At a press conference held at Cambridge Valley Machining Inc. (CVMI) in Cambridge, N.Y., Sept. 25, Congressman John Sweeney announced that he has secured $750,000 in fiscal year 2006 Energy and Water Appropriations for an alternative energy project being developed by Rensselaer researchers.

During the event, Anna Dyson, lead project researcher and associate professor of architecture, and Michael Jensen, professor of mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering, presented the latest updates on the “intelligent” building façade being developed by their team, which also includes Rensselaer alums and researchers from other universities.

Unlike conventional blinds, the modules actually capture direct light and heat (above), providing a new solution to the problem of interior glare. The daylighting technology is integrated into the design of the transparent module, which has a lens on its underside that diffuses glare and scatters excess light.

The façade is composed of focusing lenses that track the sun’s movement across the sky and concentrate its rays onto miniature photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly called solar cells. The PV cells are then projected to convert 30 percent of the light to electricity, which will support the interior lighting and other systems in the building.

“The intelligent building façade we are constructing could potentially save commercial buildings — some of the biggest consumers of energy – significant utility costs and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels,” said Dyson. 

CVMI has been contracted to manufacture the needed solar cells for the project. Once completed, the façade will be installed on a building at Syracuse University.

“This is a great relationship between researchers at RPI and manufacturers to address one of our most pressing global problems and I am proud to have helped by securing these federal funds. With energy prices as volatile as they are, I feel it is vitally important that we invest in trying to find alternative sources,” said Congressman Sweeney. “I have worked for a long time to advance the research and development of alternative and renewable energy sources, and I feel there is no better place to ensure it’s done correctly than here in upstate New York.”

Published October 2, 2006