Dynamic IR Window Film

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Program:
SHIELD
Award:
$2,149,590
Location:
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
01/10/2017 - 05/09/2019

Technology Description:

IR Dynamics will develop a low-cost nanomaterial technology to be incorporated into flexible window films that will improve thermal insulation and solar heat gain. The team’s nanomaterial will incorporate two materials. First, low-cost nanosheets will increase thermal resistance. Second, a new type of nanomaterial will allow heat, in the form of infrared radiation (IR) from the sun, to pass through the window when it is cold outside, helping to warm the room in cold weather. When it is hot outside, the material will block the solar IR from passing through the window and warming the interior. This same material reflects thermal radiation and displays a tunable emissivity, contributing more to its insulation value and energy retention. The dynamic IR reflectivity and emissivity are passive by nature, requiring no electronics or power source to shift, and only rely on environmental temperature changes. IR Dynamics’ technology creates a window film that automatically adjusts depending on outside temperatures and can have a substantive impact in performance on single-pane and older variants of double-pane windows.

Potential Impact:

If successful, IR Dynamics’ innovations will enable energy-efficient retrofits for the substantial remaining stock of single-pane windows in the United States. Retrofitting single-pane windows could produce significant economic and environmental benefits. These technologies could help reduce building energy consumption and save money for homeowners and businesses. Consumers adopting these retrofits could also benefit from improved window performance, including greater comfort and condensation resistance in cold weather and better soundproofing. Finally, by consuming less electricity, natural gas, and/or heating oil to warm a building, these technologies reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with using these energy sources.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Marina Sofos
Project Contact:
Dr. Erika Vreeland
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
erika@irdynamics.com

Partners

Madico Inc.
Sandia National Laboratory

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Release Date:
10/07/2015