Window units for buildings or structures

Abstract

One embodiment provides a corner spacer for a window unit for separating first and second window panels in the window unit. The corner spacer may include a corner spacer body portion having a recess sized to receive a solar cell, and first and second coupling portions each extending from the body portion. The corner spacer may also include a first electrical connector positioned in the recess for electrically coupling the solar cell received in the recess to one or more electrical components. The corner spacer may also include a spacer coupler coupled to or integrally formed with the body portion. The spacer coupler may be configured to be received in and coupled with one or more spacer portions separating the first and second window panels, and in use, a primary seal that prevents the movement of a gaseous medium, such as air, is formed between at least the spacer coupler and the first and second window panels.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to window units for buildings or structures, and in particular to window units with solar cells. [Background technology]

[0002] Buildings such as high rise office buildings, residential towers and hotels use large amounts of exterior window paneling and / or facades that incorporate glass paneling.

[0003] Such glazing receives a large amount of sunlight, resulting in heating of the interior space and necessitating the use of air conditioning units. The sunlight received by the glazing can be, at least in part, absorbed by solar cells and used to generate electricity.

[0004] PCT International Application Nos. PCT / AU2012 / 000778, PCT / AU2012 / 000787 and PCT / AU2014 / 000814 (owned by the present applicant) disclose window units having panes with solar cells that allow visible light to pass but absorb light such as infrared radiation to generate electricity.

[0005] Additionally, building windows may include other electrical components, such as components that regulate the passage of light, which often require control electronics. Windows may be sealed units, and electrical components, such as solar cells, may be located within the sealed space. Locating the control electronics and providing electrical connections to such electrical components can be a challenge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] PCT / AU2012 / 000778 [Patent Document 2] PCT / AU2012 / 000787 [Patent Document 3] PCT / AU2014 / 000814 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present disclosure may provide embodiments with further improvements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment is a corner spacer for a window unit for separating first and second window panels in a window unit, comprising: a corner spacer body having a recess sized to receive a solar cell; a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion each extending from the body portion, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion configured to be received by and coupled to an elongated side support that supports one or more solar cells in use; a first electrical connector positioned in the recess for electrically coupling the solar cell received in the recess to one or more electrical components; a spacer coupler coupled to or integrally formed with the body portion, the spacer coupler configured to be received in and coupled with one or more spacer portions that separate the first and second window panels, and in use forming a primary seal between the spacer coupler and at least the first and second window panels that prevents the movement of a gaseous medium such as air; A corner spacer for a window unit is provided.

[0009] The spacer coupler may have opposing sides that are each bonded to one of the first or second window panels in use. The opposing sides may have a texture such that a sealant applied to the texture bonds and flows similarly to a sealant applied to the spacer portions. The spacer coupler may include a spacer coupler body and a coupling element extending from the spacer coupler body. The coupling element may be configured to be received in and coupled with one of the spacer portions. The coupling element may be coupleable with the spacer coupler body. The coupling element may include a dovetail pin, and the spacer coupler body may include a channel having a complementary shape that can receive the dovetail pin such that an interference fit is formed between the dovetail pin and the channel to lock them together.

[0010] The first and second connecting portions may extend away from the corner spacer body in a direction intersecting each other, such as at 90°. Each of the first and second connecting portions may include an elongated protrusion that provides an interference fit with the elongated side support. The elongated protrusion may extend from the corner spacer body along the length of the first and second connecting portions. Each of the first and second connecting portions may include multiple connecting portions. The recess may include a locator that correctly orients the solar cell in use, thereby aligning the terminals of the solar cell with the first electrical connector for sliding engagement with the first electrical connector. The locator may be provided on a sidewall of the recess. The locator may be positioned in the recess proximate the first electrical connector.

[0011] The recess may be positioned on a right side of the corner spacer body portion such that the recess extends at or along the right side of the corner spacer body portion. The recess may be positioned on a left side of the corner spacer body portion such that the recess extends at or along the left side of the corner spacer body portion. The spacer coupler may include an electrical feedthrough for transmitting power between at least the solar cell electrically connected to the first electrical connector and an electrical component positioned outside the window unit. The electrical feedthrough may be sealed to prevent movement of gaseous media, such as air, through the corner spacer having the electrical feedthrough.

[0012] The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector may be arranged such that one or more solar cells associated with a first elongated side support engaged with the first coupling portion can engage with the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. The third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector may be arranged such that one or more solar cells associated with a second elongated side support engaged with the second coupling portion can engage with the third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector. The first electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector may be electrically connected together, and the second electrical connector and the third electrical connector may be electrically connected together. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector may be electrically connected together and to an electrical feedthrough. The third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector may be electrically connected together and to an electrical feedthrough separate from the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

[0013] One embodiment provides a joining element that is used to join together elongated side supports that, in use, are positioned between a first window panel and a second window panel in a window unit. In one example, the coupling element may comprise a coupling body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first coupling portion extending from the first side of the body in a first direction and a second coupling portion extending from the second side of the body in a second direction opposite the first direction, the first and second coupling portions configured to be received on and coupled to separate elongated side supports that each support one or more solar cells in use; and a first elongated protrusion on a lateral side of the first coupling portion and a second elongated protrusion on a lateral side of the second coupling portion, the first elongated protrusion and the second elongated protrusion configured to form an interference fit with the respective elongated side support.

[0014] The coupling element may further include a first electrical connector extending from the first side to the second side of the body portion and a second electrical connector extending from the first side to the second side of the body portion, wherein the second electrical connector may be electrically isolated from the first electrical connector.

[0015] One embodiment provides a spacer system for a window unit for spacing first and second window panels in a window unit. The spacer system may comprise one or more of the corner spacers described above. The window unit spacer system may further comprise the coupler described above.

[0016] One embodiment is a window unit for a building or structure, comprising: first and second panels each having an area that transmits at least a portion of visible light; The window spacer system as described above, wherein one or more elongated side spacer portions and one or more elongated side supports are engaged with one or more corner spacers. Equipped with A window unit is provided in which the first and second panels are spaced apart and adhered to at least one of one or more elongated side spacer portions, one or more elongated side supports, and one or more corner spacers such that a cavity is formed between the first panel and the second panel.

