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Syrrakou E, Papaefthimiou S, Yianoulis P:
"Environmental benefits from the implementation of electrochromic windows",
In RenewEnergy2006: (Mar 2006)

Keywords
Abstract	In this study, a novel combination of the Life Cycle Assessment and the Eco-efficiency analysis has been developed and implemented to evaluate the environmental, energy and cost efficiency potential of an electrochromic (EC) window prototype that aims to be used as an energy saving component in the building. In particular, a 40cm x 40cm prototype EC device (K-Glass/WO3/electrolyte/V2O5/K-Glass) is used as the reference case in order to evaluate the energy savings when it will be used in a building instead of a single glazing. The whole life cycle of the EC glazing is evaluated by implementing the method of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), according to ISO 14040 methodology. The system boundaries of the LCA study include the following phases: production of raw materials, production of the EC device components, device assembling, EC device use and disposal. The materials and energy required as well as the air, liquid and solid emissions for each of the above processes are calculated in units of mass or energy per EC unit produced. In accordance, each substance is classified according to the impact categories it contributes. For each impact category characterization factors are used and the results are expressed in terms of representative commonly accepted units (equivalent kg of CO2, equivalent kg of 1,4-DCB, etc). By this method the emissions due to production processes are compared with the avoided emissions due to energy savings during its use. In order to measure and report the ecological efficiency, environmental performance indicators were used, based on material and energy balances. The indicators were suitably defined to evaluate the performance of an electrochromic window acting as an energy saving component in buildings. Taking into consideration various parameters (control scenario, expected lifetime, climatic type, purchase cost) significant conclusions can be drawn for the development and the potential applications of the device compared to other commercial fenestration products. EC windows can improve the thermal and optical comfort provided in a building interior by managing the daylight admittance, thus contributing to the reduction of the heating and cooling loads. For this reason significant issues that determine the environmental, energy and cost efficiency potential of the EC glazing have been also pointed out. The combination of the results leads to significant energy and cost related conclusions for the lifecycle of the EC device. Thus, desirable balance of its properties and possible improvements are identified that can be utilized in decision making for the product design and development. Furthermore, the results of such an analysis can be very helpful for the selection of an optimum case among various fenestration products for specific areas/climates. Finally, such a methodology can be utilized towards the ongoing interest in several countries to establish a system for energy labeling or energy rating of windows, which would indicate the feasible savings of an advanced window as compared to a standard one. Considering the windows as a part of the building envelop, such a rating approach is in accordance with the European Directive (2002/91/EC) on the energy performance of buildings, which calls for energy performance certificates to be available for new and existing buildings.
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