IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/energy/v322y2025ics0360544225013015.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544225013015
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.energy.2025.135659?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yang, Xinpeng & Li, Dong & Yang, Ruitong & Ma, Yuxin & Duan, Yanjiao & Zhang, Chengjun & Hu, Wanyu & Arıcı, Müslüm, 2023. "Parameter global optimization and climatic adaptability analysis of PCM glazed system for long-term application," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    2. Wang, Guangpeng & Ma, Yuxin & Zhang, Shu & Li, Dong & Hu, Rong & Zhou, Yingming, 2023. "Thermal performance of a novel double-glazed window combining PCM and solar control glass in summer," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(P1).
    3. Haratoka, Cagatay & Yalcin, Refet A. & Erturk, Hakan, 2023. "Examination of energy and visual comfort performance of thermo-chromic coatings for cellular offices," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 267(C).
    4. Songshan Zeng & Dianyun Zhang & Wenhan Huang & Zhaofeng Wang & Stephan G. Freire & Xiaoyuan Yu & Andrew T. Smith & Emily Y. Huang & Helen Nguon & Luyi Sun, 2016. "Bio-inspired sensitive and reversible mechanochromisms via strain-dependent cracks and folds," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, September.
    5. Liu, Haixiang & He, Wei & Liu, Xianghua & Zhu, Jian & Yu, Hancheng & Hu, Zhongting, 2023. "Building integrated concentrating photovoltaic window coupling luminescent solar concentrator and thermotropic material," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 284(C).
    6. Zewei Shao & Aibin Huang & Cuicui Cao & Xiaowei Ji & Wei Hu & Hongjie Luo & John Bell & Ping Jin & Ronggui Yang & Xun Cao, 2024. "Tri-band electrochromic smart window for energy savings in buildings," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 7(6), pages 796-803, June.
    7. Meng, Yun & Tan, Yutong & Li, Xin & Cai, Yangjian & Peng, Jinqing & Long, Yi, 2022. "Building-integrated photovoltaic smart window with energy generation and conservation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 324(C).
    8. Pu, Jin Huan & Yu, Xiyu & Zhao, Yuewen & Tang, G.H. & Ren, Xingjie & Du, Mu, 2023. "Dynamic aerogel window with switchable solar transmittance and low haze," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    9. Ding, Yitong & Zhong, Chengxi & Yang, Fengying & Kang, Zeyang & Li, Bowen & Duan, Yuhao & Zhao, Zhiheng & Song, Xudong & Xiong, Ying & Guo, Shaoyun, 2023. "Low energy consumption thermochromic smart windows with flexibly regulated photothermal gain and radiation cooling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    10. Si-Zhe Sheng & Jin-Long Wang & Bin Zhao & Zhen He & Xue-Fei Feng & Qi-Guo Shang & Cheng Chen & Gang Pei & Jun Zhou & Jian-Wei Liu & Shu-Hong Yu, 2023. "Nanowire-based smart windows combining electro- and thermochromics for dynamic regulation of solar radiation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    11. Garlisi, Corrado & Trepci, Esra & Li, Xuan & Al Sakkaf, Reem & Al-Ali, Khalid & Nogueira, Ricardo Pereira & Zheng, Lianxi & Azar, Elie & Palmisano, Giovanni, 2020. "Multilayer thin film structures for multifunctional glass: Self-cleaning, antireflective and energy-saving properties," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    12. Shen, Yi & Xue, Peng & Luo, Tao & Zhang, Yanyun & Tso, Chi Yan & Zhang, Nan & Sun, Yuying & Xie, Jingchao & Liu, Jiaping, 2022. "Regional applicability of thermochromic windows based on dynamic radiation spectrum," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 15-27.
    13. Wu, Shuangdui & Sun, Hongli & Song, Junkang & Liu, Sai & Shi, Shaohang & Tso, ChiYan & Lin, Borong, 2024. "Comprehensive analysis on building performance enhancement based on selective split-band modulated adaptive thermochromic windows," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 372(C).