[0017] One embodiment is a window unit for a building or structure, comprising: first and second panels each having an area that transmits at least a portion of visible light; a spacer structure positioned at least partially between the first panel and the second panel, the spacer structure comprising elongated side spacer portions and corner spacer portions, the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions together forming the spacer structure that encloses a space between the first panel and the second panel; Equipped with Provided is a window unit in which at least one of the elongated side spacer portions and corner spacer portions has an electrical feedthrough for transmitting power between a first electrical component positioned outside the window unit and a second electrical component positioned in or within the window unit, and at least one of the elongated side spacer portions and corner spacer portions having the electrical feedthrough is sealed to prevent movement of a gaseous medium such as air through at least one of the elongated side spacer portions and corner spacer portions having the electrical feedthrough.

[0018] The electrical feedthrough may be hermetically sealed in at least one of the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions that comprise the electrical feedthrough.

[0019] In one particular embodiment, at least one of the corner spacer portions comprises an electrical feedthrough.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first and second panels are bonded to the spacer structure using a sealing adhesive material, such as butyl. Further, a layer of sealing adhesive may be applied over a portion of the spacer structure and edge portions of the first and second panels, thereby forming a primary seal, which seals the interior space of the window unit such that movement of gaseous media, such as air, within the interior space is at least substantially prevented.

[0021] The embodiments may have the significant advantage that the primary seal is not breached by the electrical feedthrough and therefore the presence of the electrical feedthrough does not allow moisture penetration into the interior space of the window unit, thereby promoting the long term sealing properties of the window unit.

[0022] The window unit may further comprise a secondary seal, such as a seal formed from a silicone material.

[0023] The window unit may include a second electrical component. The second electrical component may be positioned between the first panel and the second panel in the space enclosed by the spacer structure. Alternatively, the second electrical component may be applied to one of the first and second panels or may be positioned on one of the first and second panels. For example, the second electrical component may include at least one of a suspended particle device, an electrochromic coating, an electrofluidic material, a liquid crystal device, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material, and an electrophoretic material.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second electrical component comprises solar cells, such as a series of at least one solar cell, positioned between the first panel and the second panel within the space enclosed by the spacer structure.

[0025] In one embodiment, a spacer structure is formed by joining corner spacer portions and side spacer portions together. The corner spacer portions and elongated side spacer portions of the spacer structure may be joined together using any suitable fasteners, such as fasteners having male and female coupling portions. The corner spacer portions, elongated side spacer portions, and fasteners may be positioned to prevent the passage of a gaseous medium, such as air, through the joined elongated side spacer portions and corner spacer portions.

[0026] The spacer structure may also comprise a warm edge spacer which may be provided in the form of at least one of the side spacer portions.

[0027] At least one of the side spacer portions can be formed by extrusion of a polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material can be polyisobutylene (PIB), which forms a thermoplastic material. In this embodiment, the side spacer portions can be formed by extruding the polymeric material between the first and second panels and directly onto the surfaces of the corner spacer portions.

[0028] At least one of the corner spacer portions and side spacer portions comprising an electrical feedthrough may also comprise further electronic circuitry and / or electronic components such as a diode and a battery, a battery charge controller or a capacitor mechanism for storing power generated by the solar cell. Additionally, control electronics for controlling the electrical components of the window unit may be incorporated into at least one of the corner spacer portions and side spacer portions comprising an electrical feedthrough.

[0029] At least one of the corner spacer portions and the side spacer portions with electrical feedthroughs may also form part of a support structure for supporting the solar cells.

[0030] In a first embodiment, at least one of the corner spacer portions includes an electrical feedthrough. The at least one corner spacer portion including the electrical feedthrough may be formed from a suitable polymeric material in this embodiment. The remaining corner spacer portions may be formed from a metallic material such as aluminum, or may similarly be formed from a suitable polymeric material. The support structure may include elongated side support elements that may be coupled to the corner spacer portions using suitable fasteners, such as fasteners with male and female coupling portions. The elongated side support elements may be formed from a metallic material such as aluminum or a suitable polymeric material. Similarly, the elongated side spacer portions coupled to the corner spacer portions may also be formed from a metallic material such as aluminum or a suitable polymeric material in this embodiment, and may be separate from, coupled to, or form part of their respective elongated side support elements.

[0031] In a second embodiment, at least one of the side spacer portions includes an electrical feedthrough. The at least one side spacer portion including the electrical feedthrough may be formed from a suitable polymeric material. The remaining side spacer portions may be formed from a metallic material such as aluminum or a suitable polymeric material. Additionally, the corner spacer portions may be formed from a suitable polymeric material or a metallic material such as aluminum. The support structure may include elongated side support elements coupled to the corner spacer portions using suitable fasteners, such as fasteners including male and female coupling portions. The elongated side spacer portions may be separate from, coupled to, or form part of the respective elongated side support elements.

[0032] The corner spacer portions and elongated side support elements may include recesses and / or grooves for receiving portions of the solar cells.

[0033] The window unit may have side or edge portions, and at each side or edge portion one, two or three strips of solar cells may be supported by a support structure.

[0034] The solar cells can be positioned parallel to the major surface of the first panel. Alternatively, the support structure can be arranged such that the at least one strip of solar cells is positioned at an angle relative to the major surface of the first panel. The support structure can be arranged such that the solar cells of the at least one strip of solar cells are tilted at an angle less than 90°, less than 70°, less than 50°, less than 30°, or less than 10°.

[0035] In one embodiment, the spacer structure and support structure are positioned entirely between the first and second panels, and the support structure and strips of solar cells can be positioned along the edges of the first and / or second panels and around a central rectangular area that is devoid of solar cells.

[0036] The spacer structure may be a first spacer structure, and the window unit may include a second spacer structure. The window unit may further include a third panel, which may be positioned parallel to the first and second panels and spaced apart from the second panel by the second spacer structure. The second spacer structure may be positioned at least partially between the second and third panels and may include elongated side spacer portions and corner spacer portions, which are bonded together to form the second spacer structure that encloses the space between the second and third panels. In this embodiment, the second and third panels are bonded to the second spacer structure using a sealing adhesive material, such as butyl. In this embodiment, the first panel is also bonded to the second panel via the first spacer structure using a suitable sealing adhesive, such as butyl. Furthermore, a layer of sealing adhesive may be applied over portions of the first and second spacer structures and edge portions of the first, second and third panels, thereby forming a primary seal that seals the interior space of the window unit (between the first and second panels and between the second and third panels) so as to at least substantially prevent movement of a gaseous medium such as air therein. The window unit may further comprise a secondary seal, such as a seal formed from a silicone material.

[0037] The first edge area of ​​the first panel may extend beyond the peripheral protrusion of the second panel in a direction normal to the surface of the first panel.

