Virginia Patent of the Month – January 2021
Deciding between aesthetics and efficiency is a common battle for the average person. For instance, a window with a photovoltaic (PV) type material could convert ambient light into electricity. However, the efficiency of these materials are directly correlated to their ability to absorb light. The darker the color, the better the absorption of light. Ultimately the decision comes down to whether black windows are worth the energy efficiency that would come with them. However, Face International Corporation might have a solution so you can have the best of both worlds – using color selective particles that harvest energy.
Color is determined by the wavelength of light being transmitted. An object appears to be the colour of the wavelength that it reflects most. Face International developed a micron-sized particle which is substantially transparent yet exhibits color based on physical properties. These particles reflect selected wavelengths while allowing 80%+ of the light through to the PV layers. These particles are combined in an aerosol solution and sprayed onto the outer surface of a window above the PV layer. This layer will then harvest energy allowing it to pass through to the PV layer where it can be converted to electricity. As such, you can have your colored windows, and harvest energy too.
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