Durability evaluation of electrochromic devices - an industry perspective

Several issues regarding the working environment and the stability of prototype electrochromic (EC) windows are discussed. In this study, we focus on issues to attain confidence in the durability of EC devices for energy efficient architectural glazing. The environmental conditions that EC glazing are subjected to, are detailed and discussed. Comparisons are made to actual prototype, real time EC window exposure testing. Testing of EC mirrors and liquid crystal glazing is compared to EC glazing. During testing of glazing in Arizona, surface temperatures of 56-65 degrees C (uncolored-colored) were measured on EC glazing panels, with ambient air temperature of 40 degrees C. The usual panel heating rate ranged from 14.3 degrees C/h to 21 degrees C/h. The steepest swing occurred during a thunderstorm with a 40 degrees C rise in 15 min. In EC testing studies in Yokohama, it was determined that indoor testing and outdoor testing did not achieve the same results, with outdoor testing being more severe. It was also determined that the critical test parameters were temperature, solar intensity (especially UV), depth of coloration, charge capacity and change in transmittance. As a result of this study, we recommend a regimen of testing covering thermal cycling, UV stability, thermal storage and thermal shock. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.