Window Material Research Articles

Enhanced building envelope material selection: a BIM-MCDM integrated approach

Worldwide, the Construction industry consumes the highest amount of energy as well as has major CO2 emissions. Residential buildings consume almost one-third of the primary energy. The study combines Building Information Modelling (BIM) with Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) (specifically TOPSIS) to evaluate building material performance. This integrated approach allows for a holistic assessment of cost, operational energy, and embodied energy, which is more comprehensive than traditional cost-centric methods. The study creates a comprehensive 30-combination matrix of wall and window materials, providing a broad spectrum of options for decision-makers. The analysis considers key window glass properties like visible transmittance (VT), solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and U-value, which are critical for thermal performance in Pune's climate. Five wall materials: red clay brick, fly ash bricks, AAC blocks, table-molded brick (TBM), Fal-G, and sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) bricks—are the basis for the matrix's development. With five glass varieties that have different visible transmittance (VT), solar heat gain coefficients, and U values, the matrix is created based on possibilities for five wall materials: red clay brick, fly ash bricks, AAC block, table moulded brick (TBM), Fal-G, and sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) bricks. Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approaches, TOPSIS is used to determine the best material combination out of the thirty options and priorities it. Specifically, SBA + W1 achieves the highest score (0.91012) and thus ranks first. FAL G + W1 exhibits the lowest Score (0.37837) and ranks tenth, indicating it deviates the most from the ideal solution. This suggests that FAL G + W1 is the least suitable material among the considered options for the intended application. This method of decision-making will assist in selecting the best wall and glass solution to provide advantages for a project such as reduced costs, energy use, and CO2 emissions. As a result, the AEC sector will be able to provide energy-flexible, low-carbon buildings at the best possible price by lowering energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Oligonuclear Manganese Complexes with Multiple Redox Properties for High-Contrast Electrochromism

This study is dedicated to the design of multiple redox-active oligonuclear manganese complexes supported with a bis(tetradentate) ligand (TPDP = 1,3-bis(bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)amino)-2-propanol) for high-contrast electrochromism based on the reversible redox process between Mn(II) (colorless) and Mn(III) (dark brown). Pentanuclear Mn5 complex 1 (colorless) was synthesized via a one-pot reaction of Mn2+ and TPDP, while tetranuclear Mn4 complex 2 (brown) was obtained through aerial oxidation of complex 1. Mn5 complex 1 features a central MnCl6 unit connected to two Mn2(μ-TPDP) fragments through μ3-Cl− and μ-Cl−, whereas Mn4 complex 2 adopts a symmetric tetranuclear structure with two mixed-valence Mn2II,III(μ-TPDP)(μ-Cl) fragments that are further linked by μ-oxo. Electrochemical studies revealed multi-step reversible redox properties for both complexes, attributed to MnII/MnIII processes with significant electronic coupling (ΔE1/2 = 0.27–0.37 V) between Mn centers. Spectroelectrochemical analysis revealed dynamic optical modulation through the tunable d-d transition and ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) state through reversible multiple redox processes based on Mn(II) ⇆ Mn(III) interconversion. The fabricated electrochromic device (ECD) exhibited reversible and high optical contrast between the colored state (dark brown) and the bleaching state (colorless). The results highlight the potential of polynuclear manganese complexes as high-contrast electrochromic materials for next-generation smart windows and adaptive optical technologies.

The Dynamic Surface Technologies of Buildings

This research aims at identifying novel applications of smart materials and adaptive systems into sustainable building design with emphases made to energy efficiency and environmental impacts. It review focuses on the advanced building technologies, technology of thermochromic, electrochromic and phase change materials while stressing on the capacity of the materials in responding to external stimuli like temperature an light. In particular, the application of these materials in smart windows and facades highlighted the achievement of average energy efficiency in heating/cooling at between 25 and 30%. PCMs increased building insulation by a range of 40% and reduced internal temperature changes due to external fluctuations. Incorporation of these materials with Machine Learning based Predictive Models of building’s energy usage has shown positive results of 15% of efficiency improvements in real time management of energy usage in buildings depending upon the weather conditions and occupancy of the building. Based on the exploring of the current developing trends of these technologies, this paper intends to give enlightenment on the effectiveness of smart materials in helping to design more sensitive, flexible and energy-saving buildings. The results show that integration of smart materials with IoT network is a revolutionary concept for sustainable architecture which has exposed different opportunities of up to 30% energy saving with improved comfort. The final discussion of the work provides an outlook of the current research limitations and future agenda as it concerns the challenges and prospects of these technologies for embracing green building practices in sustainable city advancement.

