Solar Energy 214 (2021) 606–631
Available online 31 December 2020
0038-092X/© 2020 International Solar Energy Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Review
A review on windows incorporating water-based liquids
Yuri Piffer
a
,
*
, Roberto Lamberts
a
, Martin Ordenes Mizgier
b
, Saulo Güths
a
a
Federal University of Santa Catarina, LabEEE - Laboratory of Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Trindade, Florian´
opolis, SC 88040-970, Brazil
b
Federal University of Santa Catarina, LabCon - Laboratory of Environmental Comfort, Trindade, Florian´
opolis, SC 88040-970, Brazil
A R T I C L E I N F O
Keywords:
Fluidic glass
InDeWag
Solar pond windows
Transparent water storage envelope
Transwall
Water-flow window
A B S T R A C T
This paper presents a review of windows filled of water-based liquids which absorbs solar radiation and will be
referred to herein as water-based windows (WBWs). These liquids have spectrally-selective and high thermal
capacity properties for optical and thermal performance improvement. A WBW relates to windows that features
transparent, semi-transparent, colorless or colored visual performance. Its profile consists of liquid layers inside
clear or solar control multilayer glazing or tubular structures. A detailed analysis of WBW design differences and
performance is carried out and studies were classified according to common characteristics regarding two main
categories: WBW without and with fluid exchange. Optical and thermal
methodologies are evaluated, high-
lighting the limitations and accomplishments for future researches. A water-filled WBW can transmit more light
compared to the same glazing when empty. It can also perform substantially better than many commercially
available glazing products, in terms of either promoting solar heat gain or reducing cooling demand. There was a
predominance of cases with better heating performance for WBWs without fluid exchange. On the other hand,
most cases of WBWs with fluid exchange where better for cooling performance if the circulating fluid was not
preheated. Also, water heated in WBWs can be applied in the building facilities.
