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Assessing the Energy-Saving Potential and Visual Comfort of Electrochromic Smart Windows in Office Buildings: A Case Study in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Author

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  • Ismail M. Budaiwi

    (Architectural Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohammed Abdul Fasi

    (Innovation and Technology Transfer Office, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

This study comprehensively evaluates the energy-saving potential and visual comfort aspects of electrochromic (EC) smart windows in a hot-humid climate office building. Using an advanced building simulation tool, EC windows are compared to conventional low-E glazed windows, considering two control triggers: daylighting level and glare control. The primary objective is to determine energy savings achievable with EC windows while addressing visual comfort. Detailed analysis of the building’s energy performance and indoor environment is conducted. Results show significant energy savings of 23% with EC windows using daylighting control but limited visual comfort in some zones. Conversely, EC windows with glare control achieve 17% energy savings while maintaining visual comfort throughout the building. These findings highlight the potential of EC windows with glare control in saving energy and maintaining visual comfort in hot-humid office buildings. Further research is needed to optimize performance for different building types and climates. In conclusion, this study provides insights into energy-saving capabilities and visual comfort considerations with EC smart windows, emphasizing the importance of appropriate control triggers for maximizing energy savings and occupant comfort. Future investigations should explore EC window performance across diverse building typologies and climates to enhance the benefits of this innovative technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Ismail M. Budaiwi & Mohammed Abdul Fasi, 2023. "Assessing the Energy-Saving Potential and Visual Comfort of Electrochromic Smart Windows in Office Buildings: A Case Study in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9632-:d:1172098
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Myunghwan Oh & Minsu Jang & Jaesik Moon & Seungjun Roh, 2019. "Evaluation of Building Energy and Daylight Performance of Electrochromic Glazing for Optimal Control in Three Different Climate Zones," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-23, January.
    2. Aritra Ghosh & Abdelhakim Mesloub & Mabrouk Touahmia & Meriem Ajmi, 2021. "Visual Comfort Analysis of Semi-Transparent Perovskite Based Building Integrated Photovoltaic Window for Hot Desert Climate (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-13, February.
    3. Casini, Marco, 2018. "Active dynamic windows for buildings: A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 923-934.
    4. Mesloub, Abdelhakim & Ghosh, Aritra & Touahmia, Mabrouk & Albaqawy, Ghazy Abdullah & Alsolami, Badr M. & Ahriz, Atef, 2022. "Assessment of the overall energy performance of an SPD smart window in a hot desert climate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 252(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Abdul Mujeebu, Muhammad & Ashraf, Noman, 2024. "Energy-saving benefits of thermal insulation and glazing in code-compliant office building in cooling-dominated climates," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    2. Jianming Yang & Yonglang Huang & Jie Han & Hongxing Mai & Peng Li, 2025. "Optical–Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency of Electrochromic Glazing in Hot Summer and Warm Winter Residential Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-24, February.

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