Abstract
This work addresses the effect of using thermochromic paints in residential buildings. Two different thermochromic paint types were considered: One that changes properties through a step transition at a certain temperature, and another that changes properties in a gradual/linear manner throughout a temperature range. The studied building was a two-floor villa, virtually simulated through a digital model with and without thermal insulation, and considering thermochromic paints applied both on external walls and on the roof. The performance assessment was done through the energy use for heating and cooling (in conditioned mode), as well as in terms of the indoor temperature (in free-floating mode). Three different cities/climates were considered: Porto, Madrid, and Abu Dhabi. Results showed that energy savings up to 50.6% could be reached if the building is operated in conditioned mode. Conversely, when operated in free-floating mode, optimally selected thermochromic paints enable reductions up to 11.0 °C, during summertime, and an increase up to 2.7 °C, during wintertime. These results point out the great benefits of using optimally selected thermochromic paints for obtaining thermal comfort, and also the need to further develop stable and cost-effective thermochromic pigments for outdoor applications, as well as to test physical models in a real environment.
Highlights
Several policy initiatives around the world are boosting efforts to decarbonize the building stock.In the European Union, 50% of the final energy consumption is used for heating and cooling, of which about 80% is used in buildings [1]
Dias et al [10] simulated the impact of increasing the total solar reflectance value (TSR) value of a paint, from 50% to 92%, both at the external walls and on the roof of a residential building located in three different cities of Portugal
The simulation results showed that a thermal absorptivity (α) between 0.90 and 0.95, and a thermal emissivity (ε) between 0.65 and 0.75 would be the ideal values for a thermochromic paint applied in that climate
Summary
Several policy initiatives around the world are boosting efforts to decarbonize the building stock. Dias et al [10] simulated the impact of increasing the TSR value of a paint, from 50% to 92%, both at the external walls and on the roof of a residential building located in three different cities of Portugal They observed a summer maximum indoor temperature reduction of ca. Results showed that below the transition temperature, 18 ◦ C in this case, the addition of thermochromic pigments to a white paint led to the same absorption amount of solar energy as an ordinary colored coating. The simulation results showed that a thermal absorptivity (α) between 0.90 and 0.95, and a thermal emissivity (ε) between 0.65 and 0.75 would be the ideal values for a thermochromic paint applied in that climate Such a high absorptivity is expected to produce an increase of the cooling needs during summer.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
