Energy Efficient Smart Plasmochromic Windows: Properties, Manufacturing and Integration in Insulating Glazing

Dual band electrochromic windows enable selective spectral control of the incoming solar radiation in buildings and can therefore efficiently respond to their ever-changing lighting, heating and cooling requirements. They allow indeed to selectively filter out near-infrared solar radiation passing through the window, thus blocking solar heat gain during hot summer days and increasing it over sunny winter days, whilst regulating the amount of daylight in an independent manner. We herein present advancements in the manufacturing and the performance of screen-printed dual-band electrochromic devices (herein referred as “plasmochromic”) embodying stable gel electrolytes. Particularly three different sets of polymeric hosts, respectively based on PMMA/PEO-, PVB- and PVDF, are characterized for such integration. Most suitable formulations have been adopted to manufacture and test up to 30 x 30 cm2-large smart window prototypes. Based on the values of TLUM, TSOL, and total solar heat gain coefficient (g-value) calculated from the measured transmittance and reflectance spectra, a preliminary assessment of the device optical and thermal performances for architectural integration in insulated glazing units is carried out, compared with the performances of competing commercially available solar control and smart glazing IGU. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed “plasmochromic” technology in reducing the energy consumption and maximizing both visual and thermal comfort in architectural glazing systems.