Previous research has shown Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) to have excellent applicability for building exterior materials and windows, because they can be controlled in terms of Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) and color, and thus have good variability. However, windows with solar cells may not show ideal energy generation efficiency. This depends on a variety of factors, such as window composition, shadow, and light scattering. In this paper, through mock-up tests, the energy generation of DSSCs with various transmittances and colors was measured. Red, Green, and Blue (RGB)-based DSSCs of 7, 10, and 20% VLT were used, and Pmax values were measured for solar radiation for comparison. As a result of the comparison, performance estimates were made for each color and VLT when used as a window. In this study, the electrical energy generated by DSSCs was measured in an environment applied to a real window, not a virtual environment. Therefore, the study is meaningful, in that data that can estimate performance when applying various types of DSSCs in a real-world window environment were created.

The concept of smart windows that can change the properties of windows and doors in response to external stimuli has recently been introduced. Smart windows provide superior energy savings and control of indoor environments. This concept can advance sustainable architecture, and it will make it possible to connect with the fourth industry, which has developed recently. However, unlike the relevant hardware, is advancing rapidly, research on methods of adjusting smart windows is slow. Therefore, in this study, an analysis of energy use over time was conducted on electrochromic windows, one of the main types of smart windows. Through this analysis, the optimal properties of electrochromic smart windows were identified, and an operation schedule was created. In addition, energy saving rates were derived through a comparison with existing architectural windows.

Windows with low visible light transmittance (VLT) and g-values are preferred to reduce the building’s energy consumption. However, low VLT and g-value can create an unpleasant indoor daylight environment. A glass with freely adjustable VLT and g-value as required has been developed and is called smart glass. In this study, the recently developed VLT adjustable smart glass is targeted. Some studies were conducted on the VLT adjustment status of smart windows to create an appropriate indoor lighting environment. Although research on smart glass has been conducted through ecofriendly building certification systems such as LEED in the US, BREEAM in the UK, CASBEE in Japan, and GSEED in South Korea, it was pointed out that there is a limit to creating a uniformity. Therefore, the previous study analyzed the VLT conditions to create a minimal indoor daylight environment. The purpose of this study is to propose and analyze a louver-type electrochromic façade that can create a uniform indoor illuminance. A simulation method was used, and a range of changes in indoor illuminance that could be controlled through an electrochromic louver was derived. The simulation was performed using the Rhino 6′s Grasshopper program based on the Radiance engine. Electrochromic is a class of smart glass with high VLT variable range and durability. The conditions for deriving the optimal daylight environment according to the composition, VLT, and angle of the electrochromic louver were analyzed. The evaluation was made against the criteria of LEED v4.1. Data on the composition, VLT, and angle adjustment of the electrochromic louver that can obtain a high LEED v4.1 daylight score were derived, and organized in tables. Considering the composition and angle, it was found that the daylight environment of the electrochromic louver adjusted with a VLT of 25% to 45% was excellent in composition.

Windows with various colors are important design elements used widely ranging from traditional architecture to contemporary buildings to express the architectural façade, the interior atmosphere, and so on. Recently, there is a possibility that solar cells can be used to replace windows with various colors. In particular, attempts to manufacture windows using Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) are actively underway. Accordingly, there is a need to determine physical and environmental performances of DSSCs. This study attempted a methodological approach to evaluate indoor environmental performance of windows and DSSCs. The concept of color gamut overage normally used in the field of displays was utilized to evaluate color expressions. In addition, a standard visual inspection table suggested by the International Ophthalmological Society was used to evaluate the recognition of shapes. This study compared performances between RGB color windows and DSSCs using the two above previous concepts. Measurement data showed that most DSSCs performed poorly in comparison with architectural color windows. However, some DSSCs showed good enough performances that could be used as alternatives of architectural color windows. Green DSSCs with VLT 18% had a color gamut similar to clear glasses. Blue DSSCs with VLT 18% were found to have similar or better shape recognition than current architectural color windows. Based on these results, limitations of DSSCs as alternatives of architectural color windows and their future development directions are suggested.

There is much discussion of the energy performance of buildings in order to carry out sustainable construction. However, buildings are not simply spaces that offer excellent energy performance, but are based on climate, culture, and context, which for sustainability are factors that also need to be considered. Hanok, a vernacular housing form in Korea, is based on organic characteristics and harmony between nature and human. Hanok aims to avoid the destruction of the surrounding ecosystem and to borrow the natural environment as a passive element. Wood, stone, clay lime and paper are mainly used as building materials. Therefore, hanok has a sustainable value that is different from its energy performance. In this context, it is necessary to analyze whether a hanok is a good space to live in, and a study on comfort performance was conducted. In this study, an analysis of the spatial comfort of Hanok was conducted. This research tried to derive performance indicators to pursue the spatial comfort of hanok that is mainly investigated through correlational analysis. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to find correlations by statistically analyzing user surveys and physical indicators, using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. This makes it possible to set preliminary standards for hanok comfort and how to consider these in the design stage.