Group tests liquid crystal greenhouse component

The Cleveland Botanical Garden and Kent State University’s Liquid Crystal Institute partnered to design and construct a research greenhouse that would extend the growing season and conserve energy.

The group will determine liquid crystal’s potential for creating more sustainable, energy-efficient greenhouses. Researchers at Kent State have developed liquid crystal windows that “switch” to different shading. These windows can be used to manipulate sunlight entering a greenhouse, and control the temperature and light wavelengths.

“This is a huge opportunity for Kent State and for the Cleveland Botanical Garden,” said John L. West, vice president for research at Kent State. “The project combines liquid crystal technology, horticulture and architecture to harness sunlight. There is great potential for spin-off industries and technology, grant funding for both energy efficiency and plant growth and wide benefits to the public.”

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For more: Cleveland Botanical Garden, (216) 721-1600; www.cbgarden.org. Kent State University, Liquid Crystal Institute, (330) 672-2654; www.lci.kent.edu.

May 2008