Window Prototype Research Articles

The Nanoarchitectonics of Sustainable Smart Window Design by LCST Modulation of Photoresponsive Molecular π‐Systems

AbstractLower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) of macromolecular systems is important in thermoresponsive smart window design. However, controlling the LCST behavior and sustaining the shelf‐life are challenging tasks. Herein, how photochemistry can be tweaked to design sustainable smart windows that allow controlled transmission of solar radiation is described. The cyanostilbene substituted naphthalenes 1(Z) and 2(Z), show Z/E‐photoisomerization and subsequent Mallory cyclization resulting in significant modulation in clouding temperatures (Tcloud). At 1 mM concentration, the Tcloud of 1(Z), and 1(E) are 33 ± 0.1 and 28 ± 0.13 °C, respectively whereas 2(Z) and 2(E) exhibit Tcloud around 37 ± 0.1 and 30 ± 0.1 °C, respectively. The high thermal barrier for the E/Z back isomerization of 1(E) and 2(E) and removal of oxygen from the reaction medium allow control of the photoprocesses, thereby facilitating the construction of sustainable smart windows that respond to the surrounding temperature. A 30 × 30 cm2 window prototype containing an aqueous solution of 1(Z) (1 mM) exhibits a fully transmissive state at 25 °C and a nearly zero‐transmissive state at 33 °C for 10,000 cycles of operation.

A semi-solid, polychromatic dual-band electrochromic smart window: Visualizing sunlight and solar heat transmission

In this paper, a novel semi-solid, polychromatic dual-band electrochromic smart window was constructed by organically assembling monoclinic WO3-x nanowires (m-WO3-x NWs), AlCl3-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyaniline (PANI). The device not only presented the independent regulation of “bright”, “cool” and “dark”, but also exhibited excellent comprehensive performance, including large optical modulation (74.9 % and 79.1 % at 700 and 2000 nm, respectively.), short coloring/bleaching times (7.6/2.7 and 6.7/3.9 s at 700 and 1200 nm, respectively), and good stability and reversibility (the capacity decreased by 4.3 % and the coulombic efficiency stabled at 99.2 % after 1000 cycles). In addition, the multi-colored PANI endowed the window with the ability to visually monitor modulation modes, as well as indoor sunlight and thermal transmittance. The transparent, green, and blue represented “bright”, “cool”, and “dark” modes, and the depth of the color stood for the control effect in a certain mode. Moreover, the dual-band modulation and polychromatic conversion mechanisms of individual electrodes and the smart window prototype were also elucidated in detail. The modulation of near-infrared light mainly comes from the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption and the phase transition of m-WO3-x NWs, as well as the generated polarons and bipolarons of PANI. While the selective absorption of visible light was related to the bandgap transition of m-WO3-x NWs and the electronic transition of the quinone unit. Surprisingly, the smart window could achieve a maximum decrease of 4.3 °C by controlling the “bright-dark” mode transition in real application simulations, significantly boosting the process of low carbon environmental protection and the construction of energy-saving buildings.

Shape-Stabilized PEGylated Silica Aerogel-Composite as an Energy Saving Building Material.

Balancing thermal and visual comfort in buildings necessitates effective insulation to counteract heat loss and gain, especially with temperature variances. One promising approach is to combine phase change materials, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), with high-performance insulators like silica aerogel (Siag). To bolster opto-thermal performance in building envelopes, we introduce a smart insulation composite material through PEG integration, i.e., PEGalyation with Siag. Central to this thermal behavior is the PEG's phase change properties, which foster a shape-stabilized framework with Siag through their porous confinement. Preliminary observations indicate notable capabilities of obstructing near-infrared light while preserving satisfactory visible transparency. An optimized Siag@PEG composite with 5% loading of PEG has the visible range transmission of ∼92%, a decrease of ∼72% in thermal conductivity which is lower than pure glass and PEG, leading to a temperature dependent switchable hydrophobic to hydrophilic wettability characteristics. As a prototype window, the thermal performance evaluation of the synthesized composite, through experimental and computational studies, shows a decrease in indoor temperature of ∼20% with a higher temperature difference of ∼20 °C between outdoor and indoor weather conditions. This lightweight composite can act as sponge media to fill inside the double-paned window and for retrofitting existing glazing to boost the energy efficiency of buildings with facile manufacturing and scalability.

