by Sanjay Mendiratta, Director, HeatCure
The future of a cool, cosy space has arrived, and it’s not just turning on the air conditioner anymore. Over the last decade, we have seen unprecedented innovations that have changed the way we experience things, and nanotechnology is paving a breakthrough in how we keep our premises comfortable while cutting down costs and beyond. Nanotechnology, the science that deals with the manipulation of matter, also harnesses the power to minimize the heat impact and make our spaces climate efficient, all day every day, even in the hottest weather. It holds immense potential to redefine comfort and enhance the quality of life in our living and working environments — just with the application of a coating that lasts over a decade.
Today, we are in the nascent age of the modern architecture era that particularly uses glass, steel and concrete in constructing buildings. While it makes the design stand out and gives a luxurious feel, it comes with its functional flaw – as glass allows the heat to pass in and out easily. There comes nanotechnology that changes the game. It prevents the rapid transfer of heat or cold energy by insulating the glass, at the same time maintaining transparency for a splendid sight.
Breakthrough with Nanotechnology
Comfort. The functions of nanotechnology are limitless, and the recent advancements in adaptive coatings and textiles are some examples that have enabled us to find convenience in our day-to-day functions. The nano-engineered innovative coatings were created with the pursuit to offer year-round ease without blinding the views. These coatings can be applied to surfaces like windows, walls, and big glass with unique properties that respond to external influences. The nano-layer, for instance, can regulate the amount of sunlight entering a room, blocking the heat and glare efficiently. In addition, they can repel water, repel stains, and act as insulation, all of which increase comfort and energy efficiency.
Cost. Architects and infrastructure designers have bent towards other solutions such as DGU, commonly known as double glass units, that prevent heat from entering into the building by trapping the sun rays and heat in the vacuum layer between the glasses. However, nanoscale technology has proven to deliver better results. The one-of-a-kind Japanese coating technology post-application starts filtering the heat energy to allow you to enjoy the daylight without the warmth of it. While the double glass units add extra load on the building, with their weight and 3x cost, the nanotech coating takes away the burden on the pocket as it can be applied on 5mm glass and offer performance beyond the DGUs.
Safety. Nanotechnology has unlocked another benefit with its application in coating technology, as it blocks 99% of the ultraviolet rays that are responsible for the fading of interior paints, causing discomfort and unbearable climate. We also know that prolonged exposure to UV rays is known to cause harmful effects on the human body, as severe as skin cancer — and with the application of nano coatings, we can prevent it heads-on.
Easy Application. Nanotech has opened doors to personalized comfort solutions tailored to individual preferences. The nanoscale coatings can be easily applied on all glass structures in a single day, which majorly allows sunlight to enter the building. Post application, the windows take up to 4-6 hours to dry up, without causing any discomfort to the user.
Greener Planet. Another breakthrough of nanotechnology is it allows you to indirectly protect the planet by saving energy whether it’s summer or winter. The nanoscale coating blocks the heat from transferring inside from outside and vice versa — keeping the inside cool during summers and warm during winters.
Wrapping it up
Even though embracing the idea of minimalism has led to architectural advancement, it has created pressure on other factors – added cost of electricity, the warmer temperature inside the premises, and discomfort. Nanotechnology coating will undoubtedly revolutionize year-round comfort, cost savings on electricity bills and using double glass units, and prevents interiors, improving overall living standards. As this field of study develops, we can anticipate when the environment will no longer constrain comfort but will instead be optimized by the power of nanotechnology, making every day comfortable regardless of the season or location.
