Self-powered building units

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a building unit including first and second light-transmitting panels. The first light-transmitting panel defines a light-receiving surface. The building unit also includes a structure supporting the two panels in a spaced-apart relationship to form a cavity therebetween. The building unit further includes one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in the cavity adjacent to the structure. The building unit also includes a structure supported by the structure that redirects non-visible wavelengths of sunlight incident on or passing through the light-receiving surface toward the structure in a direction generally transverse to the plane of the building unit for concentration by the one or more photovoltaic cells. The building unit further includes one or more electrically powered devices within the cavity configured to receive power generated by the one or more photovoltaic cells.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a self-powered building unit that can be incorporated into the construction of a building. The building unit can, for example, take the form of a light-transmitting panel or a facade that includes light-transmitting panels. [Background technology]

[0002] The construction of large buildings such as office towers, residential high rises, and hotels uses large amounts of exterior glass panels and / or facades incorporating exterior glass panels.

[0003] The present applicant has developed technology that can be incorporated into glass panels to generate electricity while transmitting visible light. Such technology is described in the applicant's International Application Nos. PCT / AU2012 / 000778, PCT / AU2012 / 000787, and PCT / AU2014 / 000814. Briefly, these applications disclose spectrally selective panels that can be used as window glass and are highly transparent to visible wavelengths of light, but divert most infrared and wavelength-converted ultraviolet light to the sides of the panel, where it is absorbed by photovoltaic elements to generate electricity. The disclosed panels can be incorporated into an integrated glass unit (IGU) containing photovoltaic solar cells or into a window frame containing both the panel and photovoltaic solar cells. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In broad and general terms, this specification discloses self-powered building units, particularly as panel units that can be incorporated into building construction and have one side exposed to the environment, particularly sunlight. The general idea is to provide a building unit that allows visible light to penetrate into the building and generates electricity through self-power generation, which can be used to power other devices within the building unit itself or within the building. For example, as described in more detail below, the building unit can incorporate devices and systems such as blinds, curtains, air dampers, fans, sensors, electrochromic layers, motors, or pumps. These devices are powered by electricity generated by photovoltaic cells incorporated into the building unit. These devices may be controlled autonomously or remotely. In this regard, building panels can be considered "smart" in that they can autonomously control the internal environment. For example, internal blinds can be automatically deployed when the intensity and / or angle of incident sunlight meets certain criteria, or fans or automated venting can be automatically activated when temperature, CO2, or CO2 levels inside or outside the panel are detected to exceed threshold levels.

[0005] The building units are also well suited to incorporating self-learning technologies: for example, the building units can recognize desk workstations and the workers at their desks, for example through facial or gait recognition, and learn their preferences for heating, lighting, and ventilation.

[0006] It should be noted that the entire building unit need not be light-transmitting, and indeed it is envisaged that in many embodiments a building unit in the form of a facade may incorporate light-transmitting and non-light-transmitting portions.

[0007] In a first aspect, a building unit is disclosed comprising: first and second light-transmitting panels, the first light-transmitting panel defining a light-receiving surface; a structure supporting the first and second light-transmitting panels in a spaced-apart relationship and forming a cavity between the first and second light-transmitting panels; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in the cavity adjacent to the structure; a structure supported by the structure that redirects non-visible wavelengths of sunlight incident on or passing through the light-receiving surface toward a front structure for concentration by the one or more photovoltaic cells, generally laterally relative to the plane of the building unit; and one or more electrically powered devices disposed in the cavity and configured to receive electrical power generated by the one or more photovoltaic cells.

[0008] The building unit may comprise a rechargeable electrical energy storage device electrically connected to one or more photovoltaic cells.

[0009] In a second aspect, a building unit is disclosed comprising: first and second light-transmitting panels, the first light-transmitting panel defining a light-receiving surface; a structure supporting the first and second light-transmitting panels in a spaced-apart relationship and forming a cavity between the first and second light-transmitting panels; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in the cavity adjacent the structure; a structure supported by the structure, the structure redirecting non-visible wavelengths of sunlight incident on or passing through the light-receiving surface toward a front structure for concentration by the one or more photovoltaic cells, generally laterally relative to the plane of the building unit; and a rechargeable electricity storage device coupled to the one or more photovoltaic cells, the electricity storage device configured to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices disposed within or outside the cavity.

