title: Eco-efficiency evaluation of a smart window prototype.
abstract: An eco-efficiency analysis was conducted using indicators suitably defined to evaluate the performance of an electrochromic window acting as an energy saving component in buildings. Combining the indicators for various parameters (control scenario, expected lifetime, climatic type, purchase cost) significant conclusions are drawn for the development and the potential applications of the device compared to other commercial fenestration products. The reduction of the purchase cost (to 200 euros/m2) and the increase of the lifetime (above 15 years) are the two main targets for achieving both cost and environmental efficiency. An electrochromic device, implemented in cooling dominated areas and operated with an optimum control strategy for the maximum expected lifetime (25 years), can reduce the building energy requirements by 52%. Furthermore, the total energy savings provided will be 33 times more than the energy required for its production while the emission of 615 kg CO2 equivalent per electrochromic glazing unit can be avoided.
authors.affiliation: Solar Energy Laboratory, Physics Department University of Patras, Rion 26500, Greece. esirakou@physics.upatras.gr
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Syrrakou
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Papaefthimiou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yianoulis
mesh_terms: D000389:Air Conditioning; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D003246:Conservation of Energy Resources; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006361:Heating