A humidity-induced chromic device capable of active dimming

Abstract

The present invention provides a humidity-induced color-changing device that can achieve active dimming, belonging to the field of dimming glass technology. It is designed to solve the problems that existing color-changing glass has a limited application range due to the need for a specific wavelength; the electric color-changing structure is complex and costly; or the thermochromic device cannot achieve active color control. It includes two layers of glass and an outer frame, an intermediate air layer is provided between the two layers of glass, a humidity response layer is provided on the inner glass or the inner side of the outer glass, an air inlet channel is provided inside the frame above the two layers of glass, and an air outlet channel is provided inside the frame below. Both the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel are connected to the intermediate air layer, the air inlet channel is connected to a high-concentration salt solution container via an air inlet pipe, a blower is provided on the air inlet pipe, and the air outlet channel is connected to a low-concentration salt solution container via an air outlet pipe, an exhaust fan is provided on the air outlet pipe. The process is simple; the range of material selection is wide; the adjustable color change range is large, and active control of glass color change is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of dimming glass, and in particular to a humidity-induced color-changing device capable of realizing active dimming. Background Art

[0002] Building energy consumption accounts for approximately 21% of China's total energy consumption and carbon emissions, with over half of this consumption going to cooling and heating. Therefore, reducing the energy consumption of building hot air conditioning systems is crucial for reducing global carbon emissions. Windows, due to their poor thermal insulation and high solar transmittance, contribute nearly 60% of total building energy consumption to heat loss, making them the weakest link in reducing building energy consumption. Over 70% of this loss is caused by long- and short-wave radiation, necessitating the development of advanced color-shifting glazing to reduce building energy consumption. Hygrochromic glass, with its simple structure, low cost, and ability to actively control light transmission, has the potential for widespread application, given the need to adapt to diverse conditions.

[0003] There are a wide variety of humidity-induced chromic materials. To meet the varying humidity requirements of different humidity-induced chromic materials, the system architecture requires a high degree of interchangeability. This also requires a simple structure for easy maintenance and replacement, as well as low cost. Among the current mainstream technologies, photochromism (a rare earth ion-doped photochromic glass and its preparation method and application CN115215543A) requires irradiation with a specific wavelength in a certain direction for excitation, resulting in a relatively limited range of applications. Electrochromism (electrochromic devices, electrochromic glass, and vehicles CN217954887U) can adjust the color change of a material by controlling the magnitude of current or voltage. However, due to the complex structure and high cost of current electrochromic devices, which involve a multilayer film system consisting of a color-changing layer, an electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer, their large-scale application is limited. Thermochromism (an actively adjustable thermochromic laminated glass CN207877598U) has a relatively simple material principle and device structure, but cannot achieve active color control. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are:

[0005] In order to solve the problems that existing color-changing glass either requires a specific wavelength and has a limited scope of application; or changes color through electrical control, which has a complex structure and high cost; or thermochromism cannot achieve active control of color change.

[0006] The present invention is to solve the above technical problems using the following technical solutions:

[0007] The present invention provides a humidity-induced color-changing device capable of realizing active dimming, comprising two layers of glass and a frame around the two layers of glass, wherein the frame seals the four sides of the two layers of glass, an intermediate air layer is provided between the two layers of glass, a humidity-responsive layer is provided on the inner glass or the outer glass of the two layers of glass close to the intermediate air layer, an air inlet channel is provided inside the frame above the two layers of glass, the air inlet channel is communicated with the intermediate air layer, an air outlet channel is provided inside the frame below the two layers of glass, the air outlet channel is communicated with the intermediate air layer, a high-concentration salt solution holding box and a low-concentration salt solution holding box are provided inside the frame on one side of the two layers of glass, the air inlet channel is communicated with the high-concentration salt solution holding box through an air inlet pipe, a blower is provided inside the air inlet pipe for blowing humid air above the high-concentration salt solution into the intermediate air layer, the air outlet channel is communicated with the low-concentration salt solution holding box through an air outlet pipe, and an exhaust fan is provided inside the air outlet pipe for blowing air in the intermediate air layer into the top of the low-concentration salt solution.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a control panel and a humidity detection device, the input end of the control panel is connected to the humidity detection device, and the output end of the control panel is connected to the exhaust fan and the hair dryer respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel are connected to the middle air layer through 8 to 15 rows of evenly distributed air holes, and the air holes are arranged along the extension direction of the glass.

