Advancements in Control Strategies for Electrochromic Devices in Smart Building Applications: A Review of Predictive, Adaptive, and Hybrid Approaches

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) in smart buildings have been advanced as a potential solution for improving energy savings and visual and thermal comfort. The current paper is a review of advanced control strategies for ECDs with respect to predictive, environmental, and adaptive strategies for improving building performance. One of the most frequently employed methods is rule-based control (RBC). RBC is being complemented by more sophisticated model predictive control (MPC) and machine learning (ML) procedures. By adjusting ECD behaviour in dynamic response to changing external circumstances, like daylight, glare, temperature, and solar radiation, these improved techniques ensure a major improvement in real-time adaptivity, energy savings, and occupant comfort. The paper systematically examines ECD control techniques available in the literature, detailing performance indicators, energy conservation, and comfort enhancement for various climatic conditions. It also examines hybrid techniques based on MPC and ML models that tackle the obstacles faced by conventional control systems. Furthermore, their compatibility with renewable energy sources such as PV and thermochromic systems is outlined in relation to net-zero energy buildings. The paper ends with a review of future directions that could lead towards standardization in the form of models, sensor networks and AI-based adaptive frameworks to increase the scale as well as the real-world relevance of ECDs in varying building contexts.