A Novel PCM-Integrated Electrochromic Glazing (PCM-ECG) System for Improving Energy Performance in Cooling Season

Dynamic windows can adjust their thermal and optical properties according to the ever-changing climate and the occupants' requirements, and therefore become robust solutions to carbon reduction in buildings. In order to enhance thermal mass of windows and provide active control on solar and light transmittance, a phase-change material integrated electrochromic glazing (PCM-ECG) system is devised in this study. An equivalent model in EnergyPlus software is constructed to evaluate the energy performance of this innovative glazing system. It overcomes the issue that EnergyPlus cannot directly model electrochromic glazing incorporating PCM. The energy efficiency in cooling season of this innovative glazing system was investigated and compared with conventional windows, using a cellular office in Shanghai as an example. The result shows large potential in integrating PCM and ECG in the glazed facade for building energy conservation.