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Experimental investigation of indoor lighting/thermal characteristics of highly sensitive mechano-chromic energy-saving windows

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  • Li, Shuliang
  • Sha, Yong
  • Wu, Yihui
  • Gao, Yunrui
  • He, Miao
  • Wang, Xiaoliang
  • Yang, Li
  • Mai, Xianmin

Abstract

Windows play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption in buildings. In the case of conventional static windows, it is difficult to strike a balance between heating and cooling in winter and summer. Dynamic windows are adjustable but have a complex structure, with high cost and low sensitivity, limiting their suitability in residential buildings. In this study, we propose a novel mechano-chromic energy-saving window that effectively regulates indoor solar radiation heat gain. The proposed structure outperforms existing mechano-chromic windows, achieving significant transmittance modulation with small associated strains, attaining a solar light transmittance modulation of 24.09 % with a strain of 5 %. In a series of experimental tests, the force-induced chromogenic energy-saving window lowered the average indoor air temperature in summer mode by 1.61 °C and 4.46 °C compared with standard double-pane insulating windows when subjected to strains of 5 % and 10 %, respectively. In winter mode, the associated decrease in temperature is 0.37 °C. Tests in summer have established differences in average indoor illuminance of 102 lux and 155 lux for a strain of 5 % and 10 %, respectively. The difference in indoor illuminance for the experimental (mechano-chromic) and control (double pane insulation) groups in winter mode is negligible.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Shuliang & Sha, Yong & Wu, Yihui & Gao, Yunrui & He, Miao & Wang, Xiaoliang & Yang, Li & Mai, Xianmin, 2025. "Experimental investigation of indoor lighting/thermal characteristics of highly sensitive mechano-chromic energy-saving windows," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225013015
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135659
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