Window for building or structure

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a window unit for a building or a structure. The window unit includes: a first panel having a main surface and at least mostly transmitting visible light; and a plurality of solar cells each having an active area and arranged along and near one or more edges of the first panel. The plurality of solar cells may be located around a first region of the first panel in which the first panel is at least mostly transmissive to visible light. The solar selective coating is located within a first projection area defined by a projection of the first area projected onto the main surface of the first panel in a direction parallel to a surface normal of the first panel and on or above the main surface of the first panel. The area surrounding the first projection area is at least mostly free of a solar selective coating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a window for a building or structure, and more particularly to a window that generates electricity. Background Art

[0002] Buildings, such as office buildings, high-rise residential buildings, and hotels utilize extensive exterior window panels and / or facades containing glass panels.

[0003] Such glass panels receive a large amount of sunlight, which causes the interior space to heat up, necessitating the use of air conditioning. Globally, a large amount of energy is used to operate air conditioning.

[0004] PCT International Application Nos. PCT / AU2012 / 000778, PCT / AU2012 / 000787 and PCT / AU2014 / 000814 (owned by the present applicant) disclose a spectrally selective panel which can be used as window glass and which transmits visible light but which is fitted with solar cell modules which absorb light such as infrared radiation and / or other re-emitted (internally wavelength converted) radiation to generate electricity.

[0005] One or more embodiments may provide further improvements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first aspect provides a window unit for a building or structure, the window unit comprising:

[0007] a first panel having a major surface and at least substantially transmitting visible light;

[0008] a plurality of solar cells each having an active area and arranged along and proximate one or more edges of the first panel, the plurality of solar cells being located around a first region of the first panel in which the first panel at least mostly transmits visible light; and

[0009] A solar selective coating is located within a first projection area and on or above a major surface of the first panel, the first projection area being defined by a projection of the first area onto the major surface of the first panel in a direction parallel to a surface normal of the first panel, wherein an area surrounding the first projection area is at least largely free of the solar selective coating.

[0010] In a specific embodiment, the area surrounding the first projected area may be entirely free of the solar selective coating and may surround the solar selective coating. The solar selective coating may be applied to or on the main surface of the first panel within the entire first projected area. The first projected area may be surrounded by a border area, and the border area may be mostly or entirely free of the solar selective coating.

[0011] The solar selective coating may be a low emissivity coating ("low-E coating"), for example a coating that at least largely transmits visible light but blocks at least a portion of infrared and / or ultraviolet light. The window unit may be incorporated into a building. By applying the low-E coating to the major surface of the first panel within the first projected area, penetration of infrared or ultraviolet radiation into the interior space of the building may be reduced. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the solar selective coating is not applied at or over the area surrounding the first projected area, and therefore is not applied over the solar cells. Embodiments may have the advantage that heating of the interior space of a building may be reduced without reducing absorption of infrared or ultraviolet light by the solar cells, and therefore without reducing the power output of the solar cells.

[0012] The first projected area may include a coated area surrounded by a border area.The solar selective coating may be applied at or above the coated area, and the border area within the first projected area may be at least partially or completely free of the solar selective coating.

[0013] The border region can have an uneven width. The border region can have a uniform width. The border region can have a width in the range of 0.1cm-0.2cm, 0.2cm-0.5cm, 0.5cm-1cm, 1cm-1.5cm, 1.5cm-2cm, 2cm-2.5cm, 2.5cm-3cm, 3cm-3.5cm, 3.5cm-4cm, 4cm-4.5cm and 4.5cm-5cm or larger. The first projected area comprising the coated area and the border region can have a total extension from several centimeters to several meters.

[0014] A solar cell of the plurality of solar cells may be spaced apart from the first panel by a gap, such as a gap filled with a gas, and may be held in place by a retainer.

[0015] Alternatively, the plurality of solar cells may be attached to the first panel such that no air gap is formed between the solar cells and the first panel. The solar cells in the plurality of solar cells may be attached to the first panel, for example, using a suitable adhesive such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or another suitable material.

[0016] The first panel may have a first major surface that faces an exterior of a building or structure to which the window is applied, and the first panel may include an opposing second major surface that faces an interior of the building or structure. The solar cells in the plurality of solar cells typically face directly toward the second major surface. The solar selective coating may be applied to either the first or second surface of the first panel.

