Thermal performance of an electric-driven smart window: experiments in a full-scale test room and simulation model

This paper reports the results of experimental tests and numerical simulations aimed at evaluating the performance of an electric-driven smart window with respect to solar control in buildings. The experimental performances of the electric-driven smart window were evaluated using a south oriented full scale experimental facility designed and realized. The tests were carried out during the summer under real sky conditions upon varying the state of the electricdriven smart window (clear and milky). In the first part of the paper, the experimental results are discussed in terms of surface temperature of glazings as well as indoor air temperature in order to highlight the potential benefits on thermal comfort associated to the application of electric-driven smart windows. In the second part of this paper, the experimental data are compared to the numerical results generated through a simulation model of the electric-driven smart window in order to assess its reliability under different operating scenarios. Finally, the simulation model is used to quantify the potential cooling load reduction deriving from the integration of electric-driven smart windows in an office façade located in Naples (Italy).