An Assessment of Developed Thermochromic Solar Films for Energy Conservation

Abstract

Energy consumption has become directly associated with buildings. According to the United Nations, it is estimated that buildings contribute by 30-40% of the worldwide energy consumption. The consumption of energy has increased due to urbanization in the past 20 years. Heating, cooling, in addition to external and internal heat gains are, primarily, the source of energy consumption in buildings. Solar heat gains and losses occur through several components of the buildings. For instance, the use of glass windows for indoor lighting. This research aims to assess developed thermochromic nanocomposite films that have been produced through the annealing of Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) nanocrystals within Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) shells. The nanocomposite solar films can spectrally select and dynamically tune control over the visible and infrared regions of the solar spectrum, allowing for control of the desired lighting and solar heat gain. The control of the light and heat will, consequently, lower energy consumption for heating and cooling in buildings.