[0038] The first panel may also include first and second component panel portions bonded together to avoid an air gap between the first and second component panel portions and form a laminated structure. At least one series of solar cells may be sandwiched between the first and second component panel portions and embedded in an adhesive material such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The solar cells of the at least one series of solar cells may be bifacial and arranged in an overlapping "shingle" configuration.

[0039] The first component panel portion may have a first major surface parallel to the first major surface of the second component panel portion, and the first major surface of the second component panel portion may have a surface area that is smaller than the area of ​​the first major surface of the first component panel portion, whereby the first and second component panel portions are arranged such that a protrusion of the first component panel portion along a surface normal of the first component panel portion extends beyond the periphery of the second component panel portion.

[0040] Solar cells are typically silicon-based, but may alternatively comprise CuInSe2, CIGS or CIS, GaAs, CdS or CdTe.

[0041] The window unit may be arranged such that a central area of ​​the window unit that transmits at least a majority of the visible light is at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, 100, or even 500 times larger than the area of ​​the panel in which the series of solar cells are positioned. The central area of ​​the window unit may be rectangular and comprise 70%, 80%, 90% or more of the surface area of ​​the major face of the first panel. The central area that transmits at least a majority of the visible light transmits at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or even at least 95% of visible light that is incident on the light-receiving surface at normal incidence.

[0042] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments, the description being provided with reference to the accompanying non-limiting drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates components of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an example of a corner spacer. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an example of a corner spacer. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an example of a corner spacer. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an example of a corner spacer. [Figure 16] 10 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a corner spacer. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupler. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] A window unit according to one embodiment will now be described, with initial reference to Figure 1. The window unit 100 may be provided, for example, in the form of a building window, a skylight, an automobile window, or any other structure that would normally include a window.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a top view of a window unit 100. The window unit 100 comprises a first panel 102 parallel to a second panel. The first panel 102 and the second panel each have an area that transmits at least a portion of visible light. In this embodiment, two strips of solar cells 104 and 106 are positioned adjacent to each side spacer portion of the panel 102. The window unit 100 comprises a spacer structure that spaces the first panel 102 from the second panel and a support structure for supporting the strips of solar cells 104, 106. The spacer structure and support structure comprise corner spacer portions 107, 109, which are further described below with reference to FIGS. 2-10. The corner spacer portion 109 comprises an electrical feedthrough to which the solar cells of the strips of solar cells 104, 106 are electrically connected so that generated power can be accessed through the electrical feedthrough.

[0046] The spacer structure, the first panel 102, and the second panel define an interior space in which the solar cells 104, 106 are positioned or additional electrical components are positioned. The series of first and second solar cells 104, 106 are positioned around a central area of ​​the first panel that transmits 80%, 90%, or even more of visible light. The window unit 100 may also include other electrical or electronic components that may be applied to or positioned on one of the first panel 102 or the second panel. For example, the window unit may include an electrochromic coating, an electrofluidic material, a liquid crystal device, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material, and an electrophoretic material. Alternatively, other electrical components, such as blinds, may be positioned between the first panel 102 and the second panel.

[0047] 2 and 3, components of a window unit 200 according to one embodiment will be described in further detail. Figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment in which the window unit 200 is a double-paned window unit comprising a first panel 202 and a second panel 204. The first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are formed from a suitable glass, such as low-iron glass. The window unit 200 also includes a spacer structure having elongated side spacer portions 206 and 208 that space the first panel 202 from the second panel 204. The elongated side spacer portions 206 and 208 are coupled to corner spacer portions, such as corner spacer portion 210 shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0048] In this embodiment, the side spacer portions 206, 208 are formed from aluminum (such as by aluminum extrusion) and the corner spacer portions are formed from a polymeric material.

[0049] In this embodiment, the window unit also includes one corner spacer portion 211 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) with an electrical feedthrough. The corner spacer portion 211 with the electrical feedthrough is positioned to establish an electrical connection between electrical components on the outside of the window unit 200 and a solar cell or other electrical component within the interior space of the window unit 200. The corner spacer portion 211 may further include additional electronic or electrical components, such as a diode and a battery, a battery charge controller, or a capacitor mechanism for storing power generated by the solar cell. Furthermore, control electronics for controlling the electrical components of the window unit (such as an electrochromic coating, an electrofluidic material, a liquid crystal device, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material, and an electrophoretic material) may be incorporated into the corner spacer portion. The corner spacer portion 211 is further described below with reference to FIG. 6 . The window unit 200 includes three additional corner spacer portions 210. One of the corner spacer portions 210 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

[0050] The window unit 200 also includes a support structure for supporting the strip of solar cells. The support structure includes elongated side support elements 212 formed from extruded aluminum. The side support elements 212 are coupled to the corner spacer portions 210, 211 using a snap-fit ​​mechanism having male and female portions. In this embodiment, the support structure is positioned to support two parallel strips of solar cells 302, 304 along each edge portion of the first and second panels 202, 204. The support elements 212 may include recesses and / or grooves (not shown) for receiving portions of the solar cells 302. The solar cells 302 are oriented parallel to the light-receiving surface of the first panel 202, and the solar cells 304 are positioned at an angle relative to the light-receiving surface of the first panel 202.

[0051] The support structure further comprises a coupling element 214 having two male coupling portions and arranged to couple two adjacent elongated side support elements 212 together.

[0052] 2 and 3 only show some of the components of the window unit 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the assembled window unit 200 forms a rectangular structure comprising three corner spacer portions 210, one corner spacer portion 211, a plurality of elongated side support elements 212 and connecting elements 214. Additionally, the assembled window unit 200 comprises four elongated side spacer portions 206, 208 connected to the corner spacer portions 210, 211.

[0053] The first and second panels 202, 204 are bonded to the elongated side spacer portions 206, 208 using a sealing adhesive material, such as butyl, to form a primary seal that seals the interior space of the window unit 200 to prevent the movement of gaseous media, such as air. The window unit 200 further comprises a secondary seal, such as a seal formed from a silicone material, applied over the exposed edges of the corner spacer portions 210, 211, the exposed portions of the elongated side spacer portions 206, 208, an adhesive material, such as butyl (not shown), and the edge portions of the first and second panels 202, 204.

