Monte-Carlo optical model coupled with Inverse Adding-Doubling for Building Integrated Photovoltaic smart window design and characterisation

Experimental characterisation of a smart glazing with tuneable transparency, light scattering ability and electricity generation function

“…Apart from reductions in optical transmittance, HPC hydrogels can provide stronger scattering of incident light when their temperatures increase, as demonstrated in previous ray-tracing studies by Liu and Wu [48,49]. Due to the strong scattering nature, these hydrogels can be coupled to Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) windows, potentially providing additional protection against glare and overheating as well as higher electric power outputs [48,49]. A major challenge to realising this hybrid solar system is to incorporate an HPC hydrogel layer with an appropriate transition temperature, optical transmittance and reflectance properties for any given climatic condition.…”

“…It was predicted that the smart window incorporated with a 6 wt% HPC hydrogel membrane can provide an annual energy saving of approximately 22% over a traditional double-glazed window. Apart from reductions in optical transmittance, HPC hydrogels can provide stronger scattering of incident light when their temperatures increase, as demonstrated in previous ray-tracing studies by Liu and Wu [48,49]. Due to the strong scattering nature, these hydrogels can be coupled to Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) windows, potentially providing additional protection against glare and overheating as well as higher electric power outputs [48,49].…”

Mechanism and regulation of LCST behavior in poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate)-based temperature-sensitive hydrogels

“…PHPA temperature-sensitive hydrogels undergo a phase transition from a highly transparent to an opaque state, yet how the microscopic changes occur is difficult to know. The theory of light scattering helps to explain the phenomenon of a phase change in temperature-sensitive hydrogels on a microscopic level, 47 since the degree of light scattering is related to factors such as particle radius ( r ), radiation wavelength ( λ ) and so on. The particle size parameter α is often quoted as a criterion for determining the type of scattering, α = 2π r / λ .…”

A review of advanced architectural glazing technologies for solar energy conversion and intelligent daylighting control

“…The concept of combined PV-TT smart windows has been further explored and validated by Liu and Wu (2021a, 2021b, 2021c using sophisticated simulation models and undertaking experiments under laboratory and outdoor conditions. Smart windows with different LCSTs (between 20 °C and 40 °C), excellent solar energy modulations (up to 76%) and good electrical performance (up to 12% improvement in power output compared to an ordinary c-Si PV glazing) have been demonstrated.…”