Electrochromic Windows: State of Art and Future Developments.

Windows can be considered one of the most important components to improve the energy efficiency of existing and new buildings. With this purpose, various material and solutions have been adopted to enhance both their thermal and optical characteristics. Among these solutions, electrochromic films can be considered one of the most promising technologies to achieve energy saving as well as occupant visual comfort. In this paper, the characteristics of the main electrochromic windows marketed have been analysed in order to define the current state-of-art of large area electrochromic glazings. The laboratory and field experimental studies conducted on full scale electrochromic samples have been critically reviewed, along with the physical quantities and measurement methodologies useful for their characterization being listed. Furthermore, in order to allow for a correct evaluation of their actual benefits from an energy point of view and visual comfort, the theoretical studies available in current scientific literature have been examined. Finally, a detailed analysis of European research projects whose main objective is the development of electrochromic devices have also been presented in order to have an overview of their technological and industrial progress