Thermal, luminous, energy and environmental performance of smart glazing in building facades

Publicações

Assessing energy, thermal and visual performance of photochromic glazing: From spectrophotometric characterization to building simulations

Publication . Teixeira, Henriqueta; Moret Rodrigues, António; Aelenei, Daniel; Gomes, Maria da Glória

ABSTRACT: Photochromic (PC) glazing is a promising smart glazing solution for enhancing buildings energy efficiency and indoor comfort through its ability to dynamically adjust its optical properties in response to solar radiation. However, studies assessing the global (energy, thermal and visual) performance of this technology are scarce. This work evaluates the performance of a clear double glazing incorporating a PC film. Spectrophotometric tests were first conducted to determine the thermal and optical properties of the PC film, revealing a dynamic visible transmittance and a low UV and near-infrared transmittance. Subsequently, a previously calibrated dynamic simulation model of an office room was used to assess the impact of the PC film on energy consumption (climatization energy needs and energy use considering an ideal air-conditioning system) and indoor comfort (in accordance with useful daylight illuminance, daylight glare index, predicted mean vote, adaptive thermal comfort model and Portuguese legislation) during working hours (9am-6 pm of weekdays) across the climates of three European cities (Lisbon, Berlin and London). The results show that PC glazing can reduce cooling demand in all studied climates. Total energy use decreased by up to 10% in the warmest of the studied climates, while slight increases were observed in the colder climates. Visual comfort improved significantly, with up to 24% and 74% more working hours with useful illuminance and imperceptible glare levels, respectively. Thermal comfort analysis revealed a negligible change in free-float conditions during working hours, and an improvement of up to 20% when the HVAC system was operating.

2026-05Artigo científico

Acesso aberto

Ver mais

Palavras-chave

, Engineering and technology ,Engineering and technology/Civil engineering

Entidade financiadora

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P.

Número da atribuição

PD/BD/150576/2020