Dimmable fenestration and incorporated photovoltaic design

Abstract

The built environment contributes with 39% of the CO2 emissions in the world [3]. At the same time it is a sector that is expected to grow from US$10.9 trillion (2017) to US$12.9 trillion (2022) [4]. A sector with such an economic growth but with a negative environmental impact needs to innovate in order to reduce its carbon footprint. These are the reasons why, along this project, one of the most traditional components of the building façade will be re-designed. Glazing is a key component for the transformation of the built environment into a cleaner sector. Through glazing, radiation and natural light are received. With smarter window designs that make use of switchable films (films that change their transparency with different impulses) this reception could be done in a more efficient way. This can reduce the need of other artificial devices like air conditioning and light bulbs inside the buildings. Furthermore, if glazing is coupled with solar energy harvesting technologies like solar cells, an autonomous device can be created. A smart window that includes photovoltaic solar cells and an electrically switchable film is prototyped through this project. The selection of materials and construction of the window are explained through this document. Software modelling to recreate real life scenarios during a whole year are performed and the results are encouraging. An off-grid photovoltaic system that supplies energy to an electrically switchable film, all coupled in a glazing for building façade is technically possible, even in challenging environmental conditions.