A novel water-loaded rig for characterising the cracking behavior of ceramic materials in future fusion reactor windows

A novel water-loaded rig for characterising the cracking behavior of ceramic materials in future fusion reactor windows

Passive Lighting Features for Buildings in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract Buildings in hot-humid and emerging economies cause high threat on climate change, for consuming and emitting higher energy and CO2 than global average. Passive design strategies can considerably reduce this, but only certain passive features are suitable in hot-humid climate zones/countries. Therefore, this study identified a number of preferred passive design features (i.e. passive lighting features) for use in hot-humid countries, through a questionnaire survey of 122 responses from Brunei that used 13 features. It is observed that nine lighting features are preferred for Brunei, which include the use of light-coloured paints, glass window material for daylight and overhangs or shading devices against the sun/heat. Interestingly, some more sustainable features are less preferred, like building orientation and use of natural light. However, the other four features are potentially more useful in cold-dominated countries/regions. Different groups of respondents based on affiliation and profession somewhat agree with such priority in total sample, but with slightly different importance within individual groups. Nevertheless, they agreed on the relative importance of most of the features. The results indicate awareness of the respondents on lighting features, and their level of using/practicing the suitable features. Policy-makers may use the insights obtained in this study to motivate design professionals to increasingly practice more sustainable and more energy saving features, like building orientation and configuration. The next step of the study will identify relevant sets of motivators, challenges, and strategies for practicing such lighting features in buildings, and develop a framework for their wider adoption.

Violet Light Is Abundant Outdoors but Deficient Indoors in Modern Lifestyle in Tokyo.

This study examines the role of violet light (VL) in preventing myopia progression, addressing a critical need in urban environments where VL exposure is limited. Recent research suggests that VL, within the 360-400 nm wavelength range, may reduce myopia risk. To investigate, we conducted spectroscopic measurements in various settings across Tokyo, quantifying VL irradiance in natural sunlight. The results showed high VL levels outdoors, averaging 583 μW/cm2 on sunny days and 271 μW/cm2 on cloudy days, leading to a weighted annual average of approximately 310 μW/cm2. In contrast, indoor environments lacked VL due to UV-blocking materials in windows, glasses, and lighting. This deficiency may contribute to the rising incidence of myopia, particularly in urban areas with reduced outdoor exposure. Our findings highlight the need for innovative solutions to mitigate VL deficiency indoors, such as optimizing architectural designs and artificial lighting to better incorporate VL. This study provides foundational insights for future interventions aimed at reducing myopia risk through improved indoor light environments.

Design, preparation and optical properties of novel Y2O3/Si/diamond/Y2O3 composite materials for IR windows

Design, preparation and optical properties of novel Y2O3/Si/diamond/Y2O3 composite materials for IR windows

Research on Design of Collective Housing with Air-Circulation Central Air-Conditioning System Based on Solar Energy Utilization

The article presents an innovative design schema for air circulation within collective housing, which effectively reduces energy consumption and improves the indoor environment. It also solves the problem of the high operating and maintenance costs caused by the simultaneous installation of air conditioners and radiators. Employing dynamic energy consumption calculation software THERB for HAM, the energy-saving benefits of this design are simulated. The strategy involves capturing heat within the sunspace and transferring it to the conditioning chamber, from where the air is tempered and circulated throughout the habitable spaces to minimize heating. The findings suggest that by strategically using sunspace heat, heating energy can be significantly reduced by 43%. It helps to promote the development of sustainable building design. A comparative analysis of window materials in the sunspace, including single glazing, double glazing, and low-e double glazing, indicates that windows with enhanced insulation properties can substantially decrease the heating energy. Considering both energy efficiency and economic feasibility, low-e double glazing is identified as a particularly advantageous choice.