[0010] Furthermore, the end of the air outlet pipe is located above the low-concentration salt solution, and the end of the air inlet pipe is located above the high-concentration salt solution.

[0011] Furthermore, the high-concentration salt solution may be a 75% supersaturated NaCl solution, and the low-concentration salt solution may be a 20% supersaturated LiCl solution.

[0012] Furthermore, the exhaust fan is a micro air pump, which adopts a DC power supply of 18V and a rated power of 18W, and the hair dryer is a small fan, which adopts a DC power supply of 18V and a rated power of 15W.

[0013] Furthermore, the air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe are both high-polymer plastic thin tubes with an inner diameter of 7mm-9mm and a thickness of 0.8mm-1.1mm.

[0014] Furthermore, the humidity responsive layer may be a composite film of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0015] Furthermore, the thickness of the composite film is 300nm-400nm.

[0016] Furthermore, the frame is an aluminum alloy frame, and rubber sealing strips are provided at the edges of the two layers of glass.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The present invention provides a humidity-induced color-changing device capable of achieving active dimming, comprising two layers of glass and a frame surrounding the two layers of glass. An intermediate air layer is provided between the two layers of glass, and a humidity-responsive layer is provided on the side of the inner glass or the outer glass adjacent to the intermediate air layer. An air inlet channel is provided within the frame above the two layers of glass, and an air outlet channel is provided within the frame below the two layers of glass. Both the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel are connected to the intermediate air layer. The air inlet channel is connected to a high-concentration salt solution container via an air inlet pipe, which is provided with a blower. The air outlet channel is connected to a low-concentration salt solution container via an air outlet pipe, which is provided with an exhaust fan.

[0019] When the glass is in a non-discoloring state, an exhaust fan draws air with a certain humidity from the middle air layer into the top of the low-concentration salt solution to absorb moisture, thereby reducing the humidity in the middle air layer and causing the humidity-responsive layer that has not reached the discoloring condition to change color. When the glass is in a discoloring state, a hair dryer draws air with a higher humidity above the high-concentration salt solution in the high-concentration salt solution storage box into the middle air layer, increasing the humidity in the middle air layer and causing the humidity-responsive layer that has reached the discoloring condition to fade.

[0020] By turning on the blower and exhaust fan, the purpose of actively controlling the color change of the glass is achieved. During use, if the glass does not meet the color change conditions and it is necessary to block the light outside the window, the exhaust fan is turned on to reduce the humidity in the glass interlayer. At this time, the humidity-responsive material changes color, blocking the outside light. If the glass meets the color change conditions and good lighting is required, the compressor is turned on to increase the humidity in the glass interlayer. At this time, the humidity-responsive material fades, and the glass becomes transparent again, allowing the outside light to enter the room smoothly.

[0021] The present invention has a simple process flow, proposes a two-layer glass sandwich structure, simplifies the process of adding color-changing materials, and achieves the purpose of simplifying the process; the range of material selection is wide, and the present invention can select different types of humidity-responsive color-changing materials to achieve the purpose of meeting different cost requirements; the adjustable color change range is large, and the present invention can use salt solutions of different types and concentrations, which expands the range of adjustable color change, produces the effect of color change at different humidity, and achieves the purpose of adapting to different application scenarios; fourth, realizes active control of glass color change, and realizes the effect of changing color when the window does not meet the color change conditions, and fading the window when the window meets the color change conditions, thereby achieving the purpose of active regulation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A partial side view of a humidity-induced color-changing device capable of active dimming according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a humidity-induced color-changing device capable of realizing active dimming in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a front view of a humidity-induced color-changing device capable of active dimming in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Description of reference numerals:

[0026] 1. Inner glass; 2. Humidity response layer; 3. Control panel; 4. Outer glass; 5. Intermediate air layer; 6. Frame; 7. Air inlet duct; 8. Air inlet; 9. High-concentration salt solution container; 10. Blower; 11. Air outlet; 12. Air outlet duct; 13. Exhaust fan; 14. Low-concentration salt solution container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terminology in each embodiment, such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc., which indicate directions, are only for simplifying the description of the positional relationship based on the drawings in the specification, and do not mean that the referred elements and devices must be operated in accordance with the specific directions and defined operations and methods and structures in the specification. Such directional nouns do not constitute a limitation to the present invention.