[0010] In a third aspect, a building unit is disclosed comprising: first and second light-transmitting panels, the first light-transmitting panel defining a light-receiving surface; a structure supporting the first and second light-transmitting panels in a spaced-apart relationship and forming a cavity between the first and second light-transmitting panels; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed within the cavity and adjacent the structure, the photovoltaic cells configured to generate electrical energy from light passing through the light-receiving surface; and a rechargeable electrical storage device coupled to the one or more photovoltaic cells for storing the electrical energy, the rechargeable electrical storage device configured to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices disposed inside or outside the cavity.

[0011] The following are optional features of a building unit according to the first, second or third aspects of the invention.

[0012] The rechargeable power storage device may be a supercapacitor. Alternatively, the rechargeable power storage device may be a rechargeable battery or a hybrid battery / supercapacitor.

[0013] In one embodiment, when positioned within the cavity, at least one of the electrically driven devices is operable to alter or otherwise control the effect of solar radiation incident on the light receiving surface.

[0014] The one or more electrically powered devices may include any one or a combination of any two or more of blinds, curtains, air dampers, fans, electrochromic, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), LCD, electrophoretic, E-ink or other electrically activated dynamic layer or coating, motors, ventilation systems, and pumps.

[0015] The building unit may further comprise a controller configured to control the operation of one or more electrically powered devices. The controller may be configured for autonomous or remote control.

[0016] The building unit may further comprise one or more sensors operably associated with the one or more electrically powered devices, the sensors configured to automatically operate the electrically powered devices when a sensed parameter exceeds a threshold level.

[0017] In another embodiment, the building unit comprises one or more sensors operatively associated with said controller and configured to provide the controller with information regarding the effects or characteristics of solar radiation passing through the receiving surface.

[0018] The one or more sensors may include any one or a combination of two or more of a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a rain sensor, an air quality sensor, a CO sensor, a CO2 sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient light sensor, a battery charge sensor, and a face recognition sensor or a gait recognition sensor.

[0019] One of the electrically powered devices may be a Wi-Fi modem or a cellular / GSM modem that allows a human to control the operation of one or more of the electrically powered devices.

[0020] In one embodiment, the one or more motorized devices comprise blinds operable between an open state that allows transmission of at least a portion of incident light through the building unit and a closed state in which the blinds prevent transmission of at least a majority of incident light through the building unit. The blinds include a portion configured to prevent transmission of light when the blinds are in the closed state, the portion including a photovoltaic cell that faces toward the light-receiving surface when the blinds are in the closed state. Further, the blinds may be disposed within a cavity between the first light-transmitting panel and the second light-transmitting panel.

[0021] Additionally, the building unit may further comprise a building subpanel coupled to the structure, the building subpanel being disposed in a plane parallel to the first and second light-transmitting panels. The building subpanel may include a subpanel cavity, and the at least one electrically powered device may be disposed within the subpanel cavity. Additionally, a rechargeable power storage device may be disposed within the subpanel cavity. A control device may be disposed within the subpanel cavity.

[0022] The sub-panel cavity may have an opaque surface on the same side of the unit as the first light-transmitting panel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the one or more electrical connectors are configured to allow electrical coupling between the power storage device and an electrically powered device external to the unit.

[0024] The one or more electrically powered devices may comprise one or more light sources disposed within the cavity, and the one or more light sources may be configured such that light emitted from the one or more light sources is substantially contained within the building unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the building unit includes a suspended coating film disposed between a first light-transmitting panel and a second light-transmitting panel.

[0026] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the at least one or more photovoltaic cells include a bifacial photovoltaic cell.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, a building system is disclosed comprising at least one building unit according to any one of the first, second and third aspects and a controller in network communication with the at least one building unit, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of one or more electrically powered devices of the at least one building unit.

[0028] The controller may be configured to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors and use the sensor data to control the operation of one or more of the electrically powered devices of the at least one building unit.

[0029] In this embodiment, the controller may be configured to determine whether the sensor data exceeds a respective threshold level, and if so, automatically send a control signal to one or more of the at least one building unit to modify the operation of one or more of the electrically powered devices.

[0030] In one embodiment, the controller is in wireless communication with at least one building unit and is implemented remotely using a cloud computing services platform.

[0031] Additionally, the controller may be further configured to receive external information and to control operation of one or more of the electrically powered devices of the at least one building unit using the sensor data and the external information, which may be related to weather information and / or occupant preferences.

[0032] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to autonomously control the operation of one or more electrically powered devices of at least one building unit using machine learning.

[0033] The building system may comprise a plurality of building units according to any one of the first, second and third aspects of the invention, and the controller is configured to control operation of one or more electrically powered devices of the plurality of building units.

