New smart window blocks heat, generates power

Scientists have developed a smart window that can let in light, block heat and generate power.
Researchers from the Shanghai University developed the smart window which is transparent, regulates temperature fluctuations and doesn't require external power to work.
The team led by Yanfeng Gao, sandwiched a thin film of vanadium oxide between two layers of polycarbonate, 'Discovery News' reported.
The polycarbonate panels appeared transparent at room temperature. The panels allowed heat - infrared light - to pass through up to temperatures of 68 degrees Celsius.
However, once the temperature rose above that, the VO2 turned metallic and started reflecting the infrared wavelength, even though the panels appeared transparent to the eye.

The VO2 also scattered light to the sides of the panel, which the team took advantage of by attaching a photo-voltaic cell to the edge to capture the scattered light, harnessing enough power from a section only a few inches wide to power to 1.5 volt lamp.