Gasochromic smart window: optical and thermal properties, energy simulation and feasibility analysis

In this paper, first of all, the configuration, optical and thermal properties of WO3-based gasochromic (GC) smart window are briefly reviewed. Subsequently, using the eQUEST building simulation program, the effect of GC smart window on the energy consumption for a commercial office building has been calculated and compared with various glazing systems currently available on the market, including SAGE@ electrochromic (EC) smart window. Simulation results indicate that the hot summer and cold winter regions are the most suitable testing grounds employing smart windows, and the decrease of HVAC loads in shanghai is 28.4% and 11.5% when using GC smart window to replace the single clear float glass and the colored absorbing double glass unit, respectively. Despite the limitation of coloration depth, GC smart window consumes less energy in Harbin than EC does. Also, according to the simulation data, there is no need to change the window’s state hourly unless the occurrence of extreme weather condition. •First of all, a new technique of low cost fabrication of WO3-based gasochromic smart window to reduce the building energy consumption is briefly discussed.•For the first time, the effect of gasochromic smart windows on the energy consumption of building in typical climate regions of China has been calculated and compared with other currently available glazing systems, including SAGE@ electrochromic smart window.•The results indicate that gasochromic smart window can significantly reduce heating and cooling loads in comparison with current static glazing types in all five typical climate zones of China, especially applicable to hot summer and cold winter regions.•At last, the feasibility, potential application areas and the way forward of improvements of gasochromic smart window are discussed.