[0034] Notwithstanding any other aspects that may fall within the scope of the systems and methods described in this Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light-transmitting panel incorporated into an embodiment of a self-powered building unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the light-transmitting panel shown in FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a window including an embodiment of the disclosed self-powered building unit. [Figure 3b] 3b shows an end view of the window shown in FIG. 3a. [Figure 3c] 3b shows a side view of the window shown in FIG. 3a. [Figure 4a] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of the disclosed self-powered building unit in the form of a building facade in a first configuration. [Figure 4b] 4b is a schematic diagram of a unit similar to that disclosed in FIG. 4a as viewed from the interior of a building incorporating the facade. [Figure 4c] Schematic diagram of the unit shown in Figure 4b as seen from the exterior of the building incorporating the facade. [Figure 4d] FIG. 4b is a view of the unit shown in FIG. 4a, but with the lower sub-panel cover removed. [Figure 4e] FIG. 4d is a view of the unit shown in FIG. 4d, but with the internal Venetian blinds drawn out. [Figure 5a] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the disclosed self-powered building unit in the form of a building facade in a second configuration, as viewed from the exterior of a building incorporating the facade. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is an isometric view of the building unit shown in FIG. 5a. [Figure 5c] FIG. 5b is a view of the unit shown in FIG. 5a with the two sub-panel covers removed. [Figure 5d] The unit shown in Figure 5a is viewed from the inside of the building incorporating the facade. [Figure 6a] 1 is a schematic isometric view of a disclosed self-powered building unit in the form of an open casement window; FIG. [Figure 6b]FIG. 6a shows the casement window as viewed from the inside of a building in which it is incorporated. [Figure 6c] FIG. 6b shows the casement window with the cover removed and the window closed. [Figure 6d] FIG. 6c shows the casement window in an open position. [Figure 7a] 1 is a diagram of a portion of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7b] 1 is a diagram of a portion of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7c] 1 is a diagram of a portion of a window unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a building system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] 1-3c illustrate a light-transmitting, electrical energy-producing portion P of one embodiment of the disclosed self-powered building unit 10 (hereinafter generally referred to as "unit 10"). Unit 10 may be configured as or form the facade of a building. As described in more detail below, unit 10 may be formed such that substantially all areas of the unit, except for the structural frame, are light-transmitting, or unit 10 may be in the form of a monolithic structure having at least one light-transmitting portion and at least one non-light-transmitting portion.

[0037] Portion P of unit 10 is configured to generate electrical power to power devices either within unit 10 itself or external to unit 10. Unit 10 includes first and second light-transmitting panels 12, 14, respectively, with first panel 12 defining a light-receiving surface 12a. A structure in the form of a frame 20 supports panels 12, 14 in spaced-apart relationship, forming a cavity 18 between panels 12, 14. One or more photovoltaic elements or cells 26a and 26b (hereinafter generally referred to as "PV cells 26") are disposed within cavity 18 adjacent structure 20. A structure 16 for concentrating light by one or more PV cells 26 is also supported by structure 20 and redirects non-visible wavelengths of sunlight incident on or passing through light-receiving surface 12a toward structure 20 in a direction generally transverse to the plane of unit 10. Cavity 18 may contain air, a noble gas such as xenon or krypton, or may be a vacuum.

[0038] The structure of the light-transmitting portion P described above is utilized in all described embodiments. Some of the described embodiments of unit 10 differ by either the type or location of the electrically-powered device powered by the electricity generated by PV cells 26. For example, as described later in this specification, in some embodiments, the electrically-powered device is included in the light-transmitting portion P of unit 10. In other embodiments, the electrically-powered device is included in a non-light-transmitting portion of unit 10. In other embodiments, the electrically-powered device powered by the generated electricity is located external to unit 10. In still other embodiments, a combination of electrically-powered devices powered by the generated electricity can be provided, with the electrically-powered devices being internal and external to unit 10 combined to operate as a self-contained, closed system.

[0039] Before describing these embodiments in more detail, the characteristics and function of the light-transmitting portion P of the unit 10 will be further described.

[0040] Panels 12 and 14 comprise respective panes of glass, each highly transmissive to visible light. In one embodiment, the glass panes forming panels 12 and 14 may be formed from low-iron, ultra-clear glass panes having a typical thickness of 4 mm, and panel 14 may further include a Low-E (low emissivity) coating. First panel 12 defines a planar light-receiving surface 12a and, in use, faces the exterior environment, e.g., is positioned on a structure facing the exterior weather.