[0054] A suitable desiccant (not shown) may be placed within the elongated side spacer portions 206, 208 and / or within the elongated side support elements 212. The elongated portions 206 and 208 may include perforations on their inner surfaces to allow moisture to migrate from the cavity of the window unit 200 to the desiccant. In one embodiment, the elongated side spacer portions 206 and / or 208 are spaced apart from the side support elements 212 such that a gap is formed between them. This gap may help allow moisture to be absorbed by the desiccant. In one embodiment, the gap between the spacer portions 206 and / or 208 and the side support elements 212 is about 1 mm to 2 mm, such as about 1 mm.

[0055] 4 and 5, corner spacer portion 210 will now be described in more detail. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of corner spacer portion 210, and FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, corner spacer portion 210 includes conductive strips 502, 504 formed from copper. Corner spacer portion 210 includes electrical connectors in the form of sockets 506, 508, 510, and 512 for connecting to strips of solar cells. Conductive strip 502 connects socket 506 to socket 510, and conductive strip 504 connects socket 508 to socket 512.

[0056] Corner spacer portions 210 have protrusions 402 that are received in the hollow end portions of elongated side spacer portions 206, 208 shown in Figures 2 and 3. Protrusions 402 are formed from a flexible material and include fins or barbs 404 that press against the interior wall portions of elongated side spacer portions 206, 208 when connected, allowing for an airtight connection.

[0057] 6 is a perspective view of a corner spacer portion 211 having a spacer coupler in the form of an electrical feedthrough 400. Corner spacer portion 211 is related to corner spacer portion 210, and like components are given like reference numerals. Corner spacer portion 211 having electrical feedthrough 400 is sealed to prevent the passage of air through the corner spacer portion containing the electrical feedthrough. Corner spacer portion 211 having electrical feedthrough 400 may be hermetically sealed. Electrical feedthrough 400 is electrically coupled at coupling portions 403, 406 with contacts (not shown in FIG. 6), such as pins or sockets, that are positioned to mate with electrical contacts on a strip of solar cells.

[0058] The electrical feedthrough 400 has terminals 401 for connection to an external electrical system. The properties of the terminals 401, such as size and power capacity, may be determined by the voltage generated by the window unit to which the electrical feedthrough is attached. For example, vision glass tends to have fewer solar cells than spandrel glass, and therefore the voltage output of the vision glass tends to be less than the voltage output of the spandrel glass. Thus, the terminals 401 may be adjusted depending on the power output of the window unit. The terminals 401 may be a separate component that may be hermetically sealed to the electrical feedthrough 400.

[0059] Corner spacer portions 210, 211 and connecting elements 214 may comprise a polymeric material, and side spacer portions 206, 208 may be formed from aluminum. In a variation of the described embodiment, side spacer portions 206, 208 may alternatively be formed by extrusion of a polymeric material directly between the first and second panels. For example, the polymeric material may be polyisobutylene (PIB), which forms a thermoplastic material. In this variation, the corner spacer portions do not include protrusions 402 for connecting with the side spacer portions, and the polymeric material is extruded directly onto the surfaces of corner spacer portions 210 and / or elongated side support elements 212 from which protrusions 402 would otherwise extend.

[0060] Figure 7 illustrates components of a triple-pane window unit 700, and Figures 8 and 9 show additional components of the window unit 700. Some components of the triple-pane window unit 700 relate to components of the double-pane window unit 200 shown with reference to Figures 2-6, and similar components have been given similar reference numerals. In this embodiment, the window unit 700 includes a third panel 701, which is a glass panel formed from low-iron glass. The third panel 701 is positioned parallel to the first and second panels 202 and 204. The window unit 700 includes a second spacer structure that spaces the third panel 701 from the second panel 204. The second spacer structure includes elongated side spacer portions 704 and 706 that correspond to the side spacer portions 206, 208.

[0061] The window unit 700 comprises a corner spacer portion 708 comprising an electrical feedthrough 400. The window unit 700 comprises three further corner spacer portions (not shown), which in this example do not have electrical feedthroughs 400 but otherwise have the same external shape as the corner spacer portion 708. The three further corner spacer portions comprise internal conductive strips, which may be formed from copper, for example, that connect the mating sockets to the pins of the strip of solar cells.

[0062] Window unit 700 further comprises elongated side support elements 711, two of which are joined to corner spacer portions 708 at joining portions 709 and 713 when window unit 700 is assembled. In this example, elongated side support portions 704 and 706 are arranged to support strips of three solar cells 712, 714 and 716 along each edge portion of window unit 700.

[0063] 8 is a top view of a corner spacer portion 708 having an electrical feedthrough 400, which is related to corner spacer portion 211 described above with reference to FIGS. 2-6. However, corner spacer portion 708 has an increased thickness compared to corner spacer portion 211 and includes additional protrusions for coupling with additional elongated side spacer portions 704 and 706. These protrusions (not shown in FIG. 7) are similar to protrusions 402 of corner spacer portion 210 and also include fins or barbs similar to fins or barbs 404 illustrated in FIG. 5. Protrusions 402 are formed from a flexible material and include fins or barbs 404 that press against the interior wall portions of elongated side spacer portions 206, 208, 704, and 706 when connected, enabling an airtight connection. The electrical feedthrough 400 is electrically coupled to contacts (not shown) positioned to mate with electrical contacts of the strips of solar cells 712, 714, 716 illustrated in FIG.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a top view of the components of the window unit 700. FIG. 9 illustrates a corner spacer portion 720 related to the corner spacer portion 708 described above, but without the electrical feedthroughs 400. Similar components are given similar reference numerals. The corner spacer portion 720 is formed from copper and includes conductive strips that connect the mating sockets to the pins of the solar cell strip. The corner spacer portion 720 also includes four protrusions 402 with fins or barbs 404 for mating with the elongated side spacer portions 206, 208, 704, and 706 illustrated in FIG. 7. The corner spacer portion 720 includes connecting portions for mating with elongated side support elements, such as the elongated side support element 711. Additionally, FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of a connecting element 722 for connecting adjacent elongated side support elements together.

