Liquid NanoTint Performance Evaluation

The scope of this project is to test the effectiveness of DryWired's NanoTint in a real world setting by applying it to UI's Golf Pro Shop and comparing data before and after application. Design and build a portable demonstration unit to conduct small scale tests of the material. =Problem Definition=

Background
An enormous amount of energy is spent heating and cooling our buildings and much of it is wasted through the building’s windows. Most options to help insulate windows and reduce solar heat gain are expensive or block out most of the window’s visible light. Liquid Nanotint offers a cheap and easy to apply coating that claims to block almost all UV and IR rays while reducing visible light transmission very little. We will be applying Liquid Nanotint to University of Idaho’s Golf Pro Shop in order to quantify the coating’s effectiveness and electricity use reduction in a real-world setting. We will also be building a demonstration unit that will show Liquid Nanotint’s benefit’s and effectiveness in real time to prospective clients.

Project Deliverables
UI Golf Pro Shop Demonstration Unit
 * We will be applying Liquid Nanotint to University of Idaho’s Golf Pro Shop in order to quantify the coating’s effectiveness and electricity use reduction in a real-world setting.
 * We will be building a demonstration unit that will show Liquid Nanotint’s benefit’s and effectiveness in real time to prospective clients.

Specifications
=Design Considerations=
 * The first design (left) is a frame made or 8020 aluminum extrude for two pieces of glass, one coated and one uncoated. This design is very stable, but much larger and takes longer to setup than desired.
 * The second design (right) is a box with two walls on top with slots in them to allow glass to slide into them, making it easy to switch between coated and uncoated panes of glass. The box in this design allows storage of testing components and equipment. The downside of this design is that it is not possible to compare both panes of glass at the same time.

=Project Learning= Liquid Nanotint is a thermal barrier coating applied like paint to windows. It blocks 99.9% and 95% of ultraviolet and infrared radiation while transmitting up to 78% of visible light. This allows it to drastically reduce the solar heat gain from windows without negatively impacting window visibility or aesthetics. It’s much cheaper than alternatives, costing only $2-$3 per square foot.

Application
 * Safety
 * High concentration methanol is used to apply Liquid Nanotint, which is highly flammable and toxic in liquid and vapour forms. As such, nanotint should be applied away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. Protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection should be used. If applying indoors or in any poorly ventilated area, dual cartridge respirators should be used.
 * Procedure
 * Application requires ambient temperatures of 45-95 degrees Fahrenheit and less than 70% relative humidity.
 * Application occurs with three steps; buff, primer, and Nanotint applications.
 * Buffing serves to remove oils and smooths the application surface.
 * Priming involves 90% methanol and prepares the window for the Nanotint coating.
 * Lastly, the nanotint coating is mixed and applied using a painter’s roller and a specific technique that minimizes streaking and other defects.

=Final Design=

After making alteration to our previous designs we decided upon the design above. In selecting this design we wanted it to meet the design parameters of being small, lightweight, portable, and cost effective. This design takes into account of these design considerations and has the added perks of a professional look. Our final design is made up of two aluminum frames each containing a pane of glass, one coated and one uncoated, that fold on hinges allowing it to be folded up to a smaller size for transporting. An important feature of this design is that you are capable of running live action tests on both the coated and uncoated glass at the exact same time.

Design Specs:
 * Wieght: 8lbs
 * Dimensions folded: 14.25" x 2.75" x 15.25"
 * Dimensions unfolded: 28" x 1.25" x 15.25"

Our design comes in at a weight of just over 8lbs allowing for easy portability. Other features include a handle for easy transportation, wood engraved corner brackets adding to aesthetics, and a thermocouple stand for running real time tests.

=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes

Presentations



Client Interview