[0028] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Specific implementation plan 1: Combined Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a humidity-induced color-changing device that can achieve active dimming, including two layers of glass and a frame 6 around the two layers of glass, the frame 6 seals the four sides of the two layers of glass, an intermediate air layer 5 is provided between the two layers of glass, and a humidity response layer 2 is provided on the side of the inner glass 1 or the outer glass 4 of the two layers of glass close to the intermediate air layer 5, an air inlet channel 7 is provided inside the frame 6 above the two layers of glass, and the air inlet channel 7 is connected to the intermediate air layer 5, and an air outlet channel 12 is provided inside the frame 6 below the two layers of glass, and the air outlet channel 12 is connected to the intermediate air layer 5, a high-concentration salt solution container 9 and a low-concentration salt solution container 14 are provided inside the frame 6 on one side of the two layers of glass, the air inlet channel 7 is connected to the high-concentration salt solution container 9 through an air inlet pipe, the air inlet pipe is provided with a blower 10, the air outlet channel 12 is connected to the low-concentration salt solution container 14 through an air outlet pipe, and the air outlet pipe is provided with an exhaust fan 13.

[0030] When the glass is in a non-discoloring state, the exhaust fan 13 draws air with a certain humidity from the intermediate air layer 5 to the top of the low-concentration salt solution for moisture absorption, thereby reducing the humidity in the intermediate air layer 5, causing the humidity response layer 2 that has not reached the discoloring condition to change color; when the glass is in a discoloring state, the hair dryer 10 draws air with a higher humidity above the high-concentration salt solution in the high-concentration salt solution storage box 9 into the intermediate air layer 5, increasing the humidity in the intermediate air layer 5, causing the humidity response layer 2 that has reached the discoloring condition to fade;

[0031] By turning on the blower 10 and the exhaust fan 13, the purpose of actively controlling the color change of the glass is achieved. During use, if the glass does not meet the color change condition and it is necessary to block the light outside the window, the exhaust fan is turned on to reduce the humidity in the middle air layer 5. At this time, the humidity response layer 2 changes color, so that the external light is blocked. If the glass meets the color change condition and it is necessary to obtain good lighting, the blower 10 is turned on to increase the humidity in the middle air layer 5. At this time, the humidity response layer 2 fades, and the glass becomes transparent again, allowing external light to enter the room smoothly.

[0032] The present invention has a simple process flow, proposes a two-layer glass sandwich structure, simplifies the process of adding color-changing materials, and achieves the purpose of simplifying the process; the range of material selection is wide, and the present invention can select different types of humidity-responsive color-changing materials to achieve the purpose of meeting different cost requirements; the adjustable color change range is large, and the present invention can use salt solutions of different types and concentrations, which expands the range of adjustable color change, produces the effect of color change at different humidity, and achieves the purpose of adapting to different application scenarios; fourth, realizes active control of glass color change, and realizes the effect of changing color when the window does not meet the color change conditions, and fading the window when the window meets the color change conditions, thereby achieving the purpose of active regulation.

[0033] Specific implementation plan 2: Combined Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the device further includes a control panel 3 and a humidity detection device. The input end of the control panel 3 is connected to the humidity detection device, and the output end of the control panel 3 is connected to an exhaust fan 13 and a blower 10, respectively. By controlling the exhaust fan 13 or the blower 10 to operate separately or simultaneously, the humidity in the intermediate air layer 5 can be changed, thereby changing the color of the humidity-responsive layer 2. The other combinations and connection relationships of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0034] Preferably, the air inlet channel 7 and the air outlet channel 12 are connected to the middle air layer 5 through 8 to 15 rows of evenly distributed air holes, and the air holes include an air inlet 8 and an air outlet 11, and the air holes are arranged along the extension direction of the glass.

[0035] Preferably, the end of the air outlet pipe is located above the low-concentration salt solution, and the end of the air inlet pipe is located above the high-concentration salt solution, which is used to discharge the air with higher humidity in the middle air layer 5 to the low-concentration salt solution for moisture absorption, and discharge the air with higher humidity above the high-concentration salt solution into the middle air layer 5, thereby achieving the regulation of the humidity in the middle air layer 5.

[0036] Preferably, the air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe are both high-polymer plastic thin tubes with an inner diameter of 7mm-9mm and a thickness of 0.8mm-1.1mm.

[0037] Preferably, the exhaust fan 13 is a micro air pump, which adopts a DC power supply of 18V and a rated power of 18W, and the hair dryer 10 is a small fan, which adopts a DC power supply of 18V and a rated power of 15W.

