A liquid crystal smart window for energy saving and harvesting

Energy conservation, particularly in buildings, has become a critical focus area. Among the various components of a building, windows play a significant role in the exchange of heat and light. Electrochromic systems, known for their ability to switch between transparent and opaque states with the aid of external energy, have served as the basis for conventional smart windows. This research introduces a novel approach to smart window technology by incorporating a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) that incorporates thin photovoltaic cells at the window's edges, coupled with a thermally and optically adjustable liquid crystal cell. The device intelligently transitions between an energy-saving, opaque mode (day mode) and a transparent, idle mode (night mode), based on ambient temperature and incident light levels. Through this innovative design, the proposed smart window offers enhanced energy efficiency and harvesting capabilities, promising significant benefits for sustainable building practices.