As for the air passage, I'm curious about the real world flow numbers.
Just an off the cuff guess: it seems like the core principle is based on resonant cavities which I think would result in higher air pressure in the cavity than inside or outside the window. In a setup like that with calm ambient conditions I wouldn't think much air would actually pass through the panels, the higher pressure in the cavity would act as a bit of a wall. In windy conditions I would imagine much more air would pass through, but I bet there would be a corresponding decrease in sound isolation as air blasting through the cavity wouldn't be able to dissipate as much energy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv6sBuwzLhk http://venturebeat.com/2013/11/06/sono-window-noise-cleaner-...
Haven't read up on whether it works as advertised. Anyone have insight?
Cool science, though. If they can build these cheaply and preferably thin, it might be good for inside the house. Or in the paper-thin apartment walls, and maybe along with some much-needed thermal insulation while they are in the wall anyway.
For use in those places where you don't want to impede airflow (think a transom over a doorframe), but where you do want to reduce noise transmission.
Pretty cool!