Impact of building integrated photovoltaics on high rise office building in the Mediterranean

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) presents a great opportunity for decreasing building energy demand and related CO2 emissions, specially in the refurbishment of old isolated high rise highly glazed office buildings. This article presents a simulation study of the impact of BIPV on a Spanish office building of the 60’s, aiming to serve as a reference for this type of buildings in the Mediterranean region. Upgrade of the envelope with BIPV is evaluated. The solutions for the glazing system include conventional solar control window and a transparent photovoltaic prototype window. On the opaque part, commercial BIPV is considered. A comprehensive model integrating the BIPV impact in walls in windows for the thermal, electrical and daylighting is presented. Dynamic simulations carried out with TRNSYS software allow to evaluate the impact on daylighting, energy demand and economics. The results show that transparent BIPV reduced the energy demand by 6.9% and the total energy balance by 21%. The opaque BIPV further improved these results achieving a 38.3% reduction in the energy balance. Moreover, transparent BIPV also reduces the hours with excessive daylighting, although at the cost of reduced daylighting autonomy. The economic analysis highlights the importance of electricity pricing schedules in the promotion of BIPV, comparing current tariff structure in Spain and the duck chart from California Independent Operator. Results show the capabilities of this technology and provides guidelines for investment cost and efficiency targets.

Building integrated concentrating photovoltaic window coupling luminescent solar concentrator and thermotropic material

Building integrated concentrating photovoltaic window (BICPVW) has been proven to be used in sustainable building transparent envelopes. Unfortunately, the balance between optical and electrical properties is difficult. This paper proposes a building integrated concentrating photovoltaic window coupling luminescent solar concentrator and thermotropic material (LT-BICPVW). The luminescent solar concentrator and thermotropic layer were fabricated by bulk polymerization and glass sandwich structure, respectively. Optical models are built based on the optical properties of optical waveguide and thermotropic layer, and optical simulations are performed with Monte Carlo ray tracing technology. Window prototypes are characterized under controlled indoor experimental conditions. The experiment found that as the temperature of the thermotropic film increased from 30 °C to 42 °C, the solar transmittance of LT-BICPVW decreased by 43.3%, and the maximum output power increased by 25%. Compared with, building integrated concentrating photovoltaic window coupled with thermotropic material (T-BICPVW), the power conversion efficiency was improved by 59% at the termination temperature. The LT-BICPVW system can effectively reduce solar heat gain and avoid glare hazards, while using renewable energy to significantly increase power output. A series of predictions are made using validated optical model and tracking technique to better guide the design of PV windows in actual buildings.

Spectrally selective nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials: A study on data-driven optical/thermal properties and application of energy-saving glazing under different climatic conditions

The optical and thermal performances of energy-saving glazing require improvement to reduce peak thermal load and increase solar energy conversion and management efficiency. Herein, it is indispensable to develop novel composite materials that designate the ability to achieve multifunction by thermal load migration as well as radiation transmittance modulation. This study developed a nanoparticle-enhanced phase change material (NEPCM) with spectrally selective and phase change functions. A data-driven algorithm is first developed to evaluate the solar-weighted absorption fraction, integrated irradiance, and spectral irradiance for the considered nanoparticles. The base fluids, nanoparticle diameter, concentrations, and proportions are taken into account in the program, and adjustments to the properties of NEPCM can be easily made. The NEPCM properties exhibit a high blocking performance of near-infrared solar radiation by 30.9%, while keeping visible transmittance at 51.8% using ATO-Al2O3 NEPCM. Furthermore, the photothermal conversion performance of a NEPCM-filled energy-saving prototype window is explored, which yields a heat absorption rate of up to 0.27 °C/min when the solar irradiance is 800 W/m2. In addition, the energy consumption of transparent envelopes with NEPCM filler in a full-scale building is investigated. The results show that NEPCM regulated glazing potentially provides annual heating energy-saving from 5.1 to 41.7 kWh·m−2·year−1 in three representative climatic conditions in different global locations. Outcomes on the spectrally selective capabilities of the energy-saving window provide ideas for advancing the development of low-carbon transparent building envelopes.

