Image credit: Eindhoven University of TechnologyImage credit: Eindhoven University of TechnologySmart reflective windows that allow sunlight through during the cold winter months and that act like blinds in the hot summer months could reduce the energy consumption for heating and cooling structures by 12 percent.

The windows, developed by Hitesh Khandelwal at Eindhoven University of Technology, are able to reflect invisible infrared light while also allowing visible light through. Currently, similar windows often reflect visible light and, as a result, become darker and/or discolored. Because they are static, they will always give off a cooling effect year-round, particularly concerning in the winter months when more fuel is expended to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Users will either have the option to automate the process based on temperature sensors or control the process by remote, turning the windows on and off at will.

In addition to being used in structures, the smart windows are also suitable for reducing energy consumption in cars and greenhouses.