The Effect of Smart Colored Windows on Visual Performance of Buildings

Abstract

The photochromic coating is a promising smart technology that provides different optical properties in response to daylight variations. The application of photochromic coatings with various colors/shades on window glass is one of the current research approaches for finding better energy saving techniques. The aim of this study was to develop a series of photochromic coatings for window glass and measure the impact of such smart technologies on occupants’ visual comfort. This paper examines the visual performance of building facades that utilize windows with different photochromic-coated glass. The visual performance data of three window types coated with nine different photochromic color shades were considered and compared to determine the best photochromic shades and window types that provide optimum visual metrics for the inside of the building. The results show that compared to no-coating glass, both the Daylight Glare Probability and the Useful Daylight Illuminance could be improved by using multi-color coatings that contain equal or different color proportions for photochromic window glass. From an energy-saving point of view, the results indicate that the windows coated with photochromic materials provide a better alternative to the no-coating window products.

Keywords

• smart colored windows
• responsive facades
• photochromic coating
• visual comfort
• building performance