On-site performance of electrochromic glazings coupled to an anidolic daylighting system

This work takes benefit from two advanced building technologies through the integration of an anidolic daylighting system and an electro-chromic glazing in a building facade for achieving an optimal control of the daylight flux entering in an office room. Computer simulations of different systems configurations, based on ray-tracing techniques, were used to identify the optimal anidolic system design. Once installed in an experimental building the visual and thermal performance of the anidolic system coupled to an electrochromic glazing was assessed by way of on-site monitoring. These performances were compared to those offered by a conventional double glazing unit installed in an identical neighbouring room. An evaluation of users comfort was achieved by way of a survey involving 30 different subjects. Their visual performance during specific tasks performed on a VDT screen and/or on a sheet of paper was used to compare the lighting conditions. The main results of this detailed experimental study, showing the capability of such a combined daylighting system to control the daylight flux entering a working space, are presented in this paper. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.