Thermal Analysis of Space Station Windows in Low Earth Orbit: Intermaterial Comparison of Fused Silica and Acrylic Glass

Abstract Calculating the temperatures of windows of space stations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is crucial for ensuring their structural integrity. We present a comprehensive thermal analysis that considers direct solar radiation, Earth’s albedo effect, infrared radiation from the Earth and convective heat exchange with the internal environment. The thermal balance equation incorporates the time variation of these contributions due to orbital motion for windows with different orientations, to determine the temperature of the materials, factoring in key parameters, such as absorptivity, transmissivity, reflectivity, and their dependence on the radiation wavelength spectrum. Referring to the conditions of the Cupola of the International Space Station as a paradigmatic example, we compare the thermal performance of two common window materials: fused silica and acrylic glass. Our results indicate that the higher transmissivity of fused silica makes it insensitive to solar and albedo radiation, reducing temperature values and their dependence on plate thickness and exposure variability due to orbital motion. In contrast, the higher absorptivity of acrylic glass results in much higher temperatures, proportional to the thickness, with a cyclical dependence on the orbital period. This analysis provides insights for the design and selection of window materials in space station construction, ensuring their durability and functionality in the conditions of LEO.

Recent Advancements in Chemical Bath Deposited Pristine CDs Thin Films For Hotovoltaic Applications

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) is (II–VI) group n-type semiconductor with appreciable physical and electronic properties. The wide band gap of about 2.42 eV, large absorption coefficient of 4×104 cm−1 and high mobility (440 cm2 V-1 s-1) make it applicable in photovoltaic energy conversion. Consequently, CdS is considered an excellent window material as well as a buffer layer for almost all chalcogenide thin film technologies, including copper zinc tin selenide (CZTSe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and CdTe-based solar cells. However, the defects present in the CdS thin films, such as inter-granular caves and pin holes, relaxation losses due to excess photon energy, and carrier recombination, can potentially affect the low light-to-current conversion efficiency with respect to the theoretical value of the above solar cells. Many studies have been carried out to produce CdS thin films with good optoelectronic properties suitable for photovoltaic applications. Among the numerous methods of depositing CdS, chemical bath deposition (CBD) stands out as a simple and low-cost method to prepare high-quality CdS thin films among those methods. However, the efficiency of resultant CBD-CdS thin films is strongly dependent on several parameters that should be very carefully adjusted: composition of the solution, especially sources, and concentration of sulfur and cadmium ions, pH and temperature of deposition bath, as well as the duration of the deposition on the morphology and quality of the CdS films. Additionally, doping, hydride methods, and surfactant-assisted deposition approaches are also performed to enhance the physical properties of the CdS. Regardless of the deposition technique, the post-deposited films' characterisation and deposition process optimisations are still an open subject. This review article describes the recent approaches to enhance the optoelectrical properties of the CBD CdS thin films and their recent advance in photovoltaic applications.

Development of a novel compact and fast SiPM-based RICH detector for the future ALICE 3 PID system at LHC

A dedicated R&D is ongoing for the charged particle identification system of the ALICE 3 experiment proposed for the LHC Run 5 and beyond.One of the subsystems for the high-energy charged particle identification will be a Ring-Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector.The possibility of integrating Cherenkov-based charged particle timing measurements is currently under study.The proposed system is based on a proximity-focusing RICH configuration including an aerogel radiator separated from a SiPM array layer by an expansion gap. A thin high-refractive index window of transparent material, acting as a second Cherenkov radiator, is glued on the SiPM array to enable time-of-flight measurements of charged particles by exploiting the yield of Cherenkov photons in the thin window.We assembled a small-scale prototype instrumented with different Hamamatsu SiPM array sensors with pitches ranging from 1 to 3 mm, readout by custom boards equipped with the front-end Petiroc 2A ASICs to measure charges and times.The primary Cherenkov radiator consisted of a 2 cm thick aerogel tile, while various window materials, including SiO2 and MgF2, were used as secondary Cherenkov radiators.The prototype was successfully tested in a campaign at the CERN PS T10 beam line with pions and protons. This paper summarizes the results achieved in the 2023 test beam campaign.

Multi-responsive thiazolothiazole viologen-based electrochromic materials for smart windows and electronic displays

Multi-responsive thiazolothiazole viologen-based electrochromic materials for smart windows and electronic displays

Simulation study of aerodynamic ablation characteristics of ballistic missile laser fuzes

Abstract When a ballistic missile re-enters the atmosphere at hypersonic speed, the warhead and the incoming flow have a violent effect, resulting in a rapid increase in the air temperature of the surrounding flow field, and the persistent high temperature will make the optical window of the ballistic laser fuzes appear ablation phenomenon, which seriously affects the ranging accuracy of the laser detection system. In this paper, the optical window of the laser fuze is taken as the research object, quartz glass is chosen as the optical window material, and the thermal response of the optical window of the laser fuze detection system is numerically simulated according to the heat flux density parameter of the ballistic missile when it re-enters the atmosphere. The simulation results show that the quartz glass as the optical window has good ablation resistance and thermal insulation performance.