[0065] The window unit 700 shown in Figure 7 comprises a plurality of elongated side support elements 711 (only one elongated side spacer portion is shown in Figure 7), with adjacent elongated side support elements 711 (also shown in Figure 9) joined together using joining elements 722 (shown in Figure 9) to form side support elements of increased length. The window unit 700 further comprises a corner spacer portion 708 (shown in Figures 7 and 8) having an electrical feedthrough 400, and three corner spacer portions 720 without an electrical feedthrough, one of the corner spacer portions 720 being shown in Figure 9. The corner spacer portions 708 and 720 are joined to the elongated side support elements. The window unit 700 also comprises a plurality of elongated side spacer portions 206, 208, 704 and 706 which are also joined to corner spacer portions 708 and 720 and are joined together with the glass panels 202, 204 and 701 to form the window unit 700 with primary and secondary seals formed in a manner similar to the primary and secondary seals of the window unit 200 described above.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 10 , a schematic perspective view of a corner spacer portion 1000 according to a further embodiment is shown. The corner spacer portion 1000 is related to the corner spacer portion 211 shown in FIG. 6 , with similar components given similar references. The corner spacer portion 1000 has protrusions 402 for coupling with elongated side spacer portions (such as side spacer portions 206, 208 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) that space two glass panels (such as panels 202 and 204 shown in FIG. 2 ) together, thereby forming a gap between the two panels. In this embodiment, the corner spacer portion 1000 is arranged to couple with four elongated side support elements (not shown, but similar to side support element 711 shown in FIG. 7 ) at coupling portions 602, 604, 606, and 608. In this embodiment, the side support elements are arranged to receive parallel strips of solar cells positioned in a common plane (not tilted). Each coupling portion 602, 604, 606, and 608 has a plurality of elongated projections 610 positioned to engage the inner surface of a hollow side support element formed from extruded aluminum. In this embodiment, coupling portions 602, 604, 606, and 608 are formed from a polymeric material, and the projections closely engage the inner surface of the side support element, and the side support surface may even "bite" into the projections when the inner surface of the side support element is slid over the coupling portion, thereby achieving a zero-tolerance fit or a very tight-tolerance fit.

[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates a corner spacer portion 1100 according to another embodiment. Similar components are given similar reference numerals. In this embodiment, the corner spacer portion 1100 is not positioned to mate with a side support element for supporting a solar cell. However, like the corner spacer portion 1000 discussed above, the corner spacer portion 1100 also has protrusions 402 for mating with elongated side spacer portions (such as the side spacer portions 206 and 208 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to separate the two glass panels, thereby forming a gap between the two glass panels. The corner spacer portion 1100 also has an electrical feedthrough 400 and is sealed to prevent the passage of air through the corner spacer portion containing the electrical feedthrough. The electrical feedthrough 400 is electrically coupled to an electrical component (not shown), which in this embodiment comprises an electrochromic coating. The spacer portion 1100 also controls the electronic circuitry for controlling the electrochromic coating. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the window unit 100 may alternatively comprise another device or coating that controls the optical properties of the window unit, and may comprise an electrofluidic material, a liquid crystal device, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material, an electrophoretic material, or a suspended particle device.

[0068] A window unit including the spacer portion 1100 may include, for example, the window panels 202, 204 shown in Figure 2, with the corner spacer portion 1100 and elongated side spacer portions 206, 208 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) spacing them apart from one another.

[0069] 12-15, another embodiment of a corner spacer portion 800 will be described. The corner spacer portion 800 has a main body portion 810. A first connecting portion 812 and a second connecting portion 814 extend from the body portion 810. The first connecting portion 812 and the second connecting portion 814 each have a longitudinal direction that intersects with one another. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the first connecting portion 812 and the second connecting portion 814 are disposed at 90 degrees relative to one another.

[0070] The first connecting portion 812 has two protrusions 812a and 812b, and the second connecting portion 814 has two portions 814a and 814b. The corner spacer portion 800 is not limited to having two portions for each connecting portion, but may have any number of portions. In use, a side support element, such as 212, is snap-fit ​​into the respective first connecting portion 812 and second connecting portion 814. Both the first connecting portion 812 and the second connecting portion 814 include a plurality of elongated projections 820 arranged to engage with the inner surface of the hollow side support element, which is formed from extruded aluminum. The elongated projections 820 help form an interference fit with the inner surface of the hollow side support element. In one embodiment, the elongated projections 820 are provided on opposite sides (i.e., top and bottom surfaces) of the first and second coupling portions 812, 814, as shown in Figure 13. In one embodiment, the elongated projections 820 are provided on one of the top or bottom surfaces (not shown) of the first and second coupling portions 812, 814. In one embodiment, the elongated projections 820 extend from the main body portion 810 along the longitudinal direction of the respective first and second coupling portions 812, 814.

[0071] The end of each connecting portion 812 and 814 is provided with a locator 816 that aids in locating the connecting portions 812 and 814 in the channel or passageway of the hollow side support element. The locator 816 has a head portion 818 and a peripheral channel 817 that extends laterally around the connecting portions 812 and 814. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the head portion 818 is the same as the cross-sectional profile of each connecting portion 812 and 814. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the head portion 818 is larger than the cross-sectional profile of each connecting portion 812 and 814.

[0072] The body portion 810 also includes a recess 822. The recess 822 is sized to receive a solar cell (not shown). An advantage of the recess 822 is that it increases the surface area of ​​the solar cell that can be used with the corner spacer portion 800. The recess 822 has a pair of opposing side walls 824 and 826 extending upward from a floor 823. In use, the bottom surface of the solar cell rests on the floor 823. The recess 822 also has an end wall 828 against which an edge of the solar cell can abut. A first socket 834 on a first side of the body portion 810 is electrically connected to a spacer coupler in the form of an electrical feedthrough 400a located on the end wall 828. The first side is represented by a first coupling portion 812, and the second side is represented by a second coupling portion 814. During installation, the solar cell is slid into the recess 822 so that the electrical terminals of the solar cell are received in the socket 834. To assist in guiding the electrical terminals of the solar cell into socket 834, recess 832 includes a locator in the form of tab 830. Tab 830 is positioned so that underside 831 of tab 830 biases the solar cell downward onto floor 823, and simply pressing the solar cell into recess 822 aligns the solar cell's electrical terminals with socket 834. In one embodiment, underside 831 of tab 830 includes a tapered or sloped surface to assist in guiding or biasing the solar cell downward into recess 822 during installation.

[0073] The body portion 810 also includes a second socket 836 on a first side thereof. The second socket 836 is electrically connected to the first socket 834 via a conductive strip 842. The conductive strip 842 may be formed from a conductive material such as stamped copper. The conductive strip 842 may include an insulator on its upper surface. The second side of the body portion 810 includes a third socket 848 and a fourth socket 840, which are electrically connected to each other and to the electrical feedthrough 400a via a conductive strip 844. The conductive strip 844 may be formed from a conductive material such as stamped copper. The conductive strip 844 may include an insulator on its upper surface. The conductive strip 844 is separated from and electrically insulated from the conductive strip 842.