[0017] The first panel may comprise a suitable glass or polymer material. In a specific embodiment, the first panel comprises extra-clear low-iron glass.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first panel includes a first component panel portion and a second component panel portion that are parallel and laminated together. The luminescent material can be embedded in an interlayer arranged between the first component panel portion and the second component panel portion. The interlayer can include polyvinyl butyral (PVB). In a specific example, the PVB is embedded with the luminescent material. The first panel portion and the second panel portion can be laminated together using an interlayer including ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or another suitable material. Multiple solar cells, such as bifacial solar cells, can be sandwiched between the first component panel portion and the second component panel portion and can be embedded in the PVB material and can be arranged in an overlapping or "shingled" arrangement.

[0019] The window may further include a second panel parallel to and spaced apart from the first panel. A cavity may be formed between the first panel and the second panel. The second panel may at least mostly transmit visible light.

[0020] The window unit may include another solar selective coating located within a third projected area and located on or above the major surface of the second panel, the third projected area being defined by a projection of the first area onto the major surface of the second panel in a direction parallel to the surface normal of the second panel, and an area surrounding the third projected area may be at least largely free of the solar selective coating. In this embodiment, the solar cell is typically a bifacial solar cell.

[0021] The window may include a frame supporting the first panel, the second panel, and the plurality of solar cells.

[0022] The solar cells are typically silicon based, but may alternatively comprise perovskite based solar cells or solar cells comprising Cu2N2, CIGS or CIS, GaAs, CdS or CdTe.

[0023] The window can be configured so that a central area of ​​the window transmits at least a majority of visible light and is at least 5 times, 10 times, 15 times, 20 times, 50 times, 100 times or even 500 times larger than an area of ​​the first panel where the plurality of solar cells are arranged.

[0024] The central region that transmits at least a majority of visible light may transmit at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or even at least 95% of visible light incident on the receiving surface of the first panel at normal incidence. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying non-limiting drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of a window unit for a building or structure;

[0027] Figure 2a and Figure 2b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a window for a building or structure;

[0028] Figure 3a and Figure 3b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a window for a building or structure; and

[0029] Figure 4a and Figure 4b is a schematic front view of an embodiment of a window unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] First reference Figure 1 , which shows a schematic top view of a window unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Window unit 100 includes a first panel 102 and four first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 arranged at or near respective edges of the first panel 102. Additionally, four second series of solar cells 112, 114, 116, and 118 are arranged along the edges of the first panel 102. The four first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 and the four second series of solar cells 112, 114, 116, and 118 face a major surface of the first panel 102 and are collectively arranged around a central region 120 of the first panel 102. The central region 120 at least largely transmits light. In one embodiment, the central region 120 transmits at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or even at least 95% of visible light incident on the receiving surface of the first panel 102 at normal incidence.

[0031] The window unit 100 further comprises a frame structure 115 which is arranged behind the first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110. The frame structure 115 is arranged behind the first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110. Figure 1 1 and 10. The first panel 102 is generally shown in FIG. 1 and, in some embodiments, may be disposed within the perimeter or perimeter of the first panel 102. In one embodiment, the window unit 100 includes a second panel (not shown) oriented parallel to the first panel 102 and, in use, exposed to an interior space of a building or structure in which the window unit 100 is installed.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first panel 102 transmits at least 90% of incident visible light. The first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 and the second series of solar cells 112, 114, 116, and 118 are arranged at edge regions of the first panel 102 such that transmission of incident light is blocked by the solar cells only at the edge regions of the first panel 102. In one embodiment, the window unit 100 is configured such that the central region 120 transmits at least a majority of visible light and is at least 5 times, 10 times, 15 times, 20 times, 50 times, 100 times, or even 500 times larger than an area of ​​the first panel 102 where the plurality of solar cells (e.g., the first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, 110 and / or the second series of solar cells 112, 114, 116, and 118) are arranged.

[0033] A low-emissivity coating in the form of a low-emissivity coating, referred to herein as a low-E coating 122, is disposed on the first panel 102 within a first projected area of ​​the first panel 102, which is in the form of a central area 120. The central area 120 is surrounded by the first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, and 110 and the second series of solar cells 112, 114, 116, and 118. The low-E coating 122 blocks a portion of the infrared and / or ultraviolet light. In one embodiment, the low-E coating 122 coats the entire central area 120. As shown in FIG. Figure 4a and Figure 4b Described in more detail, the low-E coating 122 is not disposed at the region of the first panel 102 where the solar cells are disposed.