Integration of Screen Printed Piezoelectric Sensors for Force Impact Sensing in Smart Multifunctional Glass Applications

Screen printed piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride–trifluoro ethylene (PVDF–TrFE)‐based sensors laminated between glass panes in the temperature range 80–110 °C are presented. No degradation of the piezoelectric signals is observed for the sensors laminated at 110 °C, despite approaching the Curie temperature of the piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric sensors, here monitoring force impact in smart glass applications, are characterized by using a calibrated impact hammer system and standardized impact situations. Stand‐alone piezoelectric sensors and piezoelectric sensors integrated on poly(methyl methacrylate) are also evaluated. The piezoelectric constants obtained from the measurements of the nonintegrated piezoelectric sensors are in good agreement with the literature. The piezoelectric sensor response is measured by using either physical electrical contacts between the piezoelectric sensors and the readout electronics, or wirelessly via both noncontact capacitive coupling and Bluetooth low‐energy radio link. The developed sensor concept is finally demonstrated in smart window prototypes, in which integrated piezoelectric sensors are used to detect break‐in attempts. Additionally, each prototype includes an electrochromic film to control the light transmittance of the window, a screen printed electrochromic display for status indications and wireless communication with an external server, and a holistic approach of hybrid printed electronic systems targeting smart multifunctional glass applications.

Photocycloaddition as a Tool for Modulation of the Lower Critical Solution Temperature in a Molecular π‐System to Control Transmission of Solar Radiation

AbstractDiels–Alder photocycloaddition, a well‐known textbook reaction, has not been explored in materials chemistry. Herein we describe how this classical photochemistry can be used to modulate the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of a molecular π‐system, which can further be exploited for the controlled transmission of solar radiation for the management of indoor heat and light. An amphiphilic anthracene derivative 9‐PA‐1 exhibited LCST behavior at 27–32 °C with a reversible transition from a transparent to an opaque phase in water (1–5 mM). Irradiation of a toluene solution of 9‐PA‐1 with 365 nm light resulted in a [4+2] photocycloadduct 9‐PA‐2, which exhibited a modulated LCST behavior at 25–27 °C, at a concentration as low as 6 μM. The photocycloaddition of 9‐PA‐1 was significantly retarded in water, making it a stable candidate for the design of sustainable smart windows. We also demonstrated 100 cm2 smart window prototypes (ΔTlum 82 %, ΔTIR 68 %, ΔTsol 73 %) with more than 1000 cycles of stable operation.

Photocycloaddition as a Tool for Modulation of the Lower Critical Solution Temperature in a Molecular π-System to Control Transmission of Solar Radiation.

Diels-Alder photocycloaddition, a well-known textbook reaction, has not been explored in materials chemistry. Herein we describe how this classical photochemistry can be used to modulate the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of a molecular π-system, which can further be exploited for the controlled transmission of solar radiation for the management of indoor heat and light. An amphiphilic anthracene derivative 9-PA-1 exhibited LCST behavior at 27-32 °C with a reversible transition from a transparent to an opaque phase in water (1-5 mM). Irradiation of a toluene solution of 9-PA-1 with 365 nm light resulted in a [4+2] photocycloadduct 9-PA-2, which exhibited a modulated LCST behavior at 25-27 °C, at a concentration as low as 6 μM. The photocycloaddition of 9-PA-1 was significantly retarded in water, making it a stable candidate for the design of sustainable smart windows. We also demonstrated 100 cm2 smart window prototypes (ΔTlum 82 %, ΔTIR 68 %, ΔTsol 73 %) with more than 1000 cycles of stable operation.

A Sparsely-Connected OTFS-BFDM System Using Message-Passing Decoding

The newly proposed orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) system exhibits excellent error performance on high-Doppler fading channels. However, the rectangular prototype window function (PWF) inherent in OTFS leads to high out-of-band emission (OOBE), which reduces the spectral efficiency in multi-user scenarios. To this end, this paper presents an OTFS system based on bi-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OTFS-BFDM) modulation. In OTFS-BFDM systems, PWFs with bi-orthogonal properties can be optimized to provide lower OOBE than OTFS, which is a special case with rectangular PWF. We further derive that the OTFS-BFDM system is sparsely-connected so that the low-complexity message passing (MP) decoding algorithm can be adopted. Moreover, the power spectral density, peak to average power ratio (PAPR) and bit error rate (BER) of the OTFS-BFDM system with different PWFs are compared. Simulation results show that: i) the use of BFDM modulation significantly inhibits the OOBE of OTFS system; ii) the better the frequency-domain localization of PWFs, the smaller the BER and PAPR of OTFS-BFDM system.

Viologen-Immobilized 2D Polymer Film Enabling Highly Efficient Electrochromic Device for Solar-Powered Smart Window.