[0041] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3c, structure 16 is a laminated structure having three sub-glass panes 16a, 16b, and 16c (hereinafter generally referred to as "glass panes 16"). In other words, structure 16 comprises multiple glass panes. First glass pane 16a may be formed of low-iron, extra-clear glass having a thickness of at least 2 mm, typically 4 mm, while second and third glass panes 16b and 16c are layers of extra-clear glass, each having a thickness of at least 2 mm, typically 4 mm. Multiple glass panes 16 are interlocked to form a laminate in which the panes are substantially parallel to one another. An interlayer 17a of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is disposed between panes 16a and 16b, but may alternatively be ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or other suitable material. PVB interlayer 17b is disposed between glass sheets 16b and 16c, and in some embodiments, PVB interlayer 17b also includes a light-scattering component. In some embodiments, the light-scattering component is a luminescence-scattering powder including a combination of nanometer and micrometer particles, which provides both luminescence and light scattering functions. Structure 16 can also include a diffraction grating positioned to facilitate light redirection toward the edge regions of structure 16 (i.e., toward frame 20) and extraction by total internal reflection.

[0042] Structure 16 effectively divides cavity 18 into two separate cavities 18a and 18b. Cavity 18a is between first panel 12 and structure 16. Cavity 18b is between structure 16 and second panel 14. In embodiments described later herein, electrically powered devices disposed within unit 10 are generally disposed within cavity 18b, which is the cavity on the side of structure 16 away from light-transmitting surface 12a and the corresponding outward-facing first panel 12.

[0043] It should be understood that structure 16 can have any number of glass panes with any number of interlayers. In some embodiments, structure 16 can include a single piece of optically transmissive material, such as glass. Structure 16 has an edge 40 having a plane that intersects light-receiving surface 12a. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, edge 40 intersects first panel 12's planar light-receiving surface 12a at approximately 90°. Structure 16 also has an edge region 42 that extends substantially parallel to light-receiving surface 12a. Edge region 42 is a planar region of structure 16 near edge 40.

[0044] In one embodiment, the distance from the light receiving surface 12a to the outer surface 14a of the second panel 14, ie, the thickness of the unit, may be about 58 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0045] In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the support 20 is an extruded aluminum frame having a square tubular portion defining a tubular cavity 28. The support 20 may be constructed from an extruded or pultruded composite material, such as carbon fiber or carbon fiber plastic (CFP), or other suitable material. The tubular cavity 28 is defined by a first wall 20a and a second wall 20b that are parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the light-receiving surface 12a. The tubular cavity 28 also has a third wall 20c and a fourth wall 20d that are parallel to each other and intersect the light-receiving surface 12a. The third wall 20c and the fourth wall 20d are substantially parallel to the end 40 of the structure 16. The fourth wall 20d extends inward from the outer surface 26 of the unit 10, forming a channel 25 defined by the first wall 20a and the second wall 20b. 2, the spacing between the first wall 20a and the second wall 20b is approximately 34 mm, and the spacing between the third wall 20c and the fourth wall 20d is approximately 30 mm. However, the distance that the third wall 20c and the fourth wall 20d are spaced from one another may be determined by the required depth of the channel 25. The support 20 further includes a tab 21 extending from the second wall 20b toward the first wall 20a, and a tab 23 extending from the first wall 20a toward the second wall 20b. The support 20 also includes an outwardly opening channel 25 that surrounds the wall 20d of the support 20.

[0046] The support 20 has a flange 22 that extends into the second cavity 18b in a direction substantially parallel to the light-receiving surface 12a. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the flange 22 is formed as a continuation of the first wall 20a. However, in some embodiments, the flange 22 extends from the third wall 20c into the second cavity 18a. Generally, the flange is positioned on the opposite side of the structure 16 from the light-receiving surface 12a. In some embodiments, the flange 22 extends approximately 39 mm beyond the third wall 20c into the cavity 18b. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the structure 16 may be spaced approximately 6 mm from the flange 22.

