Numerical Simulation of the Thermal Performance of a Building Using Electrochromic Devices

More energy-efficient buildings have a significant impact on reducing energy consumption, as they provide thermal comfort to their occupants with lower electricity usage. Aligned with the interpretation of thermal performance, this article analyzes the results of a thermo-energy performance simulation of a residential building located in different bioclimatic zones, Pelotas/RS (BZ2) and Cuiabá (BZ7). For the simulation, the EnergyPlus software was used, varying the configuration of the building's windows, including electrochromic film, double glass, and common glass. The energy consumption results were analyzed, and finally, the thermal comfort of each model was evaluated using the adaptive method of ASHRAE 55 (2017), with the aim of assisting in the design and construction of residential buildings that are truly suitable and adapted to the climate. After conducting the simulations, it was possible to conclude that the use of electrochromic film led to the greatest reduction in energy consumption in both Zones, by 1.8% in BZ2 and 13.9% in BZ7, with an increase in thermal comfort in both simulated cases, showing better results in BZ7, a region with a hot climate.