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) have emerged as a unique class of optoelectronic devices for the development of smart windows. However, current ECDs typically suffer from low coloration efficiency (CE) and high energy consumption, which have thus hindered their practical applications, especially as components in solar-powered EC windows. Here, the high-performance ECDs with a fully crystalline viologen-immobilized 2D polymer (V2DP) thin film as the color-switching layer is demonstrated. The high density of vertically oriented pore channels (pore size ≈ 4.5nm; pore density ≈ 5.8 × 1016 m-2 ) in the synthetic V2DP film enables high utilization of redox-active viologen moieties and benefits for Li+ ion diffusion/transport. As a result, the as-fabricated ECDs achieve a rapid switching speed (coloration, 2.8 s; bleaching, 1.2 s), and a high CE (989 cm2 C-1 ), and low energy consumption (21.1 µW cm-2 ). Moreover, it is managed to fabricate transmission-tunable, self-sustainable EC window prototypes by vertically integrating the V2DP ECDs with transparent solar cells. This work sheds light on designing electroactive 2D polymers with molecular precision for optoelectronics and paves a practical route toward developing self-powered EC windows to offset the electricity consumption of buildings.

Liquid reconfigurable stealth window constructed by a metamaterial absorber

In this paper, a liquid reconfigurable stealth window constructed by a metamaterial absorber at the microwave band is proposed. The stealth window consists of an anti-reflection glass with indium tin oxide (ITO) as resistive film and a liquid container made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Since the materials constituting the window are all optically transparent, the metamaterials that can be switched through the liquid control system can always maintain high light transmission. The proposal can obtain a transmission passband from 2.3 GHz to 5 GHz with low insertion loss, especially at 2.45 GHz and 5 GHz with the insertion loss of the passband reaching 0.51 dB and 0.99 dB, by water with 75% ethanol drainage. It can also reflect electromagnetic waves at 2.45 GHz and absorb them from 4.5 GHz to 10.5 GHz with a strong absorptivity over 90% by ethanol injection, exhibiting the reconfigurable electromagnetic characteristic of switching between the transmission state and absorption state. Furthermore, the proposed absorber shows its good transmission/absorption performance. Under the condition of ethanol filling, when electromagnetic waves are incident obliquely at 50°, the absorption rate still exceeds 80%. Finally, the prototype window has been fabricated to demonstrate the validity of the proposed structure, which indicates that the proposal presents significant implications for smart stealth systems and wireless local area network (WLAN) communication that require switching of working states in a complex electromagnetic environment.

창호의 단열성능 향상을 위한 고단열 프레임 개발

In order to promote a zero-energy school, it is necessary to improve the energy performance of the building and minimize energy loss. The aim of this study is to develop high-insulation windows to save energy in school buildings. A Insulation block applied to window frames was developed. A property test of the insulation block was performed for 7 items. Simulations and experiments were conducted to evaluate the insulation performance of windows to which insulation blocks were applied. As a result of the window performance evaluation, in the case of the simulation, The U-value of the entire window was improved by 3.08 % in Case 1(window without insulation block) compared to Case 2(window with insulation block). In the case of the physical test of KS F 2278, the U-value of Case 2(window with insulation block) was calculated to be 0.935 W/㎡·K. This window prototype will need to be supplemented. Insulation blocks will be applicable to various types of windows. It will also be effective in reducing building energy.

Energy Efficient Smart Plasmochromic Windows: Properties, Manufacturing and Integration in Insulating Glazing

Abstract Dual band electrochromic windows enable selective spectral control of the incoming solar radiation in buildings and can therefore efficiently respond to their ever-changing lighting, heating and cooling requirements. They allow indeed to selectively filter out near-infrared solar radiation passing through the window, thus blocking solar heat gain during hot summer days and increasing it over sunny winter days, whilst regulating the amount of daylight in an independent manner. We herein present advancements in the manufacturing and the performance of screen-printed dual-band electrochromic devices (herein referred as “plasmochromic”) embodying stable gel electrolytes. Particularly three different sets of polymeric hosts, respectively based on PMMA/PEO-, PVB- and PVDF, are characterized for such integration. Most suitable formulations have been adopted to manufacture and test up to 30 x 30 cm2-large smart window prototypes. Based on the values of TLUM, TSOL, and total solar heat gain coefficient (g-value) calculated from the measured transmittance and reflectance spectra, a preliminary assessment of the device optical and thermal performances for architectural integration in insulated glazing units is carried out, compared with the performances of competing commercially available solar control and smart glazing IGU. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed “plasmochromic” technology in reducing the energy consumption and maximizing both visual and thermal comfort in architectural glazing systems.