Identifying Practical Material Retrofit Measures for Energy Efficiency in Existing High-Rise Buildings in the Malaysian Climate

With the global focus on sustainable urban development, many cities are striving to formulate effective urban transformation strategies to transition from traditional urban structures to more sustainable ones. Enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings, particularly existing structures, is recognized as a crucial element in the fight against climate change. In the Malaysian context, improvements in energy consumption are predominantly propelled by retrofitting the country's existing building stock. However, targeted strategies are needed, especially for high-rise buildings, to address the unique challenges posed by the Malaysian climate. This study addresses this gap by focusing on retrofitting strategies specifically tailored for existing high-rise buildings in Malaysia. To evaluate energy efficiency accurately, a selected case study underwent modeling and simulation using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for energy analysis. The simulation considered crucial aspects of window materials: U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, and emissivity. The study identified triple-glazed windows as the most energy-efficient choice, significantly outperforming single-glazed windows due to their lower U-factor and improved insulation properties. Light concrete bricks for walls demonstrated superior heat resistance owing to their lower density. Steel bar joists were found to enhance heat transfer efficiency in roofs. The recommended materials showed promising results, achieving a calculated energy consumption reduction to 266 kWh/m2/year. The study emphasizes that green consultants prioritize elements addressing excessive energy consumption during building upgrades, influencing their choice of retrofit options. Implementing energy-efficient retrofits can significantly reduce buildings' energy dependence, contributing to a substantial decrease in the country's overall energy consumption.

First-principles investigation on the structure, electronic, mechanical and optical properties of silver based perovskites AgBX3 (B=Be, Mg; X=Br and I)

Abstract The structure, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of Ag-based halides AgBX3 (B=Be, Mg; X=Br, I) were studied using first-principles approach for the first time. The elastic constants reveal that these materials are mechanical stability. The results of Pugh's ratio, bulk modulus, Poisson's ratio and anisotropy coefficients exhibit that these compounds are ductility, anisotropy, and ionic properties, and the hardness of beryllium compounds is larger than that of magnesium compounds. The band structure and density of states for AgBX3 show that AgBeBr3, AgMgBr3 and AgMgI3 compounds are indirect bandgap semiconductors, while AgBeI3 has metallic properties. The valence band of the AgBX3 is mainly dominated by Ag-d and X-p orbital electrons, and the conduction band is composed predominantly of B-p and X-s orbital electrons. The optical properties of AgBX3 were analyzed in the energy range 0-30 eV. It is found that AgBX3 has high transparency in visible light range and good ultraviolet light absorption ability, which reflects that AgBX3 can be employed as window and lens materials in visible light range and ultraviolet optical devices.

Investigation on the microscopic mechanism of low-energy argon ion irradiation on calcium fluoride

Investigation on the microscopic mechanism of low-energy argon ion irradiation on calcium fluoride

A Cryo‐to‐Liquid Phase Correlative Light Electron Microscopy Workflow for the Visualization of Biological Processes in Graphene Liquid Cells

AbstractLiquid phase electron microscopy (LP‐EM) has emerged as a powerful technique for in situ observation of material formation in liquid. Especially the use of graphene as window material provides new opportunities to image biological processes because of graphene's molecular thickness and electron scavenger capabilities. However, in most cases the process of interest is initiated when the graphene liquid cells (GLCs) are sealed, meaning that the process cannot be imaged at early timepoints. Here, a novel cryogenic/liquid phase correlative light/electron microscopy workflow that addresses the delay time between graphene encapsulation and the start of the imaging, while combining the advantages of fluorescence and electron microscopy is reported. This workflow allows imaging to be initiated at a predetermined space and time by vitrifying and thawing at a selected time point. The workflow is demonstrated first by observing multiple day crystallization processes and subsequently highlight its potential by observing a biological process: the complexation of calciprotein particles. The ability to correlate the dynamic complexation observed in a GLC with cryogenic TEM and dynamic light scattering, confirms the validity of observations and underlines the exciting possibilities for LP‐EM in biology.

