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A quantitative investigation on the cooling benefits of retrofitting building skylights with broadband-spectrum selectivity in China

Author

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  • Pu, Jihong
  • Li, Yingxiao
  • Xu, Dan
  • Shen, Chao
  • Lu, Lin

Abstract

Spectral selective design offers a promising solution for enhancing windows' energy efficiency. Most of the current spectral regulation strategies focus on facades windows, pursuing high Near-Infrared (NIR) reflectance and low infrared (IR) emissivity. However, in skylight scenarios, low IR emissivity is generally undesired, as it can hinder the radiative sky cooling. This study proposes a spectral regulation strategy specific for skylights, by developing the PDMS/ITO/PET flexible film. In addition to a high visible transmittance of 86 %, the polymeric film can reduce indoor solar heat gain by 20 %, and improve the radiative sky cooling performance by 16 %. An experimental demonstration conducted in Hong Kong revealed that retrofitting clear skylights with this film led to a decrease in indoor air temperature by 4.7 °C, demonstrating its superior energy-saving potential in hot regions. To further access it's feasibility in different climatic conditions, a transient model was developed and implemented across 371 cities in China. In different climatic zones of China, retrofitting clear skylight with the PDMS/ITO/PET film can induce indoor heat removal by 0.61 GJ/(m2 year) to 1.34 GJ/(m2 year). With its flexibility and energy-saving potential, it is foreseen that the PDMS/ITO/PET film may offer a sustainable solution for building skylight retrofitting.

Suggested Citation

  • Pu, Jihong & Li, Yingxiao & Xu, Dan & Shen, Chao & Lu, Lin, 2025. "A quantitative investigation on the cooling benefits of retrofitting building skylights with broadband-spectrum selectivity in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 381(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:381:y:2025:i:c:s0306261924024851
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.125101
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mi, Wensen & Pu, Jihong & Shen, Chao & Chen, Guozheng & Soteris, Kalogirou A., 2025. "Vacuum-structured electrochromic glazing windows with ultra-low U-Values for building energy savings in all climatic zones," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).
    2. Jiangsheng Yu & Jihong Pu & Dongsheng Xie & Zhenhai Ai & Yongwen Lang & Menghua Cao & Chunhui Duan & Lin Lu & Gang Li, 2025. "Semitransparent organic photovoltaics with wide geographical adaptability as sustainable smart windows," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.

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