AIST turns transparent glass into mirrors to conserve energy

We've seen two-way displays and undercover mirrors before, but the latest two-faced invention to come from the depths of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) can pull double duty in regard to purpose and save a little energy in the process. The "switchable glass" has certain reflexive properties created by the twin coatings of "40-nanometer-thick magnesium-titanium alloy, plus a 4-nanometer-thick layer of palladium," which allows for the mirror to become transparent when a small amount of hydrogen is introduced between the two panes. Alternatively, tossing in a bit of oxygen forms a reflecting mirror, allowing users to "switch" the glass by injecting gases. Contrary to other commercialized approaches, this rendition can purportedly result in up to a "30-percent savings in energy costs" by having to run your air conditioner less, but there's still work to be done. Scientists at the AIST are still toiling away as they try to fight the relatively rapid deterioration that occurs from "frequent switching," but if they can add a dash of durability and get the price down to a respectable level, we could all be living in a house of mirrors before too long.

[Via PlasticBamboo]

[Nelg @ Feb 1st 2007 6:55AM]

But how is this going to save energy? Sure, light is also heat, but the article doesn't say anything about infrared radiation, the true source of heat.

Otherwise, this could be good news. Thanks to the green party in Finland's parliament, the total area of windows in an apartment must be between 10%-13% of the total area of the apartment. >13% is considered a waste of energy, and

[Nobuyuki Idei @ Feb 1st 2007 1:48PM]

Welcome to dark, depressing apartments. Thanks Green Party for driving me to suicide.

[Maff @ Feb 1st 2007 7:02AM]

plus that scary asian girl ALWAYS appears when the mirror turns transparent, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

[Charles @ Feb 2nd 2007 2:25PM]

I have never posted on here before but that is maybe the funniest thing I have ever read.

[Tim @ Feb 1st 2007 8:02AM]

Notice the change in lighting condition between the two images, i wonder if this is really as effective as the images try to demonstrate

[Nelg @ Feb 1st 2007 8:06AM]

Hey, how did my comment get cut off like that? >13% is considered a waste of energy, and

[Nelg @ Feb 1st 2007 8:07AM]

Haha. Oh well, not then.

[F @ Feb 1st 2007 8:15AM]

If they can perfect the technology (and reduce the environmental implications upon the inevitable breakage), this would be great for automobiles. It would allow for the easy, complete blocking of all the windows on sunny, hot days. For many people, this would allow for a reduced usage of air conditioning.

[strider_mt2k @ Feb 1st 2007 9:47AM]

Oh sure it looks good in those lighting changes.

-but you can't count on that light.

[Bill @ Feb 1st 2007 10:31AM]

Cost? $125,000 per window section. But we're saving $40 a month in electricity!

LOL, I made those prices up. I'm all for energy savings, if it makes sense. For example, hybrids that cost $20,000 more than regular vehicles but only save $1,000 a year in fuel and need $3,000 in new batteries every three years...that doesn't make sense.

[DeadMertz @ Feb 1st 2007 11:01AM]

Now if they can only craft some snazzy sunglasses out of that stuff! I'd buy that for a dollar!

[James @ Feb 1st 2007 11:11AM]

I'd rather have peril sensitive sunglasses.

[Morder @ Feb 1st 2007 11:26AM]

Bill "For example, hybrids that cost $20,000 more than regular vehicles but only save $1,000 a year in fuel and need $3,000 in new batteries every three years...that doesn't make sense."

The real point behind hybrids is to help the environment by not polluting as much...so it does make sense in that regard, however, I would rather have one that saves me money.

[Waruwaru @ Feb 1st 2007 2:09PM]

Myy neighbor has this already covering all his windows. I think it's from a company called Reynolds. You can get them from local super market for $9 per 200 sq. ft.

[TimeNgler @ Feb 1st 2007 3:57PM]

How is this better than *curtains*?

[Sergio @ Feb 1st 2007 4:12PM]

whoa this is exactly like those glass things from splinter cell: chaos theory O_O