[0074] 14a-15, another embodiment of an electrical feedthrough 400a will be described. The electrical feedthrough 400a is similar to the electrical feedthrough 400, and like features are described with like reference numerals. Unlike the electrical feedthrough 400, the coupling protrusion 402a of the electrical feedthrough 400a is a separate component and is attached to the main body 401 of the electrical feedthrough 400a. The coupling protrusion 402a comprises a dovetail pin 410. In one embodiment, the dovetail pin 410 is tapered such that the top surface 414 of the dovetail pin 410 is wider than the bottom surface 416. The body portion 411 includes a channel 412 that is complementary in shape so that the dovetail pin 410 can be received in the channel 412 by sliding the dovetail pin 410 downward into the channel 412 until the upper surface 414 is flush or nearly flush with the top surface 418 of the body portion 411, as indicated by arrow 419. Because the dovetail pin is tapered, the dovetail pin forms an interference fit with the channel and is locked into the channel. Thus, the dovetail pin 410 and the channel 412 form a locking, tapered, sliding dovetail. In one embodiment, the dovetail pin 410 needs to be hammered into the channel 412, for example, with a hammer, to ensure that the dovetail pin is snugly received within the channel 412. In one embodiment, during installation, the coupling protrusion 402a is pressed into the side spacer portion 206, and then the dovetail pin 410 is inserted into the channel 412. In one embodiment, during installation, the dovetail pin 410 is inserted into the channel 412 and then the coupling protrusion 402a is pressed into the side spacer portion 206. An advantage of utilizing the coupling protrusion 402a is that butyl can be applied to the side spacer portion before the window frame is assembled. This can provide flexibility in how the window unit is assembled, especially when comparing small and large units which may require different assembly requirements.

[0075] Instead of using a sliding tapered dovetail, the channel 412 may be provided with limit stops or the like that limit the travel of the dovetail pin 410 in the channel 412. In such an embodiment, the dovetail pin 410 may be replaced with a different shape, such as a rectangular shape or a rounded protrusion.

[0076] In one embodiment, the top surface 418 and bottom surface 420 of the body portion 401 have a texture that helps a sealant, such as butyl, adhere to the electrical feedthrough 400a. The use of the terms "top" and "bottom" is used solely to refer to the orientation of the electrical feedthrough 400a illustrated in FIGS. 14a-15 and does not limit the electrical feedthrough 400a to any particular orientation. The top and bottom surfaces of the electrical feedthrough 400 may also have a similar texture. The texture may help ensure that the sealant adheres to the electrical feedthrough 400a as well as other components of the window assembly, such as the side spacer portions 206, which are typically formed from aluminum. Having similar sealing properties may help ensure that a consistent amount of sealant is applied to the electrical feedthrough 400a and other components when the sealant is applied using automated sealant applicators typically used during high-volume manufacturing of window frames.

[0077] The relative position of the recess 822 means that the corner spacer portion 800 forms a “right” corner spacer portion configured to be positioned on one side of the window unit. In the “right” configuration, the recess 822 is positioned to the right of the second socket 836 on the first side. Stated another way, in the “right” configuration, the recess 822 is positioned along the right side of the body portion 810 such that the recess 822 extends along the right side of the body portion 810. Similarly, in the “right” configuration, the first socket 834 is positioned to the right of the recess 822. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a “left” corner spacer portion 800a. The corner spacer portion 800a is a mirror image of the corner spacer portion 800, and like features are described with like references. In the corner spacer portion 800a, the recess 822a is positioned to the left of the first socket 836a on the first side of the body portion 810a. Similarly, first socket 834a is positioned on the left side of recess 822a. The terms "right" and "left" used to describe the location of features relative to recess 822 refer to the direction in which a solar cell is inserted into recess 822. Unlike corner spacer portion 800, corner spacer portion 800a includes a spacer coupler in the form of a non-electrical feedthrough 400b, similar to corner spacer portion 210 described above, such that second and third sockets 836a and 838b are electrically connected to each other by connector 852, and first and fourth sockets 834 and 840 are electrically coupled to each other by connector 850. Non-electrical feedthrough 400b may use coupling protrusions 402a in conjunction with channels 412, similar to electrical feedthrough 400a.

[0078] Corner spacer portion 800 and corner spacer portion 800a form part of a spacer system, where a combination of "right" and "left" spacer portions is used and positioned near the periphery of the window unit. Because the window unit requires only one electrical feedthrough (e.g., 400, 400a) to connect the window unit to an external electrical system, one corner of the window unit has, for example, corner spacer portion 800, and the other three corners have corner spacer portions with non-electrical feedthroughs 400b. It should be understood that either the "right" or "left" facing corner spacer portion may have the electrical feedthrough 400 / 400a. For example, a spacer system typically includes four corner spacer portions, with two "left" and two "right" corner spacer portions, one of the corner spacer portions having the electrical feedthrough 400 / 400a and the other three having the non-electrical feedthroughs 400b.

[0079] Depending on the size of the window unit, the elongated side support elements, e.g. 212, may need to be joined together in a daisy chain to provide sufficient coverage along the edge of the window panel that forms part of the window unit. Therefore, in one embodiment, the spacer system also includes a coupler 900. Now, with reference to Figure 17, coupler 900 will be described.

[0080] Coupler 900 has a body portion 910 having a first side 911 and a second side 913 opposite the first side. Extending from first side 911 is a coupling portion 912, and extending from second side 913 is a coupling portion 914. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 , coupling portion 912 has first and second coupling portions 912a and 912b extending on one side of body portion 910, and coupling portion 914 has first and second coupling portions 914a and 914b extending on the second side of body portion 910. Separate elongated side support elements are configured to receive and are secured to coupling portion 912 or coupling portion 914. The longitudinal directions of the first connecting portion 912 and the second connecting portion 914 are aligned such that when the elongated side support elements are connected to the first connecting portion 912 and the second connecting portion 914, the respective elongated side support elements are aligned along the longitudinal direction.

