Dynamic Glazing With Higher Thermal and Optical Performance for Zero Energy Building Design

Abstract

One of the most critical objectives in buildings is their adaptation to environmental conditions in order to optimize energy performance as well as the thermal and visual comfort of the occupants. This issue is relevant, for example, in public buildings that incorporate large glazed surfaces, where overheating and a lack of thermal and visual comfort are common, especially in Mediterranean countries. The headmost cause of increased air conditioning loads is direct solar radiation on transparent surfaces. However, the significant losses through glazed surfaces in cold climates also cannot be ignored. Therefore, solar protections must be used, thus observing the harmful effects of the absence of solar radiation on energy loads in winter. This chapter aims to study and compare construction materials recently introduced to the market, such as dynamic glasses, with significantly higher thermal and optical performance than traditional glasses.