[0047] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3c, the first photovoltaic cell or element 26a is sandwiched between the flange 22 and the edge region 42 of the structure 16 in a first orientation generally parallel to the light-receiving surface 12a. A flexible PCB 38 is disposed between the first photovoltaic element 26a and the flange 22. In some embodiments, a transparent spacer in the form of a cover 24 is disposed between the structure 16 and the first photovoltaic cell 26a. In one embodiment, the cover 24 may have a thickness of approximately 3 mm. The first photovoltaic element 26a and the cover 24 are held relative to one another at the edge region of the structure 16. The structure 16 is secured to the flange 22 by an adhesive 36. In one embodiment, the adhesive is window silicone. To prevent the adhesive 36, the first photovoltaic element 26a, and the cover 24 from shifting position, the flange 22 has a lip 23 extending toward the structure 16. Lip 23 narrows the cavity opening compared to the cavity formed between flange 22 and structure 16. Lip 23 is not required in all embodiments. In one embodiment, first photovoltaic element 30 may have a width extending along flange 22 away from third wall 20c of about 30 mm.

[0048] The second photovoltaic cell / element 26b is positioned on the third wall 20c such that a portion of the second photovoltaic element 26b is sandwiched between the end 40 of the structure 16 and the third wall 20c. The second photovoltaic element 26b faces in a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface 12a. Thus, the second photovoltaic element 26b is positioned in a second orientation different from the first orientation of the first photovoltaic element 30. The width of the second photovoltaic element 26b extending from the first wall 20a toward the second wall 20b depends on the distance from the flange 22 to the second wall 20b. In one embodiment, the second photovoltaic element 26b can have a width of approximately 27 mm. In one embodiment, the second photovoltaic element 26b includes a silicone encapsulant, such as layer 29. A flexible PCB is positioned between the second photovoltaic element 26b and the third wall 20c.

[0049] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 also includes a third photovoltaic cell / element 26c. However, the third photovoltaic element 26c is not required in all embodiments. The third photovoltaic element 26c is disposed on the second wall 20b between the support 20 and the first panel 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, an air gap is formed between the third photovoltaic element 26c and the first panel 12. The use of the air gap helps minimize heat conduction. Thus, in such an embodiment, the unit 10 may be arranged to form a monolithic glass unit.

[0050] To prevent the third photovoltaic element 26c from moving along the plane defined between the third wall 20c and the fourth wall 20d (i.e., along the plane defined by the second wall 20b toward the edge 26), feet 48 extend from the second wall 20b toward the first panel 12. However, the feet 48 are not required in all embodiments, and the third photovoltaic element 26c can be secured to the support 20 by an adhesive. Like the second photovoltaic element 26b, the third photovoltaic element 26c has a silicone encapsulant.

[0051] A flexible PCB is disposed between the third photovoltaic element 26c and the second wall 20b. In some embodiments, a single flexible PCB is provided and secured to the flange 22, the third wall 20c, and the second wall 20b in a continuous manner such that the first photovoltaic element 26a, the second photovoltaic element 26b, and the third photovoltaic element 26c are each in contact with the single flexible PCB. According to one embodiment, the third photovoltaic element 26c may have a width of about 30 mm extending away from the feet 48 along the second wall 20b into the cavity 18.

[0052] In this embodiment, each of the photovoltaic cells / elements is of the same type. However, it should be understood that the photovoltaic cells / elements may include elements of different types. For example, the photovoltaic elements may include different respective semiconductor materials, such as Si, CdS, CdTe, GaAs, CIS, or CIGS, or any other suitable semiconductor material.

[0053] The first panel 12 is connected to the support 20 by an adhesive portion 32. In some embodiments, the adhesive portion 32 acts as a seal to prevent the outside environment from entering the cavity 18a. The adhesive portion 32 also serves to insulate the support 20 from the first panel 12. In some embodiments, the adhesive portion 32 is a window silicone. Similarly, the second panel 14 is connected to the support by an adhesive portion 34, which in some embodiments acts as a seal to prevent the outside environment from entering the cavity 18b. The adhesive portion 34 also serves to insulate the support 20 from the second panel 14. In some embodiments, the adhesive portion 34 is a window silicone. When the adhesive portions 32 and 34 form a seal, the cavity can be considered closed or sealed from the outside environment. To prevent condensation of moisture that may be present in cavities 18a and 18b, a desiccant 44 may be disposed in first cavity 18a adjacent adhesive portion 32, and a desiccant 46 may be disposed in second cavity 18b adjacent adhesive portion 34.

[0054] A support 20 having a continuous channel 25 surrounds a portion of the unit 10 and has a general shape so that the unit 10 can be placed within a standard window frame to provide a triple glazing arrangement.

