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Architect's Brilliant Use of Materials Yields Self-Shading Windows
I've developed a related system using a bimorph of plastic or plastic/metal. 10x greater motion for the same temperature rise. A couple of examples here https://genuineideas.com/ArticlesIndex/bimorph.html
I think it's cool, and hot.
I wouldn't say this shading process "takes no energy" as the initial construction of this material is far more material, labor and energy intense than a standard window construction. It is clever but it also has drawbacks that are not mentioned.
What disadvantages does this have? And really, how much more energy does it take over time.
I would also imagine that a wall of shiny metal sandwiched between two pieces of glass would become very hot in direct sunlight. Unless you have a third layer of glass on the inside I would think the glass itself would become pretty hot to the touch. It may block sunlight but it might also heat up like an easy-bake oven in arizona summer heat.
This is truly amazing tech. Ignorant question: The same materials that are used in glasses that darken when you go into the sun, why can't they be incorporated into building glass? T