[0034] Window unit 100 can be incorporated into a building, for example. By applying a low-E coating 122 to or above central region 120 of first panel 102, penetration of infrared or ultraviolet radiation into the building's interior can be reduced. Furthermore, low-E coating 122 is not applied above the area where solar cells are arranged. This embodiment can have the advantage of reducing heating of the building's interior without reducing the absorption of infrared or ultraviolet light by the solar cells, and thus without reducing the power output of the solar cells.

[0035] Now refer to Figure 2a , further details are given of the components of the window unit 100. Like features are indicated by like reference numerals.

[0036] First panel 102 has a first major surface 210 that is exposed to the space outside window unit 100 and is the surface of the window that receives direct sunlight when the window is attached to a building or structure. In this embodiment, first panel 102 comprises ultra-clear low-iron glass. However, first panel 102 may be formed from other forms of glass.

[0037] Figure 2a Further shown is a low-E coating 122 which, in this embodiment, is applied to the first major surface of the first panel 102 .

[0038] In the window unit 100 or window unit 100a, the low-E coating 122 is configured to have high reflectivity for wavelengths between 300 nm and about 420 nm and for wavelengths between about 750 nm and about 1000 nm. In variations of the described embodiments, and as Figure 2b As shown with reference to window unit 100a, the low-E coating 122 can be disposed, for example, on the inner surface (i.e., second major surface 211) of the first panel 102. The second major surface 211 faces the interior space of the building or structure when in use. All other features of window unit 100 and window unit 100a are otherwise identical.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first panel 102 includes a first panel portion 204 and a second panel portion 206 that are laminated together using a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer 208. The first panel portion 204 and the second panel portion 206 are parallel to each other.

[0040] In one embodiment, the PVB layer 208 includes a luminescent material. The luminescent material in the PVB layer 208 absorbs incident light and emits fluorescent radiation in random directions. Within the first panel 102, a portion of the emitted fluorescent radiation is directed toward the edge regions of the first panel 102 by total internal reflection, where a portion of the light can be absorbed by solar cells (such as solar cell series 108, 116) for power generation.

[0041] Figure 2a Also shown is a second panel 202 of the window unit 100. The second panel 202 is parallel to and spaced apart from the first panel 102 to define a cavity therebetween. The second panel at least mostly transmits visible light. The second panel 202 may have a similar transmittance to the first panel 102. The second panel 202 may be parallel to and spaced apart from the first panel 102 to define a cavity therebetween. Figure 2a and Figure 2b Although shown as a single glass sheet in FIG, in other embodiments, the second panel 202 may be formed of a laminated structure. Figure 2a and Figure 2b Not shown, but the second panel 202 may also include a low-E coating.

[0042] exist Figure 2a and Figure 2bIn the embodiment shown, a first series of solar cells (104, 106, 108, and 110) and a second series of solar cells (112, 114, 116, and 118) are spaced apart from the first panel 102. The second series of solar cells 112, 114, 116, and 118 are arranged parallel to the first major surface 210 of the first panel 102. The first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, and 110 are arranged in an oblique orientation relative to the first major surface 210 of the first panel 102.

[0043] The projection of the low-E coating 122 in a direction parallel to the surface normal of the low-E coating 122 does not overlap with the first series of solar cells (104, 106, 108, and 110) and the second series of solar cells (112, 114, 116, and 118). In this embodiment, the low-E coating is not applied within a region 225 surrounding the low-E coating, which has an outer boundary defined by the projection of the surface normal of the solar cell parallel to the low-E coating 122 in the plane of the low-E coating 122. Thus, the window unit 100a and the window unit 100a have a boundary region 226 surrounding or adjacent to the low-E coating 122. This boundary region 226 may be largely or entirely free of the low-E coating 122, or may be completely free of the low-E coating 122. Because the low-E coating 122 does not extend into region 225, not only can infrared and ultraviolet light that reaches the window unit at normal incidence reach the solar cells without passing through the low-E coating 122, but infrared and ultraviolet light that is incident at a relatively wide range of angles can also reach the solar cells without being absorbed by the low-E coating 122. Depending on the design parameters of the window unit, region 225 can have a width ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. In one embodiment, a border region 226 extends from an edge 232 of the first panel 102 to an edge 230 of the low-E coating 122. In one embodiment, the width W of the border region 226 is within a range of ≥40 mm and ≤120 mm. In one embodiment, the width W of the border area 226 is in the range of 0.1cm-0.2cm, 0.2cm-0.5cm, 0.5cm-1cm, 1cm-1.5cm, 1.5cm-2cm, 2cm-2.5cm, 2.5cm-3cm, 3cm-3.5cm, 3.5cm-4cm, 4cm-4.5cm and 4.5cm-5cm or more.

