佳利用其影响的方式解决了太阳能红外能量的收集、调节和管理问题。该项目通过其混合方法和成果，例如照明和遮阳、节能、减少热负荷和基于纳米流体的热存储/转移，实现了自然资源的转换，实现了绿色能源和可持续性。

The project will develop nanofluid-filled louvers that can be used as light blocking devices, as well as visible light redirectors and solar infrared energy absorbers and manipulators. The louvers through their optical transparency to visible light and optical properties redirect the incoming collimated sunlight so that natural lighting improvement and management for deeper daylight penetration are achieved, reducing lighting electrical power cost. In addition, reduced glare and offsetting of artificial lighting needs can be accomplished, increasing occupants' comfort. The faculty and students involved in the project will organize lectures and workshops to share their results to the local community to inform of the possible benefits of the research. The integrated education and research program will enhance recruitment and outreach to various underrepresented communities at the two public universities that serve a large population of underrepresented students in STEM. Daylight is an important aspect of everyday life inside buildings, as it enhances individual productivity, increases student performance and well-being. The project has the potential to have an impact in the perception of and adaptation of older buildings to contemporary uses by virtue of sustainable energy technology. The project results offer a better working environment, reducing the energy requirements and the carbon footprint of buildings.The major objective of this project is to study the fundamental optics and thermal-fluid mechanisms for enhanced daylighting, enhanced solar infrared (IR) energy harvesting, and enhanced energy transport, via use of proposed nanofluid-filled prismatic louvers. In particular, the project will study the effects of the prismatic louver geometry, orientation and control in glazings, and the photothermal physics of nanofluids for achieving: (a) Visible light redirection and diffusion and smart control for better natural light penetration in the indoors, and (b) Selective radiation absorption through IR absorption-enhanced nanofluid for heat gain manipulation of the incoming solar radiation. The specific aims of the project include: (i) Optical analysis and experimental verification of enhanced daylighting; (ii) Spectral analysis of selected nanofluids for enhanced solar IR radiation harvesting; (iii) Thermal analysis and measurements for enhanced heat transfer and energy storage; and (iv) Daylighting and thermal management control for realizing a smart louver system. The project will develop prismatic louver geometries and orientations for optimum daylighting condition for a variety of climatic zones. At the same time, nanofluids (e.g., low-volume TiO2 nanoparticles in water) tailored for selectively increasing solar IR absorption/harvesting but not affecting visible light penetration will be developed and studied. An important objective of this project is to study the interplay between increased daylight penetration and the effects on reducing heating/cooling needs. This is required to effectively manage both the incoming light and solar radiation, by proper control of light redirection and heat transfer to either the surrounding environment, or to secondary heat exchanging and/or thermal storage tank, or to thermoelectricity generators. Theoretical and experimental work in both optics and heat transfer issues are addressed. For the first time to the project team's knowledge, the project addresses solar IR energy harvesting, regulation and management in a way that makes optimal use of their impact through an integrated and adaptable design that can address different climatic, and seasonal needs. The project through its hybrid methods and results, e.g., lighting and sun-shading, energy savings, thermal load reduction and nanofluid-based heat storage/transfer allows for the conversion of natural resources, achieving green energy and sustainability.