Electrochromic and Thermochromic Materials for Solar Energy Applications with Emphasis on Niobium and Vanadium Oxides

摘要

Based on this literature search on electrochromic and thermochromic materials for use in solar energy control, recommendations are made for future development activity. The possibilities for using doped VO sub 2 to control solar energy influx through building glazing should be investigated. Most of the research on electrochromic materials is directed at their use in displays. To determine their usefulness for solar energy control through building glazing requires performance of further investigations which are outlined. Building glazing comprised of EC devices with fluidic electrolytes are probably impractical. There is good, but not irrefutable, evidence that bulk NbO sub 2 will switch electrically when an electric field is applied in the right direction relative to the crystal orientation. Honeywell Systems and Research Center has been working on depositing thin film NbO sub 2 that will switch electrically. Although there has been some success, much work is still needed to have good devices. 131 refs. (ERA citation 10:023968)