[0055] 1-3c show a unit 10 forming a window element 102 arranged to fit into a window frame. A support 20 extends around the periphery of the window element 102. FIG. 3a shows a view of the first panel 12 viewed at an angle intersecting the plane defined by the light-receiving surface 12a. The end of the flange 22 is indicated by dashed line 22a. A first photovoltaic element 26a is positioned adjacent to the end of the flange 22a, and a third photovoltaic element 26c is positioned on the second wall 20b adjacent to the end 26 of the support 20. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the unit 10 along a line extending from side 106 to side 107.

[0056] Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view of portion P of unit 10 extending along a line extending from side 104 to side 105. In the embodiment of Figure 3b, element 100 may have a width (d4) of 1087 mm and a height (d3; see Figure 3c) of 1200 mm. However, the height and width of unit 10 will vary depending on the required size of window element 102, and in principle unit 10 can have any size.

[0057] Figures 4a-4c show an embodiment of a unit 10 in the form of a building facade. The unit 10 incorporates a light-transmitting panel P, which may have the features described above in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3c, and optionally one or more internal electrically powered devices along with a non-light-transmitting (i.e., opaque) sub-panel 200. The light-transmitting panel P and sub-panel 200 are connected together to form a single building facade unit 10 that can, for example, be handled, lifted, and installed as a single unit.

[0058] In this particular embodiment, the electrical devices incorporated into the unit 10 may include any one or a combination of two or more of the following exemplary electrical devices:

[0059] Blinds 202 (in this figure roller blinds) placed in cavity 18, more particularly cavity 18b A fan 204 disposed within a cavity 206 of the sub-panel 200 A main processor 208 disposed within the cavity 206 An electrical storage device 210, which may be in the form of a rechargeable battery, a supercapacitor, or a bank of capacitors, disposed within the cavity 206. A power conditioning system 212 disposed within the cavity 206, which may be in the form of, for example, an inverter and / or a voltage or current regulator. Wi-Fi or cellular / GSM modem 214 within cavity 206 and at least one sensor 216

[0060] The blinds 202 are operable between an open state, which allows some transmission of incident light through the building unit, and a closed state, in which the blinds 202 obstruct the transmission of incident light through the building unit. The blinds 202 are shown in the open state in Figure 4e and in the closed state in Figure 4d. The blinds 202 include a portion having photovoltaic cells (not shown) positioned to face the light-receiving surface when the blinds are in the closed state. Consequently, the blinds 202 can absorb incident light and generate electricity when in the closed state.

[0061] It should be understood that other electrically powered devices, or indeed other non-electrical devices, may be incorporated within the unit 10 of either the light-transmitting panel P or the sub-panel 200.

[0062] Examples of other electrically powered devices include: ·pump For example, an electrochromic, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), LCD, electrophoretic, E-ink, or other electrically activated dynamic layer or coating formed on the second panel 14. A light source including an LED integrated within the panel P or within a frame surrounding the panel P Smoke detectors Visual displays, including those for displaying video content Speaker ·microphone ·camera A ventilation system that may be a fan-based ventilation system, a heat recovery ventilation system, or a natural ventilation system and may include a natural ventilation damper. Louvers Louvers containing or incorporating active photovoltaic materials ·heater Refrigeration unit Motor ·antenna · Digital radio, television, and other communication receivers and amplifiers Awnings ·curtain

[0063] Examples of types of sensors that may be incorporated into unit 10 include thermal (i.e., temperature) sensors, light sensors / detectors, rain sensors, air quality sensors (particulate matter sensors or gas sensors such as CO or CO sensors), ambient light sensors, humidity sensors (which may be optical, capacitive, resistive, or piezoresistive), pressure sensors, battery charge sensors, facial recognition sensors, or gait recognition sensors. At least some of the sensors may communicate via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, Decawave, or other networking methods or protocols.

[0064] If the electrically powered device is a light source, the light source may be disposed within the frame 20 and configured to illuminate the laminate structure 16. The light source may be, for example, in the form of one or more LED diffusion strips mounted within the frame 20, or any other suitable form. The light generated by the light source may be scattered through at least one of the three sub-glass sheets 16a, 16b, and 16c, between any two adjacent sub-glass sheets 16a, 16b, and 16c, or by a light-scattering layer on any one of the three sub-glass sheets 16a, 16b, and 16c, or between any two adjacent sub-glass sheets 16a, 16b, and 16c. If a light-scattering layer is used, it may be one of the PVB interlayers 17a and 17b. Alternatively or additionally, a light-scattering layer may be provided on one or both of the light-transmitting panels 12 and 14. The light source may be positioned to illuminate the laminate structure 16 from one or more edges. The light source may also be configured to produce multiple different wavelengths of light so as to be able to change the color of the panel P. The wavelengths may also be user selectable and / or programmable remotely, for example, via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, Decawave, or other networking methods or protocols and a processor in the unit 10.