[0038] Preferably, the glass is SiO2 glass.

[0039] Preferably, the high-concentration salt solution may be a 75% supersaturated NaCl solution, and the low-concentration salt solution may be a 20% supersaturated LiCl solution.

[0040] Preferably, the frame 6 is an aluminum alloy frame 6, and rubber sealing strips are provided at the edges of the two layers of glass to improve the sealing.

[0041] Preferably, the humidity responsive layer 2 can be a composite film of chitosan (hereinafter referred to as CHI) and carboxymethyl cellulose (hereinafter referred to as CMC). The composite film can be prepared according to the literature (Advanced Functional Materials, 2019, 1904453, DOI: 10.1002 / adfm.201904453), which is an existing method and will not be described here.

[0042] Preferably, the thickness of the composite film is 300nm-400nm.

[0043] Furthermore, the thickness of the composite film may be 300 nm, 320 nm, 340 nm, 360 nm, 380 nm or 400 nm.

[0044] Preferably, a battery is further included, which is connected to the control panel 3 and the humidity detection device and is used to supply power to the control panel 3 and the humidity detection device. The control panel 3 can be set on the frame 6.

[0045] Preferably, the battery may be a 12V lithium-ion battery, and the controller in the control panel 3 may be a humidity detection controller based on a 51 single-chip microcomputer.

[0046] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the scope of protection disclosed by the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art of the present invention may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these changes and modifications will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A humidity-induced color-changing device capable of active dimming, characterized in that: The invention comprises two layers of glass and a frame (6) around the outer periphery of the two layers of glass, wherein the frame (6) seals the four sides of the two layers of glass, an intermediate air layer (5) is provided between the two layers of glass, a humidity response layer (2) is provided on the side of the inner glass (1) or the outer glass (4) of the two layers of glass close to the intermediate air layer (5), an air inlet channel (7) is provided inside the frame (6) above the two layers of glass, and the air inlet channel (7) is communicated with the intermediate air layer (5), and an air outlet channel (12) is provided inside the frame (6) below the two layers of glass, and the air outlet channel (12) is communicated with the intermediate air layer (5). A high-concentration salt solution storage box (9) and a low-concentration salt solution storage box (14) are provided inside the frame (6) on one side of the two layers of glass. The air inlet channel (7) is connected to the high-concentration salt solution storage box (9) through an air inlet pipe. A blower (10) is provided in the air inlet pipe for blowing the humid air above the high-concentration salt solution into the middle air layer (5). The air outlet channel (12) is connected to the low-concentration salt solution storage box (14) through an air outlet pipe. An exhaust fan (13) is provided in the air outlet pipe for blowing the air in the middle air layer (5) into the top of the low-concentration salt solution. It also includes a control panel (3) and a humidity detection device, wherein the input end of the control panel (3) is connected to the humidity detection device, and the output end of the control panel (3) is connected to the exhaust fan (13) and the hair dryer (10) respectively; The air inlet channel (7) and the air outlet channel (12) are both connected to the intermediate air layer (5) through 8 to 15 rows of evenly distributed air holes, and the air holes are arranged along the extension direction of the glass; The end of the air outlet pipe is located above the low-concentration salt solution, and the end of the air inlet pipe is located above the high-concentration salt solution; The high-concentration salt solution may be a 75% supersaturated NaCl solution, and the low-concentration salt solution may be a 20% supersaturated LiCl solution.

2. The humidity-induced color-changing device capable of active dimming according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust fan (13) is a micro air pump, which adopts a DC power supply of 18V and a rated power of 18W. The hair dryer (10) is a small fan, which adopts a DC power supply of 18V and a rated power of 15W.

3. The humidity-induced color-changing device capable of active dimming according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe are both high-polymer plastic thin tubes with an inner diameter of 7mm-9mm and a thickness of 0.8mm-1.1mm.

4. The humidity-induced color-changing device capable of active dimming according to claim 3, characterized in that: The humidity responsive layer (2) may be a composite film of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose.

5. The humidity-induced color-changing device capable of active dimming according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness of the composite film is 300nm-400nm.

6. The humidity-induced color-changing device capable of active dimming according to claim 5, characterized in that: The frame (6) is an aluminum alloy frame (6), and rubber sealing strips are provided at the edges of the two layers of glass.

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