Development of a Novel Smart Window Technology Based on Nanocellulose Crystals

近年来，基于生物创新的纳米纤维素解决方案导致了智能能源窗的形成 效率和可持续性引起了研究人员的极大兴趣。以下是以下几个策略 将节能要求纳入建筑标准已由省级政府实施 加拿大的政府。All Weather Window(AWW)是加拿大最大的全集成制造商 玻璃/塑料门窗供应商。目前，AWW面临的一个主要挑战是引入 环保型生物创新纳米纤维素基解决方案在智能窗户制造中的应用 更好的能效和可持续性。AWW有兴趣开展科学研究，建立 智能纳米纤维材料技术将在住宅/商业中取代普通玻璃窗 建筑物。这一拟议的智能窗户预计将作为电动调光玻璃发挥作用，因此它可以 阻挡紫外线，并提供受控制的隐私。目前，窗帘和百叶窗被用来完全或 部分阻挡阳光；消除这些元素是非常重要的，因为阻挡紫外线可以防止太阳光 照明、健康(例如，尤其是在医院收集灰尘和细菌)、成本、维护和 处理/回收问题。对于消费者来说，保护 窗帘或百叶窗，因此它们聚集灰尘，变得无法清洁，提供了合适的栖息地和食物 用来对付尘螨。研究表明，在玻璃/塑料之间引入了纳米纤维素纤维膜 通过施加电压，这些面板就像一个可变的调光玻璃。由于纳米纤维素膜是 在导电的性质，它可以控制，以允许紫外线通过，并在偏置和阻挡 不偏不倚的条件。在这方面，AWW正计划与美国银行合作，发起一项 基于纳米材料的新型智能窗户的研究项目，目的是评估 控制光传输的性能。

In recent years, bio-innovative nanocellulose based solutions leading to formation of smart windows for energy efficiency and sustainability have drawn significant interest among researchers. Several strategies for incorporating energy-efficiency requirements into building standards have been implemented by provincial governments in Canada. All Weather Window (AWW) is Canada's largest fully integrated manufacturer and supplier of glass/plastic windows and doors. Currently, a major challenge facing AWW is the introduction of an environment-friendly bio-innovative nanocellulose based solution into manufacturing of smart windows for better energy efficiency and sustainability. AWW is interested in carrying out scientific research in establishing smart nanocellulose material technology that would replace regular glass windows in residential/commercial buildings. This proposed smart window is expected to function as an electric dimming glass such that it can block UV light, and provide controlled privacy. Presently, curtains and blinds are used to either completely or partially block sunlight; eliminating such elements is of utmost importance as blocking UV prevents sun light illumination, health (e.g. dust and germ collection especially in hospitals), cost, maintenance, and disposal/recycling issues. For the consumer it is challenging and sometimes even impossible to conserve the curtains or blinds, thus they gather dust and become impossible to clean, providing a suitable habitat and food for dust mites. The research indicates introduction of nanocellulose fiber membrane between glass/plastic panes and by applying a voltage, the panels behave as a variable dimming glass. Since the nanocellulose film is conductive in nature, it can be controlled to allow UV light to pass through and also block under biased and unbiased conditions, respectively. In this context, AWW, in collaboration with UofA, is planning to initiate a research project to develop a novel smart window based on nano-materials with the objective of evaluating performance to control light transmission.