Comparative Building Energy Simulation Study of Static and Thermochromically Adaptive Energy-Efficient Glazing in Various Climate Regions

Abstract

The building sector contributes approximately one third of the total energy consumption worldwide. A large part of this energy is used for the heating and cooling of buildings, which can be drastically reduced by use of energy-efficient glazing. In this study, we performed building energy simulations on a prototypical residential building, and compared commercially available static (low-e, solar IR blocking) to newly developed adaptive thermochromic glazing systems for various climate regions. The modeling results show that static energy-efficient glazing is mainly optimized for either hot climates, where low solar heat gain can reduce cooling demands drastically, or cold climates, where low-e properties have a huge influence on heating demands. For intermediate climates, we demonstrate that adaptive thermochromic glazing in combination with a low-e coating is perfectly suited. The newly developed thermochromic glazing can lead to annual energy consumption improvement of up to 22% in comparison to clear glass, which exceeds all other glazing systems. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in the Netherlands the use of this new glazing system can lead to annual cost savings of EU 638 per dwelling (172 m2, 25% window façade), and to annual nationwide CO2 savings of 4.5 Mt. Ergo, we show that further development of thermochromic smart windows into market-ready products can have a huge economic, ecological and societal impact on all intermediate climate region in the northern hemisphere.

The Impact of Bead Milling on the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of the Structural Phase Transition of Vo2 Particulate Materials and Their Potential for Use in Thermochromic Glazing

“…A first order metal-insulator transition (MIT) accompanies this SPT as VO 2 (M) is a semiconductor with high transmission for solar infrared (IR) light, whilst VO 2 (R) is an electrical conductor that absorbs and reflects IR radiation. Integration of VO 2 (M) into a film or coating for application in smart thermochromic windows can lead to a significant reduction in energy consumption for heating and cooling of buildings in intermediate climates [7,8].…”

“…In order for the nanoparticles to achieve the increase in both parameters the following key requirements need to be met: particle sizes far below visible light wavelength (≤100 nm) to avoid scattering of visible light, particles randomly dispersed in the film or coating, and high purity and crystallinity of particles to ensure good switching performance [20,23]. Therefore, high quality thermochromic nanoparticles with a switching temperature suited for application in smart windows (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25) • C [7,24]) are of great interest. The suitable temperature can be achieved through oxygen vacancies (point defects), doping with different elements and strain in the crystal lattice [25,26].…”

The Current Picture of the Transition to a Green Economy in the EU—Trends in Climate and Energy Policy versus State Security

“…Figure 12 shows the implementation status of greenhouse gas reduction plans by 2030 for individual EU Member States. It is surprising that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe have the highest level of fulfillment of greenhouse gas reduction commitments [62]. The main reasons for this are the economic crisis, the loss of available coal as an energy source and the shift to low-carbon sources.…”

“…However, this is only a reduction in emissions within the country; globally, nothing is decreasing, and it makes the UK dependent on supplies. In contrast, despite large investments in wind power, countries It is surprising that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe have the highest level of fulfillment of greenhouse gas reduction commitments [62]. The main reasons for this are the economic crisis, the loss of available coal as an energy source and the shift to low-carbon sources.…”

Management of the Energy Mix and Emissivity of Individual Economies in the European Union as a Challenge of the Modern World Climate

“…Increased energy efficiency-means lower energy consumption while keeping the level of economic activity unchanged [22]. Energy saving is a broader concept than efficiency because it also includes reducing consumption by changing behavior or reducing economic activity.…”