Innovation (1)
Regarding solar control two innovative trends are particularly attractive:
(a) active control of transmittance, (b) light scattering or deviation surface e.g. prismatic surfaces which displace the incident light sideways, arrays of microlens which act as controlled diffusers, etc.
Two active controls of transmittance may reduce thermal gains and so contribute to cooling, these occure with: (i) the application of low voltage giving rise to electrochromic, (ii) the change in tempera-ture giving rise to thermochromic glazing.
(b) prismatic shading allows the low sun to enter whilst it reflects the high angled sun.
Holographic optical elements (HOE) are usually used for daylighting purposes due to their ability to diffract light. However, if they are suitably designed they can be used to reflect low angled sun coming on the west facades.