A Smart Window for Angular Selective Filtering of Direct Solar Radiation

Abstract

Thin-film grating coatings are proposed for smart windows to angular selective filtering of solar radiation. The gratings are formed by absorptive, reflective, or scattering parallel strips (made of chromogenic or other materials) alternating with directionally transmissive strips (untreated surface of pure glass) on two surfaces of the window pane(s). The smart window with grating optical filter has angular selective light transmission and partially or completely blocks the direct solar radiation in a preset angular range and transmits the scattered and reflected radiation without using the daylight redistribution devices. The results of numerical simulation and experimental confirmation of optimum slope angle of the strips on the pane(s), their widths, and relative position on two surfaces to minimize the directional light transmission of the window at the preset date and time of day taking into account orientation of the window to the cardinal, the latitude of the building, and the seasonal and daily distribution of the solar radiation intensity are demonstrated.