[0065] The light source may be used to color the panel 10 by substantially containing light within the unit 10, i.e., between the light-transmitting panels 12 and 14. This can occur when the glass panes 16a, 16b, 16c, layers 17a, 17b, or panels 12, 14 through which the light from the light source passes act as a waveguide. This is particularly effective at night and can be used to create various visual effects or for advertising purposes. The same or alternative light sources can also be operated to provide interior lighting for buildings incorporating the unit 10.

[0066] An example of a non-electrical device that can be incorporated within unit 10A is a heat exchanger, for example, that can pump a liquid to absorb or transfer heat from the air within unit 10A.

[0067] Electrical connectors 218, including but not limited to USB sockets, phone-style jacks, RCA connectors, and SMA connectors, may be located on or accessible from the surface of unit 10 inside the building. Connectors 218 may connect to different devices or systems within unit 10, such as, for example, a power storage device, an antenna, a communications receiver, etc.

[0068] Subpanel 200 may have removable covers 220a, 200b formed on opposing sides. In this embodiment, cover 220a, accessible from the interior of a building constructed using unit 10, is in the form of a louvered panel, allowing access to the interior of subpanel 200 and the equipment and systems housed therein. Cover 220b, accessible from the exterior of the building, is in the form of an opaque sheet, which may be made from, for example, aluminum or a composite material.

[0069] The electrical devices within unit 10 may be configured to operate autonomously or may be remotely controlled. Remote control may be provided as an alternative to a fully autonomous unit 10 or may be provided to provide a user with the ability to override other autonomous systems within unit 10.

[0070] It will be appreciated that because each unit 10 is self-powered by the PV cells 26 and energy storage device 210, the use of the units 10 in the construction of a building can avoid the need for many electrical and control connections and wiring, providing substantial savings.

[0071] Figures 5a-5d show a further embodiment of the disclosed self-powered building unit, designated for ease of distinction as unit 10A. This embodiment of unit 10A differs from the embodiment of unit 10 shown in Figures 4a-4e only in terms of its geometry / configuration and the types of electrically powered devices incorporated into unit 10A.

[0072] Unit 10A comprises two sub-panels: sub-panel 200a, which is located above panel P when viewed from the exterior of the building in which unit 10A is installed (as shown in Figures 5a-5c), and sub-panel 200b, which is located to the left of panel P. Sub-panel 200a has a cavity 206a, which contains a CO2 sensor 216a, a rain sensor 216b, a Wi-Fi enabled automatic control unit 214a, and a rechargeable power storage unit in the form of a battery or supercapacitor 210. Cavity 206a is closed on the exterior of unit 10A by an opaque cover 220a. In this embodiment, panel P may include an electrochromic, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), LCD, electrophoretic, E-ink, or other electrically activated dynamic layer or coating, for example within the surface of panel 14, that allows the opacity of the panel to be changed autonomously or by remote control, thereby changing the intensity and / or color of light transmitted through panel P.

[0073] Subpanel 200b includes a set of louvers 224e on the exterior of unit 10A and a powered natural ventilation damper 226 housed in interior cavity 206b for installation inside a building. Subpanel 200b includes a set of louvers 224i on the interior of unit 10A for installation inside a building. An opaque cover 220b is provided on the exterior-facing side of subpanel 200b.

[0074] In use, the controller 214a may be programmed so that when rain sensor 216b detects rain, the controller 214a will activate the damper 226 to prevent rain from entering the building through the unit 10A. The intensity and / or color of light transmitted through the panel P is again controlled by the controller 214a. Control may be performed autonomously, taking into account the detected intensity of sunlight and the angle of incidence on the panel P, or remotely by an operator via a website, mobile phone app, or laptop GUI connected to the controller 214a by Wi-Fi or other communication protocol.

[0075] Unit 10A (and indeed all embodiments of unit 10) may also incorporate artificial intelligence / self-learning capabilities within Wi-Fi enabled automatic controller 214a or associated processor, allowing unit 10 / 10A to automatically adjust various controllable aspects such as lighting, light transmission properties (e.g., electrochromic or electrophoretic layers or coatings, or blind settings), and ventilation control to suit operator / occupant preferences. In this case, unit 10 / 10A may include the ability to recognize the operator / occupant, for example, by facial or gait recognition, thumbprint, iris scan, voice, or any combination thereof.

