Approaching the Theoretical Maximum Performance of Highly Transparent Thermochromic Windows

Thermochromic window coatings represent a promising technology to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in intermediate climates. With the technology approaching market introduction it is important to investigate its performance limits within smart windows and to identify existing development challenges. Here we analyze the theoretical...

The impact of bead milling on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the structural phase transition of VO2 particulate materials and their potential for use in thermochromic glazing

The thermodynamics and kinetics of the structural phase transition from monoclinic VO2 (M) to rutile VO2 (R) and vice versa were studied for particulate materials obtained by bead milling of VO2 (M) powder. Using wet bead milling, we decreased the particle size of VO2 (M) powder from ∼1 μm to 129 nm. With progressive milling, the switching...

Phase separation of VO2 and SiO2 on SiO2-Coated float glass yields robust thermochromic coating with unrivalled optical properties

Vanadium dioxide displays thermochromic properties based on its structural phase transition from monoclinic VO2 (M) to rutile VO2 (R) and vice versa, and the accompanying reversible metal-insulator transition. We developed a single layer coating comprising VO2 (M) and SiO2. We applied the coating from an alcoholic solution comprising vanadium(IV...

A comparative study on the switching kinetics of W/VO2 powders and VO2 coatings and their implications for thermochromic glazing

Building energy simulations for different building types equipped with a high performance thermochromic smart window

With constantly progressing climate change and global warming, we face the challenge to reduce our energy consumption and CO2 emission. To increase the energy-efficiency in buildings, we developed a thermochromic coating for smart windows which is optimized for intermediate climates. Here we present a building energy simulation study for the use...