Windows that adjust automatically to weather

Buildings waste a lot of energy keeping rooms cool when the sun beats down. Windows are usually the weak spot, letting in too much heat and light. Researchers have been trying to fix this with special windows that react to temperature and sunlight. The latest idea mixes tiny light-powered motors with liquid crystals to create a window that can switch between clear, mirror-like, and frosted modes depending on the conditions outside. When it’s hot or very sunny, the window turns reflective or scattering to block extra heat and glare.

When it’s cooler or cloudy, it goes clear to let in natural light. Lab tests show it can cut down visible light by 75% and infrared heat by nearly half compared to regular glass. Computer models suggest this could lower air-conditioning bills in both hot and mild climates, making buildings more energy efficient without complex wiring or bulky sensors.

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