@article {12213, title = {Refractive Index Changes of Pd-Coated Magnesium Ianthanide Switchable Mirrors Upon Hydrogen Insertion}, journal = {Journal of Applied Physics}, volume = {85}, number = {1}, year = {1999}, month = {01/1999}, pages = {408-413}, chapter = {408}, abstract = {

The optical effect upon insertion of hydrogen into Pd-coated magnesium lanthanide switchable mirrors is investigated in terms of the changes of their complex refractive indices. A significant change in the optical constants of LnMg layers is seen between the as-deposited state and the dehydrided state after one cycle. Furthermore, the optical effect of switching the Pd cap layer to a PdH cap layer was determined. It is shown that the Pd layer mainly limits the visible transmittance of the hydrided stack to about 35\%-40\%. Whereas the extinction coefficient of dehydrided LnMg layers at 550 nm is between 2.2 and 3.1, it is as low 10-4 as in the transparent state. This is of great promise to applications requiring large optical contrast (e.g., optical switches).

}, issn = {0021-8979 }, doi = {10.1063/1.369399}, author = {Klaus von Rottkay and Michael D. Rubin and Peter A. Duine} } @conference {12210, title = {Recent Technical Improvements to the WINDOW Computer Program}, booktitle = {Window Innovations 95}, year = {1995}, month = {06/1995}, address = {Toronto, Canada}, abstract = {

The WINDOW series of computer programs has been used since 1985 to model the thermal and optical properties of windows. Each succeeding version of WINDOW has brought its user base new technical capabilities, improvements to the user interface, and greater accuracy. Technical improvements to the current version, which will be released as version 5, are at first being released as stand-alone programs. This paper summarizes the capabilities and algorithms of two of these programs, THERM and LAMINATE. A third stand alone program, RESFEN, which calculates the annual energy effects of specific windows in a typical house throughout the US, will also be incorporated into WINDOW 5; because this program is already in use and documented, it is not discussed in this paper. THERM allows the user to evaluate two dimensional (2-D) heat transfer effects through the solid elements of a window while LAMINATE determines the optical properties of an individual glazing layer with an applied film. Both of these programs are undergoing final development at the time of this writing and will be released as separate programs before they are incorporated into WINDOW 5.

}, author = {Dariush K. Arasteh and Elizabeth U. Finlayson and Michael D. Rubin and John Sadlier} } @conference {12211, title = {Reducing Residential Cooling Requirements Through the Use of Electrochromic Windows}, booktitle = {Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VI Conference Proceedings}, year = {1995}, month = {12/1995}, address = {Clearwater Beach, FL}, abstract = {

This paper presents the results of a study investigating the energy performance of electrochromic windows in a prototypical residential building under a variety of state switching control strategies. We used the DOE-2.1E energy simulation program to analyze the annual cooling energy and peak demand as a function of glazing type, size, and electrochromic control strategy. A single-story ranch-style home located in the cooling-dominated locations of Miami, FL and Phoenix, AZ was simulated. Electrochromic control strategies analyzed were based on incident total solar radiation, space cooling load, and outside air temperature. Our results show that an electrochromic material with a high reflectance in the colored state provides the best performance for all control strategies. On the other hand, electrochromic switching using space cooling load provides the best performance for all the electrochrornic materials. The performance of the incident total solar radiation control strategy varies as a function of the values of solar radiation which trigger the bleached and colored states of the electrochromic (setpoint range); i.e., required cooling decreases as the setpoint range decreases; also, performance differences among electrochromics increases. The setpoint range of outside air temperature control of electrochromics must relate to the ambient weather conditions prevalent in a particular location. If the setpoint range is too large, electrochromic cooling performance is very poor. Electrochromics compare favorably to conventional low-E clear glazings that have high solar heat gain coefficients that are used with overhangs. However, low-E tinted glazings with low solar heat gain coefficients can outperform certain electrochromics. Overhangs should be considered as a design option for electrochromics whose state properties do not change significantly between bleached and colored states.

}, author = {Robert Sullivan and Michael D. Rubin and Stephen E. Selkowitz} } @conference {12233, title = {A Review of Electrochromic Window Performance Factors}, booktitle = {SPIE 13. International Symposium on Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion}, year = {1994}, month = {04/1994}, address = {Freiburg, Germany}, abstract = {

The performance factors which will influence the market acceptance of electrochromic windows are reviewed. A set of data representing the optical properties of existing and foreseeable electrochromic window devices was generated. The issue of reflective versus absorbing electrochromics was explored. This data was used in the DOE 2.1 building energy model to calculate the expected energy savings compared to conventional glazings. The effects of several different control strategies were tested. Significant energy and peak electric demand benefits were obtained for some electrochromic types. Use of predictive control algorithms to optimize cooling control may result in greater energy savings. Initial economic results considering annual savings, cooling equipment cost savings, and electrochromic window costs are presented. Calculations of thermal and visual comfort show additional benefits from electrochromics but more work is needed to quantify their importance. The design freedom and aesthetic possibilities of these dynamic glazings should provide additional market benefits, but their impact is difficult to assess at this time. Ultimately, a full assessment of the market viability of electrochromics must consider the impacts of all of these issues.

}, author = {Stephen E. Selkowitz and Michael D. Rubin and Eleanor S. Lee and Robert Sullivan} }