POLarizer-FENestration (POLFEN) a novel concept of a glazing technology to modulate daylighting and glare in buildings.

A conceptual new window/glazing technology called POLarizer-FENestration (POLFEN) is presented. In 1935, Edwin Land's pioneering work on polarizers successfully developed a sheet polarizer that was used in various applications. Subsequently, polarizers were employed in windows to modulate daylight and reduce associated glare. Early prototype windows were circular in shape so that the polarizing filter could be rotated to modulate the daylight. However, compared to rectangular-shaped windows that are ubiquitous, circular windows are rare in buildings. Therefore, a new window/glazing technology, discussed in this paper, was developed that utilizes a polarizing film in a conventional rectangular or square window, arranged in the form of strips or a checker-grid over the window panes to modulate daylighting levels and control glare. In this new research, a working prototype of the glazing technology is developed and demonstrated including simulations using the Radiance daylighting simulation software. In the current work, two types of measurements were taken: photographs of the indoor luminous environment and illumination levels (Lux) at selective points on the work-plane both in a physical prototype as well as in the simulation model under two sky conditions: CIE clear sky with sun, and overcast sky. The results indicate that the new glazing technology resulting from this concept can effectively modulate daylighting levels, minimized associated glare to an acceptable level while maintaining a view to the outdoor environment. The technology can be classified as Variable Transmission Glazing (VTG), similar to Electrochromic (EC) glazing since it also offers a dynamic modulation of solar optical properties (T vis). • POLFEN, a concept of a new glazing technology utilizing linear polarizers, can be successfully employed in conventional window shapes (i.e., square or rectangular) to quickly and effectively modulate daylight and its associated glare. • POLFEN glazing technology can be classified as Variable Transmission Glazing (VTG), similar to Electrochromic (EC), as it offers variable transmission properties. • POLFEN glazing technology offers quick modulation of daylight and associated glare through mechanical actuation. • POLFEN modulates daylight and preserves the view of the outdoors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]