In Brief

The Challenge

Regulating temperatures in buildings uses energy. 40% of all global carbon emissions are caused by the built environment - in particular cooling down buildings that are heated by the Sun and heating when temperatures are low outside.  

Sunlight’s contribution to heating in the visible part of the spectrum (400 to 700 nm) makes up for 43 % of the Sun’s energy, while infrared light (above 700 nm) accounts for the majority of the Sun’s energy, at 52%.  

A dynamic, smart glazing solution that addresses both ranges, while minimizing the impact on visual transparency, can generate dramatic energy savings and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings globally. 

The Solution

Unlike classical SMART glass solutions, PicoGlaze is developing a solution based on a complex, structured, multilayer electrode geometry that permits orientation of the optically active nanotubes in azimuth and elevation angle. It can adapt to the sunlight it receives. With the aid of an embedded microprocessor this results in the ability to actively track the Sun and to vary its effective energy transmission across a wide modulation range resulting in an optimal window that has adaptive properties. 

The Team 

  • Team Lead: Prof Dominic Zerulla, University College Dublin  
  • Team Co-Lead: Dr Silas O’Toole, University College Dublin  

Societal Impact Champion 

  • Paula Butler, ECOCONSCIOUS LIVING 
  • Simon Forsyth