[0044] In one embodiment, the border region 226 has a total extension ranging from tens of centimeters to several meters. The extension of the border region 226 extends around the perimeter of the first panel 102. Alternatively, the extension of the border region 226 may extend along one side of the first panel 102.

[0045] A butyl layer 220 or similar sealant layer is applied to the recesses between the edge portions of the first panel 102, the second panel 202 and the spacer 200 to form the primary seal of the window unit 100 or window unit 100b.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in alternative embodiments, the first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, and 110 may be tilted at another suitable angle. Furthermore, the second series of solar cells 112, 114, 116, and 118 may alternatively be arranged at an oblique angle relative to the first major surface 210 of the first panel 102, or may be arranged parallel to the first major surface 210 of the first panel 102. In another alternative embodiment, the window unit 100 or window unit 100a may not include the first series of solar cells 104, 106, 108, and 110.

[0047] Figure 3a Components of a window unit 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Window unit 300 is similar to window unit 100, and similar components are indicated by similar reference numerals. Window unit 300 includes a first panel 102a and a second panel 202 separated by a spacer 200. First panel 102a includes component panel portions 204 and 206 laminated together using a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer 208. An array of solar cells 302 is sandwiched between first panel portion 204 and second panel portion 206 and embedded in the PVB layer. In one embodiment, the solar cells 302 of the solar array include bifacial solar cells having opposing active areas. In one embodiment, the solar cells 302 are arranged in an overlapping, "shingled" relationship. Window unit 300 is configured such that, when the window unit is positioned within a building or structure, solar cells 302 can receive sunlight incident through first panel portion 204. Additionally, solar cells 302 can receive light from within the building or structure that is directed through second panel portion 206 and second panel 202.

[0048] Window unit 300 includes a low-E coating 122 disposed on the outer surface (i.e., first major surface 210) of first panel 102a. Similar to window unit 100, the projection of low-E coating 122 in a direction parallel to the surface normal of low-E coating 122 does not overlap with solar cells 302. In this embodiment, a region 225 surrounds low-E coating 122 and is disposed between low-E coating 122 and the projection of the solar cells in the plane of low-E coating 122. This enables solar cells 302 to receive infrared and ultraviolet light incident over a relatively wide range of angles without being filtered by low-E coating 122. Similar to window unit 100, in window unit 300, a border region 226 extends from edge 232 of first panel 102a to edge 230 of low-E coating 122. The width W of border region 226 is similar to or identical to the width W of window unit 100.

[0049] In one embodiment, window unit 300 further includes another solar selective coating in the form of a second low-E coating 304 disposed on the inner surface of second panel 202. The projection of second low-E coating 304 parallel to the surface normal of second low-E coating 304 does not overlap with solar cells 302. In this embodiment, a narrow region 227 surrounds second low-E coating 304 and is disposed between second low-E coating 304 and the projection of solar cells 302 in the plane of second low-E coating 304. This enables solar cells 302 to receive infrared and ultraviolet light incident over a relatively wide range of angles without being filtered by second low-E coating 304. In one embodiment, narrow region 227 is similar to region 225. Second low-E coating 304 can have any suitable optical properties. However, in one embodiment, second low-E coating 304 has the same optical properties as (and is formed in the same manner as) low-E coating 122 described above. The second low-E coating 304 may have a similar width W as the low-E coating 122 .

[0050] Figure 3b Another embodiment of a window unit 300a is shown. Window unit 300a is identical to window unit 300, and similar reference numerals are used to describe similar features. The primary difference between window unit 300 and window unit 300a is that, in window unit 300a, the Low-E coating 122 is located on the second major surface 211 of the first panel 102a. Thus, in window unit 300a, the Low-E coating 122 faces the cavity formed between the first panel 102a and the second panel 202.

[0051] In one embodiment, the second panel 202 is a laminate structure similar to the first panel 102a, such that each of the first panel 102a and the second panel 202 has solar cells (not shown) sandwiched within the laminate structure. The solar cells sandwiched within the laminate structure may be bifacial solar cells.

[0052] In one embodiment, first panel 102 of window unit 100 and / or 100a takes the form of first panel 102a of window unit 300. In such an embodiment, solar cells 116 are omitted and replaced by solar cells 302 laminated within first panel 102a.

