Tri-band electrochromic smart window for energy savings in buildings

Zewei Shao, Aibin Huang, Cuicui Cao, Xiaowei Ji, Wei Hu, Hongjie Luo, John Bell, Ping Jin, Ronggui Yang () and Xun Cao ()
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Zewei Shao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Aibin Huang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Cuicui Cao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiaowei Ji: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Wei Hu: Tianjin University
Hongjie Luo: Shanghai University
John Bell: University of Southern Queensland
Ping Jin: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ronggui Yang: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Xun Cao: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Sustainability, 2024, vol. 7, issue 6, 796-803

Abstract: Abstract Electrochromic windows provide a sustainable solution for use in energy-efficient buildings as their varying optical properties in changing weather conditions allow the optimization of solar radiation heat gain and indoor thermal comfort. However, as the wavelength range of sunlight that can be used remains limited, broader implementation of this technology is hampered. Here we present an electrochromic design that combines radiative cooling of mid-infrared light and maximized utilization of both visible and near-infrared light. Our electrochromic window takes advantage of a WO3/VO2 film structure that, with a controllable lithium-ion intercalation depth, affords three active optical states to control visible and near-infrared transmittance independently. Moreover, the use of electrodes with preferred emissivity at both surfaces serves to optimize the radiative heat exchange between the indoor and outdoor environments. Field experiments and simulations show that our device exhibits higher energy savings than a commercial low-emissivity glass in most climate zones around the world. Our findings suggest ample opportunities for energy-saving window designs that can help achieve global carbon neutrality and sustainability.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01349-z

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