Self-cleaning solar panels, windows as aircons and a tablet screen on which you can feel the keyboard. These are new revolutionary ideas where TU/e and the South China Normal University will work on together in a new special collaboration.
In all cases, these are ‘responsive materials’. Materials that change utility under the influence of light or temperature. Solar panels in dry, desert like environments are often dirty. If those panels could clean themselves when they recognize they are dirty, this could boost their performance.
Also they will be working on windows as air conditioners. When the sun shines those windows have to pass through the light, but reject the heat. While when cold, they should let the heat rays through.
The lab is located in the Chinese city of Guanghzou. Tomorrow it will be officially opened.
Source: Studio040
