The European portal for energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings
Which smart window is smarter? Comparing efficiency of two different kinds of thermotropic smart windows
Publication
Which smart window is smarter? Comparing efficiency of two different kinds of thermotropic smart windows
17 March 2025
Thermotropic (TT) smart windows, especially those with blinds, enhance energy efficiency and daylight comfort, achieving up to 18.9% energy savings by dynamically regulating solar energy.
Editorial Team
Thermotropic (TT) materials offer a promising approach to enhancing building energy efficiency and indoor comfort. This study evaluates two TT smart window systems—one integrating a TT film within double glazing (DG) and another using TT blinds.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) was selected for its advantageous optical properties, assessed via experiments and simulations.
Performance was analysed in London and Ankara using Ray-tracing, EnergyPlus, and RADIANCE tools.
Results showed TT smart windows regulate solar energy effectively, with TT blinds achieving superior energy savings—10.8% in London and 18.9% in Ankara—compared to TT film.
These findings highlight TT windows’ potential for sustainable building design.
26/02/2025
Yang Ming, Fujian Jiang, Cemil Alkan, Yanping Yuan, Yupeng Wu