    14. Pu, Jihong & Shen, Chao & Lu, Lin, 2023. "Investigating the annual energy-saving and energy-output behaviors of a novel liquid-flow window with spectral regulation of ATO nanofluids," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    15. Jiang, Tengyao & Zhao, Xinpeng & Yin, Xiaobo & Yang, Ronggui & Tan, Gang, 2021. "Dynamically adaptive window design with thermo-responsive hydrogel for energy efficiency," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 287(C).
    16. Liu, Sai & Tso, Chi Yan & Du, Yu Wei & Chao, Luke Christopher & Lee, Hau Him & Ho, Tsz Chung & Leung, Michael Kwok Hi, 2021. "Bioinspired thermochromic transparent hydrogel wood with advanced optical regulation abilities and mechanical properties for windows," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 297(C).
    17. Zhang, Chunxiao & Li, Dongdong & Wang, Lin & Yang, Qingpo & Guo, Yutao & Zhang, Wei & Shen, Chao & Pu, Jihong, 2024. "Experimental investigation of indoor lighting/thermal environment of liquid-filled energy-saving windows," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    18. Chiatti, Chiara & Kousis, Ioannis & Fabiani, Claudia & Pisello, Anna Laura, 2022. "Effect of optimized photoluminescence on luminous and passive cooling potential: A new combined experimental and numerical approach applied to yellow-emitting glass tiles," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 28-39.
    19. Haomin Chen & Gunho Chang & Tae Hee Lee & Seokhwan Min & Sanghyeon Nam & Donghwi Cho & Kwonhwan Ko & Gwangmin Bae & Yoonseong Lee & Jirou Feng & Heng Zhang & Jang-Kyo Kim & Jonghwa Shin & Jung-Wuk Hon, 2024. "Compression-sensitive smart windows: inclined pores for dynamic transparency changes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    20. Sai Liu & Yang Li & Ying Wang & Yuwei Du & Kin Man Yu & Hin-Lap Yip & Alex K. Y. Jen & Baoling Huang & Chi Yan Tso, 2024. "Mask-inspired moisture-transmitting and durable thermochromic perovskite smart windows," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    21. Han, Miao & Pu, Jihong & Liu, Yongdong & Liu, Xingjiang & Mei, Hongyuan & Shen, Chao, 2023. "Near-infrared blocking window based on ATO-CWO/PVB nano-lamination," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(P1).
    22. Xu, Bin & Fei, Yue & Chen, Xing-ni & Xie, Xing & Pei, Gang, 2024. "Influence of selective infrared emissivity design on the radiative cooling effect of windows: Laws exploration based on transient analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Chen, Shuni & Guo, Yanming & Shen, Chao & Shuai, Yong, 2025. "Photoelectric-coupled multilayer smart glass synergistically regulated with doped nanoparticles of GaAs and IST phase change layers," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    2. 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).
    3. Fei, Yue & Xu, Bin & Chen, Xing-ni & Pei, Gang, 2024. "The role of emissivity of the window surface inside and outside the atmospheric window in the radiative cooling effect," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    4. Wu, Shuangdui & Zhu, Peijin & Song, Junkang & Sun, Hongli & Cheng, Zhu & Lin, Borong, 2024. "Design and application optimization of static and dynamic shading technologies in multi-climate based on parameter simulation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(PC).
    5. Shi, Shaohang & Zhu, Ning & Li, Yifan & Song, Yehao, 2024. "Photo-thermal decoupling CdTe PV windows with selectively near-infrared absorbing ATO nanofluids," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    6. Yang, Haotian & Liu, Xingjiang & Gu, Yaping & Shen, Chao, 2025. "A novel photovoltaic-photothermal coupling skylight based on spectral complementation conception: System design and performance investigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    7. Huaiyuan Wang & Yuanwei Lu & Jie Wang & Tao Qi & Xuefeng Tian & Chaowei Yang & Yuming Huang & Meiqi Wang & Baiqi Zhang & Zhibin Qu & Wei Zhou & Fei Sun & Jihui Gao & Guangbo Zhao, 2025. "Hydrated ionic polymer for thermochromic smart windows in buildings," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    8. Shen, Yi & Xue, Peng & Luo, Tao & Zhang, Yanyun & Tso, Chi Yan & Zhang, Nan & Sun, Yuying & Xie, Jingchao & Liu, Jiaping, 2022. "Regional applicability of thermochromic windows based on dynamic radiation spectrum," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 15-27.
