@techreport {58592, title = {Angular selective window systems: Assessment of technical potential for energy saving}, year = {2014}, note = {

Submitted to Energy and Buildings, May 27, 2014

}, month = {01/2014}, pages = {36}, type = {DOE / CEC PIER Technical Report}, abstract = {

Static angular selective shading systems block or filter direct sunlight and admit daylight within a specific range of incident solar angles. They can potentially deliver energy efficient performance within the typical 4.6-m (15-ft) deep perimeter zone of buildings when tailored to a specific fa{\c c}ade orientation and latitude. The objective of this study is to quantify the technical potential of these systems to reduce energy use and peak demand in commercial buildings, specifically: a) achieve 30-50\% reductions in perimeter zone energy use vs. ASHRAE 90.1-2004, b) constrain peak window loads to less than 43 W/m2-floor (4 W/ft2-floor), and c) to the extent possible, admit useful daylight in the perimeter zone without exceeding the peak solar load constraint. Three distinctly different commercial shading systems were evaluated: a micro-perforated screen, a tubular shading structure (double- and triple-paned configurations), and an expanded metal mesh. This evaluation was performed mainly through computer simulation for a multitude of scenarios, including multiple climates (Chicago, Illinois and Houston, Texas), window-to-wall ratios (0.15-0.60), building codes (ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and 2010) and lighting control configurations (with and without daylighting controls). Angular selective shading systems are optically complex and cannot be modeled accurately using conventional simulation tools, prompting the development of unique versions of the EnergyPlus, Radiance and Window simulation tools. Results show significant potential reductions in perimeter zone energy use, with the best commercially-available system reaching 28\% and 47\% savings, relative to ASHRAE 90.1- 2004 and respectively without and with daylighting controls, on south facades in Chicago with WWR=0.45, while constraining peak window heat gains to under 43 W/m2-floor, and enabling significant savings from daylighting controls. Results suggest that it is possible that existing systems can be improved to more consistently achieve 30-50\% energy savings. Level of angular selectivity, spectral selectivity of low-e coatings and thermal conductance of the angle-selective layer were identified as critical factors for the performance of angular selective systems. Static, angular selective shading systems offer a potentially low-cost option to significantly reduce window heat gains and control glare from visibility of the sun orb, while permitting the admission of useful daylight and access to views to the outdoors. This type of system shows significant potential to contribute towards net-zero energy goals in both new and retrofit construction.

}, keywords = {angular selective systems, Building energy-efficiency, daylighting, Shading Systems, windows}, author = {Luis L. Fernandes and Eleanor S. Lee and Andrew McNeil and Jacob C. Jonsson and Thierry Stephane Nouidui and Xiufeng Pang and Sabine Hoffmann} } @techreport {60771, title = {High Performance Building Fa{\c c}ade Solutions-Phase II}, year = {2014}, month = {03/2014}, abstract = {

The High Performance Building Fa{\c c}ade Solutions{\textendash}Phase II project was initiated through the California Energy Commission{\textquoteright}s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program in July 2010 to support industry{\textquoteright}s development and deployment of both incremental and breakthrough fa{\c c}ade technologies in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The objective of this three-year project was to develop, or support the development and deployment of, promising near-term and emerging zero net energy building fa{\c c}ade technologies for solar control and daylighting, addressing two of the largest end uses in California commercial buildings: cooling and lighting. In partnership with industry (such as manufacturers), three classes of technologies were investigated: daylighting systems, angular-selective shading systems, and dynamic fa{\c c}ade systems. Commercially available and emerging prototype technologies were developed and evaluated using laboratory tests. Simulations, full-scale outdoor tests in the Advanced Window Testbed, and demonstration projects quantified energy and peak electric demand reductions and occupant satisfaction, acceptance, and comfort associated with the resultant indoor environment. Several new technologies were developed using virtual prototyping tools. Integrated control systems were developed using model predictive controls. Simulation tools were developed to model operable complex fenestration systems such as shades and microprismatic films. A schematic design tool called COMFEN was developed to facilitate evaluation of these advanced technologies in the early design phase. All three classes of technologies resulted in significant reductions in perimeter zone energy use and peak electric demand, providing viable options that can support California{\textquoteright}s long-term goal of achieving zero net energy use in the next decade.

}, keywords = {automated shading, between-pane shading, bidirectional scattering distribution functions, building energy simulation tools, Complex fenestration systems, daylighting, daylighting simulation tools, electrochromics, exterior shading, goniophotometer, light shelves, microprismatic films, model predictive controls, motorized shading, shading, solar-optical properties, switchable windows, thermochromics, virtual prototyping, window heat transfer}, author = {Eleanor S. Lee and Brian E. Coffey and Luis L. Fernandes and Sabine Hoffmann and Andrew McNeil and Anothai Thanachareonkit and Gregory J. Ward} } @techreport {60935, title = {A Pilot Demonstration of Electrochromic and Thermochromic Windows in the Denver Federal Center, Building 41, Denver, Colorado}, year = {2013}, note = {

Completed September 30, 2012, released March 30, 2014.

}, month = {07/2013}, abstract = {

Chromogenic glazing materials are emerging technologies that tint reversibly from a clear to dark tinted state either passively in response to environmental conditions or actively in response to a command from a switch or building automation system. Switchable coatings on glass manage solar radiation and visible light while enabling unobstructed views to the outdoors. Building energy simulations estimate that actively controlled, near-term chromogenic glazings can reduce perimeter zone heating, ventilation, and air- conditioning (HVAC) and lighting energy use by 10-20\% and reduce peak electricity demand by 20-30\%, achieving energy use levels that are lower than an opaque, insulated wall.

This project demonstrates the use of two types of chromogenic windows: thermochromic and electrochromic windows. By 2013, these windows will begin production in the U.S. by multiple vendors at high-volume manufacturing plants, enabling lower cost and larger area window products to be specified. Both technologies are in the late R\&D stage of development, where cost reductions and performance improvements are underway. Electrochromic windows have been installed in numerous buildings over the past four years, but monitored energy-efficiency performance has been independently evaluated in very limited applications. Thermochromic windows have been installed in one other building with an independent evaluation, but results have not yet been made public.

}, keywords = {building controls, daylighting, Demand Side Management, electrochromic, energy-efficiency, Smart windows, switchable windows, Thermochromic, Window}, url = {http://gsa.gov/portal/content/187967}, author = {Eleanor S. Lee and Luis L. Fernandes and Howdy Goudey and Jacob C. Jonsson and Dragan C. Curcija and Xiufeng Pang and Dennis L. DiBartolomeo and Sabine Hoffmann} }