Objective
Objectives and Problems to be solved:
The objective of this project is to develop an electro chromic evacuated glazing that will combine optimum dynamic control of the solar radiation penetrating into buildings, with a high degree of thermal insulation. This will be achieved by the optimisation of the electro chromic device materials and by the refinement of an existing vacuum sealing method. Such a glazing can reduce space heating and cooling loads, improve thermal comfort in buildings and contribute in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. It can also improve day lighting of buildings leading to significant electricity savings.
Description of the work:
Thin films of electro chromic oxides, ion storage layers, transparent conductors and polymer electrolytes will be fabricated by vacuum and chemical techniques. All the above materials will be characterized by advanced methods to provide information on their structure, composition and physical properties. Electro chromic devices of small dimensions will be fabricated and characterized to determine the coloration efficiency, cycling reversibility and durability of the materials used. Theoretical investigations will be carried out to assess the mechanisms of ion transport and coloration of the materials involved and to predict the heat flow through an electro chromic evacuated glazing. The information thus obtained will allow the optimisation of the window properties and choose the most suitable combination of materials. The already developed technique of vacuum sealing will be further refined to provide a durable contiguously sealed glazing. Electro chromic evacuated window prototypes with dimensions ranging from 20cm*20cm and up to 50cm*50cm will be fabricated using a triple glass arrangement. A vacuum glazing will be formed in a special vacuum chamber. One outer glass surface will be treated with the active electro chromic material before lamination using a polymer electrolyte to the third glass sheet with the ion storage layer to produce a combined evacuated electro chromic glazing. The prototypes will be tested for durability and performance by indoors and outdoors experiments. These tests will provide us with definitive results for the performance and durability of the devices and will be used as feedback for any necessary improvements.
Expected Results and Exploitation Plans:
Fabrication of electro chromic evacuated glazing prototypes, optimisation of the materials involved and of the manufacturing techniques. Theoretical modelling for the ion transfer mechanisms and predictions of U-values of the window at various coloration stages. Assessment of prototype performance and durability through indoor and outdoor testing. All intellectual properties generated in the present project will be owned by the partners carrying out the work. Results which present a commercially significant innovation will be patented as soon as possible. The results of the project will be promoted as much as possible within Europe and in relevant international bodies, by means of technical publications. The relevant partners will apply for patents. An appraisal will be undertaken to determine the potential market penetration and environmental impact resulting from a range of uptake scenarios.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
26500 RION-ACHAIA
Greece