%0 Report %D 2006 %T A Design Guide for Early-Market Electrochromic Windows %A Eleanor S. Lee %A Stephen E. Selkowitz %A Robert D. Clear %A Dennis L. DiBartolomeo %A Joseph H. Klems %A Luis L. Fernandes %A Gregory J. Ward %A Vorapat Inkarojrit %A Mehry Yazdanian %X

Switchable variable-tint electrochromic windows preserve the view out while modulating transmitted light, glare, and solar heat gains and can reduce energy use and peak demand. To provide designers objective information on the risks and benefits of this technology, this study offers data from simulations, laboratory tests, and a 2.5-year field test of prototype large-area electrochromic windows evaluated under outdoor sun and sky conditions. The study characterized the prototypes in terms of transmittance range, coloring uniformity, switching speed, and control accuracy. It also integrated the windows with a daylighting control system and then used sensors and algorithms to balance energy efficiency and visual comfort, demonstrating the importance of intelligent design and control strategies to provide the best performance. Compared to an efficient low-e window with the same daylighting control system, the electrochromic window showed annual peak cooling load reductions from control of solar heat gains of 19-26% and lighting energy use savings of 48-67% when controlled for visual comfort. Subjects strongly preferred the electrochromic window over the reference window, with preferences related to perceived reductions in glare, reflections on the computer monitor, and window luminance. The EC windows provide provided the benefit of greater access to view year-round. Though not definitive, findings can be of great value to building professionals.

%G eng %L LBNL-59950 %1

Windows and Daylighting Group

%2 LBNL-59950 %0 Report %D 2005 %T Daylighting the New York Times Headquarters Building: Final Report %A Eleanor S. Lee %A Stephen E. Selkowitz %A Glenn D. Hughes %A Robert D. Clear %A Gregory J. Ward %A John Mardaljevic %A Judy Lai %A Mehlika Inanici %A Vorapat Inkarojrit %K automated daylighting controls %K automated window shades %K daylighting %K energy-efficiency %K visual comfort %X

The technical energy-savings potential for smart integrated window-daylighting systems is excellent and can yield significant reductions in US commercial building energy use if adopted by a significant percentage of the market. However, conventional automated shades and daylighting controls have been commercially available for over two decades with less than 1-2% market penetration in the US. As with all innovations, the problem with accelerating market adoption is one of decreasing risk. As the building owner researches technology options, the usual questions surface that concern the purchase of any new product: how will it work for my application, are the vendor claims valid, what risks are incurred, and will the performance benefits be sustained over the life of the installation? In their effort to create an environment that "enhances the way we work" in their new 139 km2 (1.5 Mft2) headquarters building in downtown Manhattan, The New York Times employed a unique approach to create a competitive marketplace for daylighting systems. A monitored field test formed the strategic cornerstone for accelerating an industry response to the building owners' challenge to a sleepy market (i.e., US automated shading and daylighting control products have had few major technical advances over the past 10 years). Energy, control system, and environmental quality performance of commercially-available automated roller shade and daylighting control systems were evaluated. Procurement specifications were produced. Bids were received that met The Times cost-effective criteria. The Times will proceed with the use of these systems in their final building. Competitively-priced new products have been developed as a result of this research and are now available on the market.

%8 06/2005 %2 LBNL-57602