Solar Cells: Applications and Current Opinion

Due to the manufacturing process, silicon-based solar cells have conquered the marketplace, but their cost is not economic. As a result, thin-film manufacturing was done with low-cost, appealing materials generated using less expensive, scalable, and manufacturable procedures. The motivation behind this work is to develop low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells using chemical and electrochemical techniques. Thin film solar cell structure could be presented as glass, Cu structure, CdS window material, TCO, and CdTe absorber material. The absorber and window materials include layers such as CdS and CdTe, while Cu and TCO are the back and front contacts. By using CSS and chemical bath deposition (CBD), The usual method of making this structure is to grow window (CdS) and absorber (CdTe) materials. CBD is a batch method that generates enormous quantities of Cd-containing waste solutions each time, adding to the production process's high cost. Sputtering or PVD, including high vacuum conditions, is performed with back and front contacts. This research program focuses on developing an "all chemical-solar cell" structure. This study showed that CdS and CdTe materials may be employed and electrodeposited in thin-film solar cell systems, CBD and electroless techniques. Furthermore, the back and front contacts can be coated using the CdS electrolytic bath, which is utilized for seven months without being discarded, but the CBD bath lasts 2-3 days. The deposition rate of the thin films was about 50 - 100 times greater than reported values in the literature. The efficiency of the manufactured cells was between 1 and 6%, which was reduced by the duration of time. Twenty days after manufacturing a TCO, CdS, CdTe, the short-circuit current, Cu-Ag solar cell, and open-circuit voltage deposited by all chemical and electrochemical deposition techniques were 0.8 mA/cm2 and 8.8 mV, respectively. However, consistency and reproducibility remain unresolved. The growth of CdTe nanocrystalline thin film is one of the reasons it has been identified as having nanosized tracks. High-quality CdTe layers should be developed, or in cadmium solar cells, its layered structure is the form of a cadmium window and a zinc oxide buffer layer to increase the consistency of the solar cell efficiency.

Optimizing CuInSe2 solar cells with kesterite-based upper absorber and back surface field layers for enhanced efficiency: a numerical study

Abstract This study explores the performance enhancement of an innovative multi-layer solar cell structure using the SCAPS-1D (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator in One Dimension) software. We aim to improve the efficiency of a solar cell structure comprising ZnO/ZnSe/CZTSe/CuInSe2/CZTSSe/Mo by incorporating CZTSe as the upper absorber layer, CuInSe2 as the main absorber layer, and CZTSSe as a back surface field (BSF) layer. Initially, we compare the performance of three different configurations by analyzing their J-V characteristics. For the best performing structure, we further examine the external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectrum. We then evaluate various window (ZnO, ZnMgO, SnO2, Zn2SnO4) and buffer (ZnSe, ZrS2, SnS2, In2S3) materials, identifying ZnO and ZrS2 as the most effective for achieving high current density and efficiency. Through detailed simulations, we determine the optimal thicknesses for CZTSSe (0.2 µm), CZTSe (0.4 µm), and CuInSe2 (3.2 µm). Additionally, by optimizing the acceptor density to 1020 cm−3, we significantly enhance the performance of both CZTSe and CZTSSe layers. Temperature management is shown to be crucial, with the highest efficiency observed at 300 K. As a result of these optimizations, the solar cell structure achieves a remarkable efficiency of 35.38%. Furthermore, we compare our results with existing literature to highlight the advancements made in this study. These findings underscore the importance of material selection and structural optimization in developing high-efficiency solar cells and provide a framework for future advancements in photovoltaic technology.

Simultaneous Light‐Triggered Formation of Polymer Networks and Enhancement of Electrohydrodynamic Instabilities in Liquid Crystals for Versatile Energy‐Saving Smart Windows

AbstractSmart windows have come to the fore in modern buildings and intelligent information equipment drawing upon their dynamic control over light transmission. Liquid crystals tactfully manipulate light transmission depending on their microcosmic molecular orientations, emerging as new favorite functional materials for smart windows. However, most liquid crystal window technologies require continuous electricity for operation in luminous transparency and still perform a trade‐off between film formation performance and dimming functions. As key components of building structures, windows shall be kept transparent for an extended period. For the convenience of large‐scale processing, polymer matrices are indispensable. Given that, reverse‐operation‐mode dimming films, which are transparent to achieve daylighting in their natural or no power‐input states and become opaque to block sunlight through electric input on demand, are highly desired. Here, by introducing a photolabile amine, the synchronous light‐induced formation of polymer networks and enhancement of electrohydrodynamic instabilities in mesogenic materials is successfully executed. Relying on this creative and effective approach, reverse‐operation‐mode polymer network liquid crystal films having simultaneous modulation capability of visible light and near‐infrared light from solar irradiation are skillfully fabricated, promising applications in versatile energy‐saving smart windows.