[0081] Each of the connecting portions 912 and 914 includes an elongated projection 920 similar to the elongated projection 820. The elongated projection 920 is located on a major surface of the connecting portions 912 and 914. An outer side 921 extends between the major surfaces. A secondary elongated projection 922 is provided on the outer side 921. Although not shown in FIG. 17 , other outer sides of the connecting portion 912a, for example, may also include secondary elongated projections 922. The secondary elongated projections 922 form an interference fit with the side or lateral portions of the elongated side support elements. Therefore, the secondary elongated projections 922 help to laterally stabilize the connection between the elongated side support elements and the main body portion 910. This can be beneficial during manufacture of the window unit, which is typically performed with the window unit oriented vertically. In such a vertical orientation, any lateral movement of the elongated side support elements about the coupler 900 will cause the daisy-chained elongated side support elements to become non-linear. Thus, the secondary elongated protrusions 922 help to axially align the daisy-chained elongated side support elements during manufacturing, before sealants and adhesives are used to secure the window unit components together.

[0082] Coupler 900 also includes a first electrical connector 924 and a second electrical connector 926. First electrical connector 924 and second electrical connector 926 are electrically isolated from each other. In use, the first solar cell abuts or is adjacent to first side 911 and the second solar cell abuts or is adjacent to second side 913. The first and second solar cells may be electrically connected to each other by electrically engaging first electrical connector 924 and / or second electrical connector 926.

[0083] In a variation of the embodiment described above, one of the panels 202, 204 is replaced by a laminated structure comprising two parallel component panel portions. The two component panel portions are bonded together to avoid an air gap between the component panel portions. A series of solar cells is positioned between the two component panels and oriented along the edges of the two component panel portions. The series of solar cells may be embedded in an adhesive material such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The solar cells are bifacial and arranged in an overlapping or "shingle" configuration. The solar cells are electrically coupled to electrical components within the spacer portion 1100 to provide power for operation of the electrochromic coating. In this embodiment, the spacer portion 1100 further comprises control electronics and a battery for storing generated power.

[0084] The above embodiments of window unit 100 and window unit 200 may relate to window units used for vision glass or spandrel glass or cladding. Therefore, the embodiments described above, such as sealing using the texture on top surface 418 and bottom surface 420 of body portion 401, apply equally to vision glass and spandrel glass.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of the described embodiment are possible, for example, the edge area of ​​the first panel 202 may extend beyond the peripheral protrusion of the second panel 204 in a direction normal to the surface of the first panel 202.

[0086] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, corner spacer portions 109, 211, and 600 include electrical feedthroughs. In a variation of the described embodiment, one of the side spacer portions may instead include an electrical feedthrough. In this case, the side spacer portion including the electrical feedthrough may be coupled to or form part of side support element 212 and may be formed from a suitable polymeric material.

[0087] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the referenced prior art does not constitute an admission that the referenced prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or another country.

[0088] In the following claims and the foregoing description, unless the context requires otherwise by express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in the inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of stated features in various embodiments of the present disclosure but do not exclude the presence or addition of further features.

Claims

1. A corner spacer for a window unit for separating first and second window panels in the window unit, comprising: a corner spacer body having a recess sized to receive a solar cell; a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion each extending from the body portion, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion configured to be received by and coupled with an elongated side support that supports one or more solar cells in use; a first electrical connector positioned in the recess for electrically coupling the solar cell received in the recess to one or more electrical components; a spacer coupler coupled to or integrally formed with said body portion, said spacer coupler configured to be received on and coupled with one or more spacer portions that separate said first and second window panels, and in use forming a primary seal between said spacer coupler and at least said first and second window panels that prevents the movement of a gaseous medium such as air; A corner spacer for a window unit.

2. 2. The corner spacer for a window unit according to claim 1, wherein the spacer coupler has opposing sides that are each bonded to one of the first or second window panels in use, the opposing sides having a texture such that a sealant applied to the texture bonds and flows in the same way as a sealant applied to the spacer portion.

3. 3. A corner spacer for a window unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacer coupler comprises a spacer coupler body portion and a coupling element extending from the spacer coupler body portion, the coupling element being configured to be received in one of the spacer portions and coupled with one of the spacer portions.

4. The corner spacer for a window unit according to claim 3 , wherein the coupling element is coupleable with the spacer coupler body.

5. 5. The corner spacer for a window unit according to claim 4, wherein the coupling element comprises a dovetail pin and the spacer coupler body comprises a channel having a complementary shape capable of receiving the dovetail pin such that an interference fit is formed between the dovetail pin and the channel to lock them together.

6. A corner spacer for a window unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion extend away from the corner spacer main body portion in a direction intersecting each other at an angle of 90° or the like.

7. 7. A corner spacer for a window unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each include an elongated protrusion that provides an interference fit with the elongated side support.

8. 8. The corner spacer for a window unit according to claim 7, wherein the elongated projection extends from the corner spacer main body along the longitudinal direction of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

9. 9. A corner spacer for a window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the first and second connecting portions comprises a plurality of connecting portions.

10. 10. A corner spacer for a window unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the recess comprises a locator that correctly orients the solar cell in use so that terminals of the solar cell are aligned with the first electrical connector for sliding engagement with the first electrical connector.

11. The corner spacer for a window unit according to claim 10, wherein the locator is provided on a side wall of the recess.

12. 12. A corner spacer for a window unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the locator is positioned in the recess proximal to the first electrical connector.

13. A corner spacer for a window unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the recess is positioned on the right side of the corner spacer main body portion so that the recess extends at or along the right side of the corner spacer main body portion.

14. A corner spacer for a window unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the recess is positioned on the left side of the corner spacer main body portion so that the recess extends at or along the left side of the corner spacer main body portion.

15. 15. A corner spacer for a window unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the spacer coupler includes at least an electrical feedthrough for transmitting power between a solar cell electrically connected to the first electrical connector and an electrical component positioned outside the window unit, the electrical feedthrough being sealed to prevent the movement of gaseous media such as air through the corner spacer having the electrical feedthrough.

16. the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are positioned such that one or more solar cells associated with a first elongated side support engaged with the first coupling portion can engage with the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector; 16. A corner spacer for a window unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector are positioned such that one or more solar cells associated with a second elongated side support engaged with the second coupling portion can engage with the third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector.

17. 17. The window corner spacer of claim 16, wherein the first electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector are electrically connected together, and the second electrical connector and the third electrical connector are electrically connected together.

