ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the concept of smart grids, including some of the operation needs to balance between supplies and demands. Due to the increasing use of renewable energy technologies to generate electricity, there is more need by the grid to have their customers' loads be flexible and dynamically responsive to effectively match demand and supply while maintaining high levels of reliability and efficiency. Smart grids allow integration of sustainable technologies, including clean energy sources, reduced air pollution, and accessibility to various services. Dynamic glazing technologies include electrochromic glazing and thermochromic glazing that change tint or solar heat gain coefficient to control the amount of solar radiation transmitted into the building. Electrochromic glazing has different tint states compared to nondynamic glazing by applying electric voltage to an electrochromic layer. Thermal storage materials have variable heat capacity properties that allow them to release or store heat.
