Investigation of various smart switchable double glazing systems for reducing air conditioning expenses and carbon emissions in smart and sustainable buildings

• Spectral characterization of double pane glazing and double pane glazing with smart and adaptable switchable PDLC film. • Economic gains in the operating costs with smart PDLC double pane glazing. • Daylighting potential and color rendering of smart double pane glazing. • Mitigation studies of carbon emissions of smart double pane glazing in comparison with conventional double pane glazing. • Payback perspectives and economic viability of smart double pane glazing for smart and sustainable building solutions. Energy-efficient measures have gained significant momentum in recent times. Buildings are adapting to this trend by controlling artificial methods of cooling, heating, and lighting. Double-pane glass effectively manages solar radiation in buildings by reducing the cooling loads. Smart switchable PDLC glazing, which adjusts from transparent to translucent based on an electric field, also aids in solar regulation. The spectral properties in the UV-VIS-NIR region were measured for seven samples: clear glass, double-pane glass with 4mm, 8mm, and 12mm air gaps, and PDLC with double-pane glass at the same gaps. The study focused on Lucknow (hot-arid) and Jamshedpur (hot-humid). A real time building model is considered to investigate the heat gains, air conditioning cost reductions, carbon emissions and payback periods. The double pane glazing which is attached by PDLC showed reliable results. For daylighting analysis, the simulation tool Design builder is used. The heat gain is reduced about 31.14% when clear glazing is replaced with double glazing with PDLC-ON and air gap of 12mm.The operating cost of the same is 4.35 $/m 2 for Lucknow and 5.84 $/m 2 for Jamshedpur which is very economical. In addition to that, it also mitigates carbon emissions by 21.9 tCO 2 /year and 15.41 tCO 2 /year, respectively. For this glazing in Lucknow climatic condition, the payback period is less than 14 years. For both climates it provides adequate daylight in all orientations also offering the color rendering index of over 90 which indicates high quality light. The results are useful for designing smart and energy conscious buildings.