Comparing the performance of electrochromic glazing and fabric blinds under automated and manual control schemes in office buildings

This study compares the performance of electrochromic (EC) glazing and fabric roller blinds under automated control with manual override in office buildings across three European climates including Stockholm, Frankfurt, and Rome. A simulation-driven methodology using a single-office layout with dual occupancy assessed key performance metrics: energy demand, indoor daylight provision, daylight glare, and daylight-induced non-visual potential. Fabric blinds were evaluated in both internal and external configurations, paired with solar control or Low-E glazing. EC glazing was analysed with independently controlled upper and lower window sections. Realistic sensor-triggered control strategies with specified thresholds were applied. Results show overall differences between shading solutions are modest. However, external shading and EC enhance energy efficiency in cooler climates (Stockholm and Frankfurt), while in Rome, EC glazing performs similarly to internal shading. EC also exhibits a slight increase in glare for all investigated climates. Spatial daylight autonomy was the highest for external shading in cooler climates and lowest in Rome, and non-visual potential were high for all systems in Stockholm and Frankfurt, while it shows variations in Rome. This study also concludes that control strategy plays a more decisive role in optimizing façade performance than the shading technology itself, underscoring the importance of developing optimized control algorithms.