In modern architecture, large-area glazing is a continuing trend because of its appearance and design variety. Large southwards-oriented windows help to reduce the energy demand for heating in winter. However, large-area glazing may significantly increase the energy demand for cooling and air-conditioning in hot summers. Smart Glass Solutions – such as electrochromic (EC) and thermochromic (TC) windows and glass facades – control the radiation energy transfer with the “touch of a button” and thus can drastically reduce the energy demands for heating and air conditioning of large buildings. In addition, they allow superior indoor lighting comfort in contrast to conventional mechanical window blinds.

The EU-funded initiative Switch2Save aims to overcome these limitations by combining and maturing EC and TC systems to create lightweight Energy Smart Insulating Glass Units (IGUs) suitable for large windows and glass facades. EC switching relies on materials that change their light transmittance by applying a low electrical voltage; TC cells are based on materials that change their infrared reflection properties with increasing temperature.

The project has following specific objectives:
 

• Develop a combination of EC and TC cells – with optimized maximum energy saving potential – based on a switchable total energy transmittance (g-value).
• Scale the manufacturing technologies for increased availability and cost effectiveness.
• Assess the performance of the innovative insulating glass units.
• Demonstrate the heating and cooling energy saving potential and the lighting comfort in two operational buildings in Greece and Sweden.
• Replace 50 windows and 200 m² glass facade area with the smart glass solution and perform a full “beforeafter” comparison of the energy demand for a one-year cycle.

Switch2Save will accelerate the widespread implementation of energy smart glass and significantly contribute to the goal of a CO₂ neutral building stock in the EU before 2050.

Website Switch2Save