Examination of energy and visual comfort performance of thermo-chromic coatings for cellular offices

Thermo-chromic coatings are promising passive systems for providing energy saving performance. They change their optical properties within visible and solar wavelengths according to their temperature, as these coatings contain materials such as vanadium dioxide (VO2) that change phase at their transition temperature. In this study, energy savings performance of thin pigmented thermo-chromic coating attached on an ordinary window glass is investigated by modeling a simple office room for three different transition temperatures in three cities that are all in different climate regions of Turkey; Izmir, Istanbul and Ankara. Optical properties of thin thermo-chromic coatings attached on an ordinary glass are determined by transfer matrix method considering particle concentration and thickness of the coating. Optimal coating for all climatic conditions are determined by optimization for high energy savings performance while considering visual comfort. Comparison between double glazings with thin thermo-chromic coatings and ordinary double glazing is presented for energy improvement and visual comfort by useful daylight illuminance (UDI) approach. Consequently, up to 26% and 9% energy saving potential are observed in relatively hot and cold climates, respectively.

Automated summary

Thermo-chromic coatings are investigated for their energy saving performance on ordinary window glass in different climate regions of Turkey. The coatings change their optical properties based on temperature and contain vanadium dioxide (VO2) that undergoes phase transition. The study examines the energy savings and visual comfort of the coatings by modeling an office room in Izmir, Istanbul, and Ankara. The results show up to 26% and 9% energy saving potential in hot and cold climates, respectively.