[0053] As described above, the border region 226 extends around the central region 120, and therefore around the low-E coating 122. However, the border region 226 may have a uniform or non-uniform width. Figure 4a In one embodiment, the border region 226 has a uniform width, wherein the width w1 extending from the top edge 412 of the central region 120 to the edge 410 of the window unit 100a is the same as the width w2 extending from the side edge 414 of the central region 120 to the side edge 416 of the window unit 100a. Therefore, in one embodiment, w1=w2. However, w1 is not always the same as w2, and the border region 226 may have a non-uniform width. For example, referring to Figure 4b In window unit 100b, w1>w2. The advantage of w1>w2 is that a larger area suitable for placing solar cells can be placed in the top and bottom areas of the window unit, where the user is less likely to notice the reduced field of view. However, in one embodiment, w2>w1, so that the side areas of the window unit have a larger area suitable for placing solar cells. In one embodiment, for two adjacent sides of the window unit (e.g., the top and left sides), w1=w2, but for the other two adjacent sides of the window unit (e.g., the bottom and right sides), width w3=w4. For example, w1, w2>w3, w4.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may take many different forms. For example, the solar cells may be arranged in any suitable arrangement oriented along the edge of the first panel 102. Furthermore, the low-E coating may have any suitable properties and may optionally be applied to the inner surface of the panel 102.

[0055] Any discussion of the background art in this specification should not be taken as an admission that such background art is prior art, or that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field, whether in Australia or worldwide.

[0056] In the following claims and in the foregoing description, unless the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "include" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. specifying the presence of stated features but not excluding the presence or addition of other features in various embodiments.

Claims

1. A window unit for a building or structure, the window unit comprising: a first panel having a major surface and at least substantially transmitting visible light; a plurality of solar cells each having an active area and arranged along and proximate one or more edges of the first panel, the plurality of solar cells being located around a first region of the first panel in which the first panel at least mostly transmits visible light; and a solar selective coating located within a first projection area defined by a projection of the first area onto the major surface of the first panel in a direction parallel to a surface normal of the first panel, and located on or above the major surface of the first panel, wherein an area surrounding the first projection area is at least largely free of the solar selective coating.

2. The window unit according to claim 1, wherein The boundary area surrounding the first projection area is entirely free of the solar selective coating, and the solar selective coating coats the entire first projection area.

3. The window unit of claim 1, wherein: The first projected area is surrounded by a border area, and wherein the border area is mostly to completely free of the solar selective coating.

4. The window unit according to claim 3, wherein The border region has a uniform width.

5. The window unit of claim 3, wherein: The border region has a non-uniform width.

6. The window unit according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The border area has a width ranging from 0.1 cm to 0.2 cm, 0.2 cm to 0.5 cm, 0.5 cm to 1 cm, 1 cm to 1.5 cm, 1.5 cm to 2 cm, 2 cm to 2.5 cm, 2.5 cm to 3 cm, 3 cm to 3.5 cm, 3.5 cm to 4 cm, 4 cm to 4.5 cm, and 4.5 cm to 5 cm, or more.

7. The window unit according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The first projected area includes a coating area, and the border area has a total extension ranging from several tens of centimeters to several meters.

8. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The solar selective coating is a low-emissivity coating ("low-E coating") that at least largely transmits visible light but blocks at least a portion of infrared and / or ultraviolet light.

9. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first major surface of the first panel faces the outside of a building or structure incorporating the window when in use, and wherein the first panel includes a second major surface that faces the interior space of the building or structure when in use, wherein the solar cells of the plurality of solar cells directly face the second major surface, and wherein the solar cell selective coating is applied to the first major surface or the second major surface of the first panel.

10. A window unit according to any preceding claim, comprising a second panel parallel to and spaced apart from the first panel, the second panel at least predominantly transmitting visible light.

11. The window unit according to claim 9 includes another solar selective coating, which is located in a third projected area and is located on or above the major surface of the second panel, and the third projected area is defined by the projection of the first area onto the major surface of the second panel in a direction parallel to the surface normal of the second panel, and the area surrounding the third projected area is at least largely free of the solar selective coating.

12. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The window unit is configured such that a central area of ​​the window transmits at least a majority of visible light and is at least 5 times, 10 times, 15 times, 20 times, 50 times, 100 times or even 500 times larger than an area of ​​the first panel where the plurality of solar cells are arranged.

13. The window unit of claim 11, wherein: The central region that transmits at least a majority of visible light transmits at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or even at least 95% of visible light incident on the receiving surface of the first panel at normal incidence.

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