ABSTRACT
Electrochromism is a well-known phenomenon capable of providing the required variation in the optical properties, and presently some full-scale electrochromic smart windows are undergoing practical testing in buildings. The role of energy efficiency is considered and it is shown that a systemic approach, accounting for the physical presence of persons, can yield large savings in the energy for space cooling. This chapter provides a background to, and justification for, research on and development of architectural smart windows. Smart windows are able to yield energy efficiency as well as comfort for the users of the building. The energy efficiency has been harder to come to grips with. Electrochromic smart windows must function for a long time. The coloration upon ozone exposure corresponds to a well-defined amount of charge density extracted from the nickel oxide film.
