Scientists at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed a film that uses the humidity in a room to change how windows transmit light, reducing cooling costs and helping reduce humidity in the space to improve comfort. The double layer material absorbs humidity from the space during the night and becomes less transparent, which reduces heat gain from solar radiation. When the window cools at night, humidity is absorbed by the film and the windows become more transparent, rejecting heat at night.
These thermochromic or photochromic films are not new, but this new material is durable and low cost. This best works for buildings in low-latitude areas where solar radiation heat gains and cooling loads are important most of the year. These films were also noted to not grow bacteria or fungi, despite it absorbing and holding water vapor from the air. So, maybe the best window is one where you just add water (vapor). – Steve Terry, DTC HVAC & Refrigeration Instructor
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