    9. Chen, Shuni & Guo, Yanming & Shen, Chao & Shuai, Yong, 2025. "Structural optimization of semitransparent power-generating window glass doped with core-shell nanoparticles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    10. Ke, Yujie & Tan, Yutong & Feng, Chengchen & Chen, Cong & Lu, Qi & Xu, Qiyang & Wang, Tao & Liu, Hai & Liu, Xinghai & Peng, Jinqing & Long, Yi, 2022. "Tetra-Fish-Inspired aesthetic thermochromic windows toward Energy-Saving buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 315(C).
    11. Wu, Shuangdui & Sun, Hongli & Song, Junkang & Liu, Sai & Shi, Shaohang & Tso, ChiYan & Lin, Borong, 2024. "Comprehensive analysis on building performance enhancement based on selective split-band modulated adaptive thermochromic windows," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 372(C).
    12. Yu, Tao & Liu, Rumin & Yang, Zixiang & Yang, Shikuan & Ye, Zhizhen & Lu, Jianguo, 2025. "Color Design for Daytime Radiative Cooling: Fundamentals and Approaches," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 377(PA).
    13. Zhang, Chunxiao & Li, Dongdong & Wang, Lin & Yang, Qingpo & Guo, Yutao & Zhang, Wei & Shen, Chao & Pu, Jihong, 2024. "Experimental investigation of indoor lighting/thermal environment of liquid-filled energy-saving windows," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    14. Wang, Lin & Li, Dongdong & Wang, Zhanwei & Ma, Aihua & Lang, Yu & Jin, Yitong & Fang, Juan, 2024. "Indoor dynamic light/thermal environment of smart windows using ATO nanofluids in summer: An experimental study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).
    15. Han, Shulun & Sun, Yuying & Wang, Wei & Xu, Wenjing & Wei, Wenzhe, 2023. "Optimal design method for electrochromic window split-pane configuration to enhance building energy efficiency," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(P1).
    16. Pan, Zhongjie & Liu, Jia & Wu, Huijun & Luo, Diqian & Huang, Jialong, 2025. "Theoretical-experimental-simulation research on thermal-daylight-electrical performance of PV glazing in high-rise office building in the Greater Bay Area," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 378(PA).
    17. Ma, Yuxin & Gao, Enyuan & Zhang, Xiaosong & Huang, Shifang, 2024. "Parametric analysis and design optimization of a fully open absorption heat pump for heat and water recovery of flue gas," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 375(C).
    18. Haomin Chen & Gunho Chang & Tae Hee Lee & Seokhwan Min & Sanghyeon Nam & Donghwi Cho & Kwonhwan Ko & Gwangmin Bae & Yoonseong Lee & Jirou Feng & Heng Zhang & Jang-Kyo Kim & Jonghwa Shin & Jung-Wuk Hon, 2024. "Compression-sensitive smart windows: inclined pores for dynamic transparency changes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    19. Marchini, F. & Chiatti, C. & Fabiani, C. & Pisello, A.L., 2023. "Development of an innovative translucent–photoluminescent coating for smart windows applications: An experimental and numerical investigation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    20. Shichao Huang & Haotian Guo & Pengfei Xia & Hongcan Sun & Changgui Lu & Yuge Feng & Jing Zhu & Cai Liang & Shuhong Xu & Chunlei Wang, 2025. "Integrated device of luminescent solar concentrators and electrochromic supercapacitors for self-powered smart window and display," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225013015. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/energy .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.