Energy Performance Analysis of Electrochromic Windows in New York Commercial Office Buildings

A DOE-2.1E energy simulation analysis of a switchable electrochromic (EC) glazing with daylighting controls has been conducted for prototypical office buildings in New York (NY). The modeling included four types of office buildings: "old" and "new" vintages and large (10,405 m², 112,000 ft²) and small (502m², 5400 ft²) buildings. Five commercially available, base case windows with and without interior shades were modeled. Window area varied from 0 to 60% of the exterior floor-to-floor wall area. The electric lighting had either no controls or continuous daylighting controls. The prototypes were modeled in New York City or Buffalo.

Energy performance ata are given for each of the four perimeter zones. Data are presented as a function of window-to-wall ratio in order to better understand the interactions between 1) electric lighting energy use and daylight admission and 2) solar heat gains and space-conditioning energy use. Maximum and minimum reductions in energy use between the EC glazing and all other base case conditions are also presented. Projected energy use reductions relative to typical specified NY office buildings are presented as an indication of the potential impacts EC glazings might have in retrofit and new construction.

The energy and demand reductions provided by EC glazings with daylighting controls relative to what is typically specified in office buildings in NY are quite substantial. EC glazings will also dampen fluctuations in interior daylight levels and window brightness, potentially increasing visual comfort.