‘Smart film’ generates power and solve home heat sustainably

A prime example comes from students at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), who have developed a prototype called the “self-powered energy management film” or “smart film.” 

This innovative film can automatically adjust its transparency according to the brightness inside a building, while simultaneously harvesting solar energy to power itself. 

This breakthrough offers a new direction for modern building energy use, balancing sustainability, aesthetics, and user comfort.

The innovation was created by the “Power Maker” team, consisting of three engineering students: Jirarath Ngaroongruang and Patcharaporn Chaikaew from the Department of Environmental Engineering, and Sasithorn Pikulkaew from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials. 

Their advisors are Assoc Prof Surawut Chuangchot from Mechanical Engineering and Assoc Prof Patinya Khemachivakul from Environmental Engineering.

Smart Film to Cool Buildings

“The project began when we observed energy inefficiencies in buildings with large glass surfaces, such as offices and universities,” said Jirarath, representing the team. “Sunlight often floods these spaces, causing occupants to close curtains and turn on lights during the day or increase air conditioning to combat heat. We realized this was a waste of energy because sunlight could instead be harnessed efficiently.”

Consulting with the Research Centre of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environmental Technology (MEET), the team combined two cutting-edge technologies: electrochromic film, which controls the film’s transparency by electrical stimulation that rearranges crystal structures, and integrated solar cells embedded in the film that convert sunlight into electricity to power the system.

This smart film regulates the amount of light entering a room, reducing heat from infrared radiation and cutting air conditioning usage. It also blocks harmful UV rays that damage skin and indoor furnishings while allowing just the right amount of natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Reducing Energy Use and Electricity Costs 

“We started by developing a small-scale model measuring 1 by 2 metres, simulating a typical home installation,” explained Sasithorn, one of the team members. “We calculated the amount of electricity the film could generate annually compared to the power consumption of various household devices. The results showed that our prototype meets the solar cell standards used and can reduce building electricity consumption by up to 22% per year. This means the film can efficiently power basic appliances and has the potential to lessen the load on the national power grid. It can also reduce energy use and electricity costs significantly, while producing enough electricity to power small devices like LED lights.”

A key advantage of this smart film prototype is that it can be installed without altering the building’s structure. 

Users simply provide the size of the glass surfaces they want to cover, and the team custom-designs and manufactures the film accordingly. 

This “plug and play” concept eliminates the need for dismantling or/ modifying electrical systems, making it ideal for those seeking quick, effective results and a practical transition to clean energy.

“What sets our innovation apart from other films on the market is its ability to ‘think and adapt,’” said Patcharaporn. “We are developing the prototype into a fully integrated smart device by embedding sensors to measure light intensity and temperature. It will also include processing systems to detect room activities and automatically adjust film transparency according to the time of day or activity type—such as reading, meetings, or relaxing during daylight hours. This real-time self-regulation will allow the film to respond intelligently to users’ needs.”

Environmental friendliness is another priority. The team selected recyclable materials and designed modular solar cell panels that can be replaced or disassembled at the end of their lifecycle, minimizing pollution and reducing electronic waste. These efforts align with international goals for achieving net-zero emissions.

Although still in the prototype phase, the Power Maker team has attracted interest from industry players through presentations at recent events. They plan to continue refining the technology and prepare for patent applications to protect their intellectual property. Industrial-scale production in partnership with the private sector is also on the horizon, aiming to meet growing market demand for clean energy and green technology.

“Another important part of this project is the learning process,” Sasithorn added with a smile. “We come from different engineering disciplines, so teamwork and communication were essential. We exchanged ideas extensively to reach mutual understanding and solutions. Engaging with users, supporters, and advisors gave us real-world experience, preparing us for future careers after graduation.”

Advisors Surawut and Patinya agree that “working on a real-world problem and developing an innovation with industrial potential is invaluable. It not only enhances the team’s skills but also builds a strong profile, equipping students with confidence and the ability to meet industry needs.”

While the smart film remains a prototype, it demonstrates that when young people are given the opportunity to experiment and innovate, they are ready to create meaningful solutions that can improve the future of our world.