Intelligent Electrochromic Photothermal Regulation for Integrated Building Energy Saving

Abstract

As the demand for energy-efficient buildings surges, it is of utmost importance to develop efficient and integrated intelligent energy-conservation technologies. This research presents a comprehensive intelligent energy-saving system that combines electrochromic dynamic photothermal regulation windows (DPRW) with selective dynamic radiative cooling regulators (SDRCR) using electrochromic technology. The DPRW enables independent solar transmittance modulation (ΔT=~92%/~82% at visible/near-infrared band) and mid-infrared emissivity switching (Δε=~0.6), leading to a temperature ~14°C lower than that of normal windows. The SDRCR provides customizable colors while guaranteeing selective emissivity modulation (Δεmax=0.6/0.64) within the atmospheric transparent windows (8-13 μm, 16-23 μm), facilitating dynamic thermal management with a temperature regulation of ~5°C for cooling/insulation and overcoming static radiative cooling limitations. EnergyPlus simulations suggest a potential annual energy saving of up to 99.5 MJ/m² and ~80% reduction in cooling energy consumption in hot climates. This study is the first to introduce electrochromic technology into an integrated building system and offers a novel solution for intelligent buildings through multi-band spectral control, achieving a balance among energy efficiency, aesthetic flexibility, and environmental adaptability.