Latest news with #SolarGate
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists develop pine cone-inspired technology with revolutionary capabilities — here's how it could transform future buildings
Researchers have developed an innovative self-adjusting shading system inspired by a surprising natural feature: pine cones. According to a post by the University of Stuttgart on Tech Xplore, scientists at the university and the University of Freiburg have created an energy-autonomous system that passively adapts to the weather. Inspired by the movement mechanisms of pine cones, the researchers developed the Solar Gate, a weather-responsive architectural facade. Thanks to the biomaterial used to build the structure and the advanced computational design, the Solar Gate opens and closes in response to humidity and temperature changes. The best part? It does so without consuming any metabolic energy. Do you think all new homes should use heat pump technology? Definitely Let each state decide Let homeowners decide No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As a result, the Solar Gate is the "first weather-responsive, adaptive shading system that operates without electrical energy," the post on Tech Xplore wrote. To construct the shading system, the scientists used cellulose, a natural, renewable material that contracts and constricts according to humidity changes. This opening and closing mechanism is found in pine cones, which utilize this capability for seed dispersal. After over a year of testing, the Solar Gate was installed on the livMatS Biomimetic Shell, a research building at the University of Freiburg. During the summer, the Solar Gate closes its elements to minimize solar heat, and during the winter, it opens to maximize natural heating. "The Solar Gate thus represents an energy-autonomous and resource-efficient alternative to conventional shading systems," the post on Tech Xplore wrote. "As buildings account for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions due to the typically high energy needed to maintain indoor comfort, reducing the energy required for heating, cooling and ventilation is of high importance." By transitioning toward energy-efficient systems such as the Solar Gate, buildings can reduce their environmental footprints and utility bills. Less pollution means fewer harmful gases exacerbating the climate crisis. Moving forward, the Solar Gate offers a potential blueprint for companies looking to implement cost-effective heating and cooling systems that utilize renewable materials. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Fox News
06-02-2025
- Science
- Fox News
Smart windows take a page from nature's pinecone playbook
Have you ever wondered how a pine cone knows when to open and close? It's not magic, it's science. Now, researchers have taken this cue from nature to create something pretty cool for our homes. Let's dive into how this revolutionary window technology works, keeping your home comfortable without using a single watt of electricity. Pine cones have these amazing scales that respond to moisture. When it's damp, they close up tight. But when it's warm and dry, they open wide to release their seeds. This simple yet effective mechanism has inspired scientists to develop a smart window system that could change the way we think about energy efficiency in buildings. Scientists from Germany's universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed what is known as the Solar Gate window facade system. It's like having tiny pinecones built right into your windows. These smart windows have special elements that curl up when it's cool and moist, letting in sunlight to warm your home. But when it's hot and dry, they flatten out to block the sun and keep things cool inside. The Solar Gate system consists of a gridded array of pine-cone-scale-inspired self-bending elements housed between two panes of glass in an aluminum-frame window unit. Each element is ingeniously crafted with three distinct layers, each serving a unique purpose. The bottom layer is composed of a cellulose powder and a thermoplastic blend that swells when exposed to moisture. Above this lies a middle layer made of thermoplastic, which remains unaffected by moisture. The top layer consists of flexible biocomposite filaments that serve to hold the entire structure together. When exposed to moist air, the bottom layer expands, causing the element to curl upwards. Conversely, in dry conditions, it returns to its flattened state. This simple yet effective mechanism allows the window to respond automatically to changing weather conditions, providing optimal shading and light penetration as needed. The Solar Gate system underwent rigorous real-world testing to prove its effectiveness. In a comprehensive year-long study, researchers installed 424 Solar Gate elements in the south-facing skylight of a research building at the University of Freiburg. The results of this extensive trial were nothing short of impressive. During the cool, wet winter months, the elements responded by curling upwards, allowing ample sunlight to penetrate the building. This natural response effectively warmed and illuminated the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial heating and lighting. Conversely, as the seasons changed and brought warmer, drier summer conditions, the elements automatically flattened out. This flattening action served to block excess sunlight, effectively keeping the building's interior cool and comfortable without the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. The test demonstrated the system's ability to autonomously adapt to changing weather conditions, providing optimal comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year. This innovative approach to building technology has far-reaching implications beyond just window systems. Researchers have already begun exploring similar biomimetic principles in a variety of applications. For instance, studies have investigated the development of shading systems using wooden slats that can open and close in response to environmental conditions. In the realm of textiles, scientists are working on "smart" clothing fabrics that can adapt to ambient temperature, providing optimal comfort for wearers. Perhaps most intriguingly, these principles are even being applied to the field of robotics, with researchers developing tiny mobile robots that can respond to environmental stimuli in ways inspired by natural mechanisms. As we continue to draw inspiration from nature's ingenious designs, the potential for creating more sustainable and responsive technologies seems boundless. Nature never ceases to amaze us with its ingenious solutions, and the Solar Gate window system is a brilliant example of how we can harness these natural wonders. By mimicking the pinecone, scientists have created a game-changing technology that could revolutionize how we approach energy efficiency in our buildings. It's exciting to think about a future where our homes and offices adapt to the environment just like living organisms do. Who knew that the key to smarter buildings was hiding in our forests all along? Would you feel comfortable having windows that automatically open and close based on moisture and temperature — without any electrical controls? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