18. 17. A window corner spacer as described in claim 16 when dependent on claim 15, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are electrically connected together and to the electrical feedthrough, and the third electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector are electrically connected together and to the electrical feedthrough separate from the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

19. A joining element adapted to join together elongated side supports positioned, in use, between a first window panel and a second window panel in a window unit, comprising: a coupling body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first coupling portion extending from the first side of the body portion in a first direction and a second coupling portion extending from the second side of the body portion in a second direction opposite the first direction, the first and second coupling portions configured to be received by and coupled with separate elongated side supports, each supporting one or more solar cells, in use; a first elongated projection on a lateral side of the first coupling portion and a second elongated projection on a lateral side of the second coupling portion, the first elongated projection and the second elongated projection being configured to form an interference fit with a respective elongated side support; A coupling element comprising:

20. 20. The coupling element of claim 19, further comprising a first electrical connector extending from the first side to the second side of the body portion and a second electrical connector extending from the first side to the second side of the body portion, the second electrical connector being electrically isolated from the first electrical connector.

21. 1. A spacer system for a window unit for spacing first and second window panels in a window unit, comprising: One or more window corner spacers according to any one of claims 1 to 18. A spacer system for a window unit, comprising:

22. 22. A window unit spacer system according to claim 21, further comprising a coupler according to claim 19 or 20.

23. 1. A window unit for a building or structure, comprising: first and second panels each having an area that transmits at least a portion of visible light; 23. A window spacer system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein one or more elongated side spacer portions and one or more elongated side supports are engaged with the one or more corner spacers. Equipped with a window unit, wherein the first and second panels are spaced apart and adhered to at least one of the one or more elongated side spacer portions, the one or more elongated side supports, and the one or more corner spacers such that a cavity is formed between the first panel and the second panel.

24. 1. A window unit for a building or structure, comprising: first and second panels each having an area that transmits at least a portion of visible light; a spacer structure positioned at least partially between the first panel and the second panel, the spacer structure comprising elongated side spacer portions and corner spacer portions, the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions together forming the spacer structure that encloses a space between the first panel and the second panel; and Equipped with A window unit, wherein at least one of the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions comprises an electrical feedthrough for transmitting power between a first electrical component positioned outside the window unit and a second electrical component positioned in or within the window unit, and wherein the at least one of the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions having the electrical feedthrough is sealed to prevent the movement of a gaseous medium such as air through the at least one of the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions having the electrical feedthrough.

25. 25. The window unit of claim 24, wherein at least one of the corner spacer portions comprises the electrical feedthrough.

26. 26. A window unit according to claim 24 or 25, comprising the second electrical component.

27. 27. A window unit according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the electrical feedthrough is hermetically sealed in the at least one of the elongated side spacer portion and the corner spacer portion that comprises the electrical feedthrough.

28. 28. A window unit according to any one of claims 24 to 27, comprising a support structure for supporting solar cells.

29. 29. The window unit of claim 28, wherein at least one of the corner spacer portions comprises the electrical feedthrough, and the support structure comprises elongated side support elements coupled to the corner spacer portions using suitable couplings, and the elongated side spacer portions coupled to the corner spacer portions are separate from, coupled to, or form part of their respective elongated side support elements.

30. 29. The window unit of claim 28, wherein at least one of the side spacer portions comprises the electrical feedthrough, and the support structure comprises elongated side support elements that can be coupled to the corner spacer portions using suitable couplings, and the elongated side spacer portions are separate from, coupled to, or form part of their respective elongated side support elements.

31. 31. A window unit according to claim 29 or 30 when dependent on a claim, wherein the corner spacer portions and / or the elongate side support elements are provided with recesses and / or grooves for receiving portions of the solar cells.

32. 32. A window unit as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the corner spacer portions and the elongated side spacer portions are arranged such that when the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions are joined together, the passage of a gaseous medium, such as air, through the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions is prevented.

33. 33. A window unit according to any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the second electrical component is positioned between the first panel and the second panel in the space enclosed by the spacer structure.

34. 34. A window unit according to any one of claims 24 to 33, comprising a solar cell positioned between the first panel and the second panel.

35. 35. A window unit as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein the first and second panels are joined to the spacer structure using a sealing adhesive material, a layer of the sealing adhesive being applied over a portion of the spacer structure and edge portions of the first and second panels, thereby forming a primary seal that seals the interior space of the window unit so that movement of a gaseous medium, such as air, in the interior space is at least substantially prevented.

36. 36. A window unit as claimed in claim 28 or any one of claims 29 to 35 when dependent on claim 28, wherein the first and second panels have edge portions, at each edge portion a strip of one, two or three solar cells is supported by the support structure.

37. 37. The window unit of claim 28 or any one of claims 29 to 36 when dependent on claim 28, wherein the support structure is arranged such that a strip of at least one solar cell is positioned at an angle to a major surface of the first panel.

38. 38. A window unit as claimed in claim 28 or any one of claims 29 to 37 when dependent on claim 28, wherein the spacer structure and the support structure are positioned entirely between the first panel and the second panel.

39. 39. The window unit of claim 28 or any one of claims 29 to 38 when dependent on claim 28, wherein the support structure and solar cells are positioned in strips along the edge of the first panel and around a central rectangular area where there are no solar cells.

40. 40. A window unit according to any one of claims 24 to 39, wherein the spacer structure is a first spacer structure and the window unit comprises a second spacer structure and a third panel positioned parallel to the first and second panels and spaced apart from the second panel by the second spacer structure.

41. 41. The window unit of claim 40, wherein the second spacer structure is positioned between the second panel and the third panel and comprises elongated side spacer portions and corner spacer portions, the elongated side spacer portions and the corner spacer portions being joined together to form the second spacer structure enclosing a space between the second panel and the third panel.

42. 42. A window unit according to any one of claims 24 to 41, wherein the window unit is positioned such that a central area of ​​the window that transmits a majority of visible light is at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, 100 or even 500 times larger than the area of ​​the panel in which the solar cells are located.

43. 43. The window unit of any one of claims 24 to 42, wherein the second electrical component comprises at least one of a suspended particle device, an electrochromic coating, an electrofluidic material, a liquid crystal device, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material, and an electrophoretic material.

44. 44. A window unit according to any one of claims 24 to 43, wherein the at least one corner spacer portion also comprises further electronic circuits and / or electronic components such as a diode and a battery, a battery charge controller or a capacitor mechanism for storing power generated by a solar cell and / or control electronics for controlling electrical components of the window unit.

45. 45. A window unit as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 44, wherein a first edge area of ​​the first panel extends beyond a peripheral protrusion of the second panel in a direction normal to a surface of the first panel.

46. 46. ​​The window unit of any one of claims 24 to 45, wherein the first panel comprises parallel first and second component panel portions joined together such that an air gap between the first and second component panel portions is avoided, and at least one series of solar cells is positioned between the first and second component panel portions.

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