Thermochromic windows may revolutionize building efficiency
American engineers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have developed modern thermochromic windows based on perovskite materials, significantly increasing building energy efficiency. This innovative solution aims to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and decrease carbon dioxide emissions.
29 November 2024 10:19
Let's first consider two important statistics. Buildings account for about 40% of global energy consumption, primarily due to winter heating and summer air conditioning. Energy loss through windows also accounts for up to 30% of the energy required for building thermoregulation. Windows allow excessive heat entry in summer and heat escape in winter.
For years, scientists have been working on solutions to mitigate these losses. One approach was windows coated with an infrared-responsive layer. Currently, engineers seeking more effective ways to save energy are focusing on thermochromic windows, which use materials that alter their properties according to the ambient temperature.
How can perovskite windows reduce bills?
Thermochromic windows made from perovskites can switch from a fully transparent state to reflecting sunlight. This can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce heating and cooling costs, promoting the maintenance of the correct indoor temperature.
By placing a perovskite layer between two panes of glass, these windows can adapt to thermal conditions. In summer, they reduce the heat entering the interior, preventing its escape in winter. As a result, less heating and air conditioning is required, leading to energy and monetary savings.
This is a real innovation in construction
This solution was implemented with financial support from the U.S. Department of Energy, and its effectiveness was tested in various climate zones across the United States. The greatest energy savings were recorded in the colder regions of the country.
Interestingly, the more windows a building has relative to wall area, the greater the benefits these windows can provide. All this information can be found in the detailed research report published by Advanced Energy Materials.
The scientists emphasize in the report's introduction the "extraordinary promise of thermochromic metal halide perovskites to reduce building energy consumption," which is particularly important given the growing popularity of designing buildings with increasingly larger glazing areas.
