Georg, A.; Graf, W.; Schweiger, D.; Wittwer, V.; Nitz, P.; Wilson, H.R.
March 1998
Solar Energy, vol 62-3, p. 215-228
but protection against overheating in summer is also needed. Usually this problem is solved by using mechanical shading devices, with the disadvantages of high cost and low durability.
The work on switchable glazing at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, in cooperation with industrial partners, aims to present new and viable alternatives. Two types of switching layers, which are quite different in their structure and function, but are similar in having a large dynamic range in TSET, are being investigated––gasochromic and thermotropic.
Gasochromic windows are actively switched between a clear and a coloured (but image-preserving) state by alternately introducing strongly diluted O2 and H2 gases. In contrast to classic electrochromic configurations, only one tungsten oxide film with a very thin catalyst coating is needed. At present, prototype windows with an area of 1.1×0.6 m2 are being produced by sputtering. Careful adjustment of the layer structure, the gas concentration and its flow velocity is needed to obtain the desired switching rate. Homogeneous colouring of the whole area within seconds has been achieved. In addition to information on the colouring kinetics, the paper also discusses system aspects of these windows.
Thermotropic layers switch reversibly and automatically, from a clear state with high transmittance to a milky white state with high diffuse reflectance, when their temperature rises. Depending on the composition of the material, the switching temperature can be chosen in the range needed. The measured optical properties of glass laminates with a thermotropic layer are presented. These are combined with the measured values for further panes to calculate the characteristic data for thermotropic insulated glazing units. The results are compared with those measured on a 1.1×1.65 m2 prototype window. Stability results are also included.
The effect of the two different types of switchable glazing on building energy savings is explored for a residential building model, using the TRNSYS building energy simulation program.
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