PROTOTIPE JENDELA KACA UNTUK RUANG BERJEMUR DALAM RANGKA MENINGKATKAN IMUNITAS TUBUH

The coronavirus outbreak is now a problem for the world community. Not only has the potential to interfere with health, the coronavirus often causes panic. In fighting the SARS-CoV virus that causes the Covid-19 pandemic, a qualified body defense is needed. Although some local governments implement quarantine policies to prevent people from being exposed to the risk of the Covid-19 virus, not all people can carry out quarantine at home because of work demands. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase endurance. In addition to workers who are required to continue working even though they have to be quarantined at home, the elderly and also children whose immune systems are still vulnerable or have decreased need to increase their immune system. The easiest way to increase body resistance is to bask in the sun. Sunbathing can be done directly outside the house and can be directly exposed to sunlight, but for some people whose body conditions are not as strong as young people, for example, the elderly, people with special needs, are vulnerable, suffer from dust allergies, and so on, this will cause new problems. So for some people who cannot go outside directly or who are less flexible, they still need sunlight for sunbathing. One way is to enter sunlight through the window openings in the house. This research was conducted with the main objective of creating a prototype or prototype window for the sunroom in the building to increase the body's immunity using the DiaLux software. The research method used in this study is a quantitative research method with an experimental approach. The stages of this research are in the form of; i) theoretical study, ii) data observation, iii) calculation, iv) window prototyping, v) analysis and synthesis, v) simulation, vi) research result generation and conclusion drawing. The result of this research is a prototype window for human sunbathing space which is expected to accommodate or provide human sunbathing space in increasing body immunity. The window prototype in the sunroom that most maximally includes natural light with a lighting intensity value of 8701 lx, namely prototype window 3 which is a window or opening on the roof of a building with dimensions of 1.20 m x 0.83 m. By providing a multifunctional sunbed, it can be an architectural solution to increase the body's immunity to prevent the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.

Analysis of the daylight performance of window integrated photovoltaics systems

Integrating photovoltaics into windows provides the possibility of including an additional function of energy production to a conventional building fenestration component. There is no doubt that electrical power can be generated on-site. However, the effect of PV windows on the indoor luminous environment of the space served by them has not been comprehensively researched. This paper investigated the daylight performance of integrating four types of photovoltaics (semi-transparent thin film Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells with 10% and 50% transparency, crystalline silicon solar cells with and without crossed compound parabolic concentrators (CCPC)) to a window of a typical south-facing office under different Window-to-Wall Ratios (WWRs). Annual useful daylight illuminance (UDI), daylight uniformity ratio (UR) and daylight glare probability (DGP) have been analysed based on dynamic simulation using RADIANCE. The simulation results show that windows integrated with crystalline silicon cells and CCPC optics have the potential to provide best daylight availability when compared with standard double glazed windows and other tested PV window prototypes, if it is applied to rooms with large WWRs (e.g. 60% or 75% WWR) at high latitudes (e.g. city of Harbin). Its application also improves the uniformity of daylight spatial distribution and eliminates the risk of glare. Semi-transparent CdTe PV window with 10% transparency can also improve the percentage of working hours that fall into UDI 500–2000lux range, however, it will result in the most sharp illuminance contrasts within the room. Applying all of these tested PV windows can effectively reduce the possibility of glare.

Design and in-situ measurement of the acoustic performance of a metasurface ventilation window

Recent studies have discovered that acoustic metasurfaces possess great versatility in designing novel acoustic systems. An earlier theoretical study pointed out that acoustic metasurface constructed using an array of resonant-duct unit cells can provide superior sound insulation while allowing air to ventilate through the openings distributed on the surface. By using such a principle, a full-scale metasurface ventilation window is designed and experimentally demonstrated in this study. The primary goal of this paper is to detail the acoustic design methodology for developing this window prototype and to characterize its sound insulation performance in-situ. The dimensions of the metasurface window and its unit cells are tuned based on acoustic Finite Element (FE) analysis to enhance its noise reduction for traffic noise frequency, as well as to increase the single number quantity (SNQ) noise rating. The measured transmission loss (TL) shows a consistent behavior with the prediction in the design frequency range. Comparing the proposed window to a conventional casement window with an equal opening area, the SNQ from measurement for the metasurface window is 22 dB, which is 7 dB higher than the casement window at 15 dB. The substantial improvement shows the benefit of incorporating metasurface concept into the design of sound insulation components, such as building façade, noise barriers, etc.

