A new way to save energy on a variety of levels is introduced in the form of smart curtains. Interacting with light on a molecular level, the smart curtains open and close automatically depending on the level of light at any given moment.
Developed by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, the smart curtains are made out of carbon nanotubes layered together onto a plastic polycarbonate membrane. According to Psfk, "The nanotubes, which are atom-thick rolls of carbon, absorb light within just fractions of a second, converts it into heat, and transfers that heat to the surface of the membrane." The material bends because the plastic polycarbonate membrane expands in response to the heat while the layer of nanotube doesn't.
What's Driving This Trend
- Energy-saving Curtains
- Disruptive innovation opportunity in the home automation and energy efficiency sectors by creating smart curtains that automatically open and close based on light levels.
- Nanotechnology
- Disruptive innovation opportunity in the materials science and manufacturing industries by incorporating carbon nanotubes into various products, such as smart curtains, to enhance their functionality.
- Light-responsive Materials
- Disruptive innovation opportunity in the textiles and materials industries by developing fabrics and materials that interact with light to change their properties, like automatic opening and closing curtains.
Who This Affects Most
- Home Automation
- Disruptive innovation opportunity in the home automation industry by integrating smart curtains into existing smart home systems, allowing users to control their curtains with ease.
- Energy Efficiency
- Disruptive innovation opportunity in the energy efficiency industry by providing a cost-effective solution for automatically regulating the amount of light entering a space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy consumption.
- Materials Science
- Disruptive innovation opportunity in the materials science industry by exploring the potential of carbon nanotubes as a versatile and efficient material for various applications, including light-responsive curtains.
