Design and optimization of thermally responsive autonomous dynamic glazed attachment systems for building solar heat gain control

Windows, as transparent intermediaries between the indoors and outdoors, have a significant impact on building energy consumption and indoor visual and thermal comfort. With the recent development of dynamic window structures, especially various attachment technologies, the thermal, visual, and energy performances of windows have been significantly improved. In this research, a new dynamic transparent louver structure sandwiched within conventional double-pane windows is proposed, designed, optimized, and examined in terms of energy savings in different climates. The uniqueness of the proposed design is that it autonomously responds to the seasonal needs prompted by solar heat gain through the use of thermally deflected bimetallic elements. Moreover, by integrating spectral selective louvers into the system design, the dynamic structure enables strong solar infrared modulation with a little visible variation. The optical and thermal properties of the dynamic glazing structure support about 30% and 16% seasonal variations in solar heat gains and visible transmittance, respectively. Furthermore, the potential energy savings were explored via parametric energy simulations, which showed significant potential for heating and cooling energy savings. This proposed design demonstrates a simple smart dynamic glazing structure driven by seasonal temperature differences, with significant solar heat control capabilities and minor effects on the visible or visual quality of the glazing system.