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Approaching the Theoretical Maximum Performance of Highly Transparent Thermochromic Windows

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Mann

    (The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), High Tech Campus 25, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
    Brightlands Materials Center, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands)

  • Lavinia Calvi

    (Design and Synthesis of Inorganic Materials (DESINe), Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    IMEC vzw, IMOMEC Associated Laboratory, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    EnergyVille, Thor Park 8320, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Cindy P. K. Yeung

    (The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), High Tech Campus 25, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
    Brightlands Materials Center, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands)

  • Roberto Habets

    (The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), High Tech Campus 25, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
    Brightlands Materials Center, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands)

  • Ken Elen

    (Design and Synthesis of Inorganic Materials (DESINe), Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    IMEC vzw, IMOMEC Associated Laboratory, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    EnergyVille, Thor Park 8320, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • An Hardy

    (Design and Synthesis of Inorganic Materials (DESINe), Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    IMEC vzw, IMOMEC Associated Laboratory, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    EnergyVille, Thor Park 8320, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Marlies K. Van Bael

    (Design and Synthesis of Inorganic Materials (DESINe), Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    IMEC vzw, IMOMEC Associated Laboratory, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
    EnergyVille, Thor Park 8320, 3600 Genk, Belgium)

  • Pascal Buskens

    (The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), High Tech Campus 25, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
    Brightlands Materials Center, Urmonderbaan 22, 6167 RD Geleen, The Netherlands
    Design and Synthesis of Inorganic Materials (DESINe), Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium)

Abstract

Thermochromic window coatings represent a promising technology to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in intermediate climates. With the technology approaching market introduction it is important to investigate its performance limits within smart windows and to identify existing development challenges. Here we analyze the theoretical maximum performance of thermochromic window coatings that modulate IR transmission whilst retaining high visible transparency. The set limitations lead to a theoretical maximum solar modulation of 39.1%. Within an insulated glazing unit (IGU), where at least 2 glass panes and a conventional low-e coating are required, this value is further reduced to 12.9%. We show that by carefully selecting a low-e coating with the highest compatibility to a thermochromic coated glass and by allowing 10% of modulation in the visible spectral range, the theoretical maximum can be increased to 23.1%, illustrating the importance to codesign and match both coatings within a smart window to reach optimum performance. Furthermore, we compared our current best-performing VO 2 :SiO 2 composite coating within an IGU to the theoretical maximum. The analysis shows that with a solar modulation of 13.4%, the coating is currently at 59% of the theoretical maximum. Finally, we propose and discuss several strategies to proceed further toward the theoretical maximum.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Mann & Lavinia Calvi & Cindy P. K. Yeung & Roberto Habets & Ken Elen & An Hardy & Marlies K. Van Bael & Pascal Buskens, 2023. "Approaching the Theoretical Maximum Performance of Highly Transparent Thermochromic Windows," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:13:p:4984-:d:1180839
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Daniel Mann & Cindy Yeung & Roberto Habets & Zeger Vroon & Pascal Buskens, 2020. "Comparative Building Energy Simulation Study of Static and Thermochromically Adaptive Energy-Efficient Glazing in Various Climate Regions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Hutchins, MG & Platzer, WJ, 1996. "The thermal performance of advanced glazing materials," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 8(1), pages 540-545.
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