Pressure tests supporting the qualification of the ITER EC H&CD upper launcher diamond window

The Electron Cyclotron diamond window which is located inside the port cell serves, together with an isolation valve, as primary vacuum boundary between the ITER vacuum vessel, the transmission lines and the port cell atmosphere and it functions as confinement barrier. The window consists of an ultra-low loss Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) diamond disk brazed into a metallic housing and it has to guarantee the compliance with very stringent nuclear safety requirements and an adequate transmission capability for high power mm-waves (1.31 MW at 170 GHz). The design of the window unit is approaching its final phase including design validation analyses, the development of a dedicated qualification program and prototyping activities.In preparation of the testing of complete window prototypes, pressure tests were performed on a mock-up formed by a diamond disk (D = 80 mm, d = 1.11 mm) brazed to two copper cuffs. The scope of the experiments was to show both the capability of the joining between the disk and the cuffs to keep the required vacuum tightness as well as the integrity of the disk when exposed to pressure loads. Based on the requirements defined for the pressure scenarios during normal operation and off-normal events, a test program was developed accounting for cyclic tests at low pressure differentials and overpressure tests up to 2 bar pressure difference over the disk to simulate severe accidental conditions.This paper gives an outline of the ongoing development of the overall qualification program of the ITER torus window and reports specifically on the experimental set-up and the successful outcome of the pressure tests of the brazed diamond disk mock-up. The test program for the complete window prototype needs discussion and approval by F4E and ITER and will directly determine the final qualification program for the series diamond windows.

ITER ECRH Upper Launcher diamond window – Qualification and testing of a Protection Important Component

The diamond window is part of the ex-vessel waveguide system of the ITER ECRH Upper Launcher and consists of an ultra-low loss CVD diamond disk mounted in a system of metallic parts. On the one hand the window has to fulfil adequate transmission capability for high power mm-waves and on the other hand it serves, together with an isolation valve, as primary vacuum boundary of the ITER vacuum vessel, and has the function of tritium confinement. Therefore it is classified as Protection Important Component and high requirements for quality and safety apply. The window assembly cannot be entirely covered by codes and standards and thus an ad-hoc qualification program is required, including prototyping activities. The mm-wave transmission capability of the window, which is mainly defined by the dielectric loss of the diamond disk, has to be demonstrated as well as its structural integrity. For previous and current window prototypes, diamond disks with low dielectric losses have been chosen with a diameter of 80 mm and a thickness of 1.11 mm. This thickness satisfies the resonance condition (d = n*λeff/2) for the 170 GHz beam, ensuring a high transmission, but it also needs to be validated with respect to the mechanical loads, especially the expected pressure loads.Investigations on the flexural strength of diamond disks (D = 30 mm, d = 1.11 mm) have been performed using a ring-on-ring set-up and the results lead to an estimation of the failure behavior.In addition, pressure tests of a mock-up consisting of a diamond disk (D = 80 mm, d = 1.11 mm) brazed to a copper cuff are under examination. The dedicated test program includes cyclic tests at lower pressures and high pressure tests (up to 2 bar) allowing a simulation of the expected events.This paper will give an overview on the qualification activities for the ITER torus window with a focus on the qualification of the diamond disk and with respect to its mechanical properties. Respective parts of the test program, which need F4E and IO review and approval, will be described and first results will be presented.

Experimentations on luminescent glazing for solar electricity generation in buildings

The aim of this study is developing an efficient and practical approach for utilization in buildings of windows and façades for solar energy conversion without impeding vision through glazing. For that purpose, the glazing is processed with a luminescent coating allowing recovering of the high energy photons from the Ultra Violet (UV) spectrum. Indeed, the recovered UV photons are spectrally shifted into the visible spectrum by the luminescent coating and are directed to edges of glazing. By embedding photovoltaic cells of monocrystalline silicon types into the frame of window prototype, it is verified that solar energy conversion is effective from glazing edges. The electricity generated from the edges of the luminescent windows is valuated. The photocurrent and power are increased by adding a tinting film on the backside of luminescent glazing. Experimental tests and analysis of a prototype in operation have been practiced.