Low-Cost, High-Energy-Saving Dynamic Windows
EW-201252
Objective
The objective of this project is to demonstrate the energy savings and life-cycle cost benefits of an innovative new windows technology called "dynamic windows" by showing that, compared to upgrading with state-of-the-art low-e windows, dynamic windows installed in a standard Department of Defense (DoD) building at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, will generate: (1) twice the HVAC energy savings; (2) twice the reduction in whole-building peak-load; (3) 280% greater life-cycle cost savings; and (4) significantly improved occupant comfort by eliminating glare and providing better views to the outdoors by eliminating blinds or shades. Demonstrating the performance of dynamic windows in a full-scale DoD operating environment will provide the cost and performance data needed to validate the technology, educate energy managers about its potential, and give building designers the confidence needed to design new construction and major renovations using dynamic windows.
Technology Description
Dynamic windows can switch from tinted to clear on-demand and have the potential to completely change the energy profile of DoD buildings by leveraging the best characteristics of traditional clear, tinted, and low-e glass. When sunlight is shining directly into the window, creating glare and solar heat-gain inside the building, the windows change to a tinted state to minimize cooling costs and increase occupant comfort (the dynamic glass also blocks greater than 99% of ultraviolet rays in tinted state, reducing fading of office equipment and increasing its lifetime). When the sun is overhead, the windows change to a clear state allowing ambient light to penetrate, which minimizes lighting costs. In the winter, when the sun is overhead, the windows also allow solar heat-gain to pass through the windows to passively heat the building, minimizing heating costs. The result is significant energy savings and peak-load reduction in both hot and "mixed" (hot/cold) climates.
Benefits
If broadly adopted, the dynamic windows technology could reduce global DoD facility energy consumption by 15% and greenhouse gas emissions by 24%, representing an annual savings of approximately $680 million compared to today's state-of-the-art low-e windows. At the same time, dynamic windows can reduce total facilities peak load by up to 25%, reducing strain on local electrical grid infrastructure and further improving energy security. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2014)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Brandon Tinianov, P.E.
View, Inc.
Phone: 408-828-4758
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.