A Quantification Procedure for Interior Performance of Architectural Openings Associated with Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Windows with various colors are important design elements used widely ranging from traditional architecture to contemporary buildings to express the architectural façade, the interior atmosphere, and so on. Recently, there is a possibility that solar cells can be used to replace windows with various colors. In particular, attempts to manufacture windows using Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) are actively underway. Accordingly, there is a need to determine physical and environmental performances of DSSCs. This study attempted a methodological approach to evaluate indoor environmental performance of windows and DSSCs. The concept of color gamut overage normally used in the field of displays was utilized to evaluate color expressions. In addition, a standard visual inspection table suggested by the International Ophthalmological Society was used to evaluate the recognition of shapes. This study compared performances between RGB color windows and DSSCs using the two above previous concepts. Measurement data showed that most DSSCs performed poorly in comparison with architectural color windows. However, some DSSCs showed good enough performances that could be used as alternatives of architectural color windows. Green DSSCs with VLT 18% had a color gamut similar to clear glasses. Blue DSSCs with VLT 18% were found to have similar or better shape recognition than current architectural color windows. Based on these results, limitations of DSSCs as alternatives of architectural color windows and their future development directions are suggested.