In the U.S., billions of dollars are spent annually on energy lost through the use of inefficient windows. Even wall systems with high performance static glazings and moveable shading devices are not optimal because they canât effectively respond to changing solar and environmental conditions. In this project, electrochromic (EC) glazings and other advanced technologies will be incorporated into building wall systems for improved energy efficiency, daylighting, and environmental benefits. In Phase I, the energy saving performance of fully dynamic wall systems containing EC windows will be compared with that of conventional systems. The unique optical and thermal properties of the EC window will be measured (using a statistical sample), and the data will be input into a computer model. Total costs for the different integrated building scenarios will be calculated over the expected lifetime of the window/wall systems. In Phase II, the best system options will be installed and tested in a demonstration site.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Advanced wall systems containing EC windows could be incorporated into a wide range of residential and commercial window products. The estimated annual reduction in energy use could exceed $6 billion if EC captures just 10% of the market. There should also be significant reductions in peak demand, AC capacity, building operating costs, and pollutants from the burning of fossil fuels
