Improvement in Energy Performance of Building Envelope Incorporating Electrochromic Windows (ECWs)

Abstract

The present study sets out to review the thermal and optical properties of electrochromic windows (ECWs) through an analysis of the improvement in the energy performance of a building resulting from their application. The performance analysis was based on the change in the room temperature according to the solar transmittance and the orientation of the ECWs, the energy consumptions of the building’s heating/cooling systems, and that of the building’s lighting according to the visible light transmittance (VLT). To achieve this, the Quick Energy Simulation Tool (eQUEST), a building energy interpretation program, was used. The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of the ECWs was found to be significantly reduced. This had the effect of lowering the room temperature in summer, such that the effect on the summer cooling energy consumption was also remarkable. However, with a reduction in the VLT, the lighting energy consumption increased. The net result of the changes in the heating/cooling and lighting energy consumptions was a reduction of about 11,207 kWh/yr (8.89%). The ECWs were found to realize a greater reduction in a building’s energy consumption than was possible with windows glazed with low-E coated glass.

A Systematic Review of the Most Recent Concepts in Smart Windows Technologies with a Focus on Electrochromics

“…The best examples of passive technologies are glass with photochromic coatings (glass that dims under the influence of sunlight) or thermochromic coatings (glass that dims under the influence of heat). Some authors-e.g., Park et alclaim that "passive (technology) is typically more suitable for building application as it is automated and its structures are usually simpler" [21]. Although the passive technologies are not in the focus of the presented paper, it is worth reporting that vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) seems to be a promising alternative for developing thermochromic glazings since its "critical" temperature at which the temperature-dependent properties are changed is at approx.…”

“…In 2019, Aburas et al provided a review on thermochromic smart window technologies for building applications [19]. Recent reviews were provided by Ke et al [10] and Wang et al [20], while Park et al have concentrated on the improvement in the energy performance of building envelopes incorporating electrochromic windows [21]. In 2021, Feng et al provided the most recent critical review of fenestration/window system design methods for high-performance buildings [22].…”

Reduction in Carbon Dioxide Emission and Energy Saving Obtained by Renovation of Building Envelope of Existing Residential Buildings

“…improving the indoor environment by either allowing or blocking the passing of solar radiation (Park et al, 2019). There are many factors to be considered in the energy-saving transformation of external windows, including heat transfer performance of external window glass and window frame profiles, shading performance of external windows and air tightness of external windows.…”

Electrodeposited Copolymers Based on 9,9′-(5-Bromo-1,3-phenylene)biscarbazole and Dithiophene Derivatives for High-Performance Electrochromic Devices

“…Organic conjugated polymers have attracted more attention over the past two decades owing to their versatile applications in energy-stored devices [ 1 , 2 ], electrochromic devices [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], sensors [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], catalysts [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], solar cells [ 14 , 15 ], field effect transistors [ 16 , 17 ], and light-emitting diodes [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Today, many practical applications of electrochromic technologies, including self-tunable eyewear, auto-dimmer rearview mirrors, smart textiles, and electronic paper, are presented in our daily lives [ 21 , 22 ]. Electrochromic technologies are further used in flexible technical fields such as wearable electronics, camouflage, and curved windows.…”