[0076] 6a-6d illustrate a further embodiment of the disclosed self-powered building unit in the form of a self-powered automatic casement window 10B. The window 10B includes an exterior window frame 228 into which a panel P fits. Also provided within the window frame 228 is a motor 230, a Wi-Fi enabled processor / controller 214b, and a power storage device in the form of a battery or supercapacitor 210 that receives electricity from the PV cells in the panel P. The panel P can swing open and closed from the window frame 228 either autonomously or via remote control. Rain detection and learning algorithms can automatically open and close the window according to weather conditions and / or occupant preferences. The casement window 10A can be easily retrofitted into existing structures.

[0077] FIG. 7(a) illustrates another embodiment of a self-powered building unit. FIG. 7(a) illustrates a window panel 700 including an upper panel 702 and a lower panel 704. The upper panel 702 and the lower panel 704 are separated by a spacer 706, and a cavity 713 between the upper panel 702 and the lower panel 704 is filled with air, a rare gas such as xenon or krypton, or a vacuum, and is sealed with a silicone-based compound 708. In a preferred embodiment, the lower panel 704 has at least one low-E (low-emissivity) coating. The self-powered building unit 700 also includes at least one array of bifacial solar cells 710 arranged along the edge of the window panel 702. Additionally, in this embodiment, the self-powered building unit 700 includes an electromotive device provided in the form of a layer 712 having dynamically switchable optical transparency properties. For example, the layer may be switchable from an opaque state to a non-scattering transparent state, or to intermediate states of various shades or tints. In this embodiment, the layer is an electrochromic layer, but may alternatively be a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), LCD, electrophoretic, E-ink, suspended particle device (SPD), or another electrically activated dynamic layer.

[0078] FIG. 7(b) shows another embodiment of a self-powered building unit. FIG. 7(b) shows a window panel 701 including an upper panel 702 and a lower panel 704. The upper panel 702 and the lower panel 704 are spaced apart by spacers 706 and 706a, and the cavities 713 and 713a are filled with air, or in a preferred embodiment, with a noble gas such as xenon or krypton, or a vacuum is applied between the upper panel 702 and the lower panel 704 and sealed using a silicone-based compound 708. In a preferred embodiment, the lower panel 704 has at least one low-emissivity coating. The self-powered building unit 701 includes at least one string of bifacial solar cells 710 arranged along the edge of the window panel 702. Additionally, in this embodiment, the self-powered building unit 701 includes an electrically powered device in the form of a layer 712 having dynamically switchable light transmission properties. For example, the layer may be switchable from an opaque state to a non-scattering transparent state, or intermediate states of various shades or colors. In this embodiment, the layer is an electrochromic layer, but may alternatively be a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), LCD, electrophoretic, E-ink, suspended particle device (SPD), or another electrically activated dynamic layer. Additionally, in this embodiment, the self-powered building unit 700a includes a suspended coated film 714. The suspended coated film 174 can be selected to maximize or minimize solar heat gain through the self-powered building unit. In this embodiment, the suspended coated film 714 has a coating on at least one major surface, the coating being selected to reflect both some IR radiation and some UV radiation.

[0079] Figure 7(c) shows another embodiment of a self-powered building unit. Figure 7(c) shows a window panel 701a including an upper panel 702, a middle panel 702a, and a lower panel 704. The upper panel 702 and the middle panel 702b are separated by a spacer 706a, and the cavity formed is sealed with a silicone compound 708. The middle panel 702a and the lower panel 704 are separated by spacers 706b and 706c, and the cavity formed is sealed with a silicone compound 708. The cavities 713, 713a, and 713b are filled with air or, in a preferred embodiment, with a noble gas such as xenon or krypton, or a vacuum is employed between the middle panel 702a and the lower panel 704. The lower panel 704 has a low-emissivity (low-E) coating. A series of bifacial solar cells 710 are positioned along each edge of the window panel 702. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the self-powered building unit 701a includes an electrically-powered device in the form of a layer 712 having dynamically switchable light-transmitting properties. This layer may be switchable from an opaque state to a non-scattering transparent state, or to intermediate states of various shades and hues. In this embodiment, this layer is an electrochromic layer, but may alternatively be a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), LCD, electrophoretic, E-ink, suspended particle device (SPD), or another electrically activated dynamic layer. Furthermore, similar to the building unit 701 described with reference to FIG. 7(b), the self-powered building unit 701a includes a suspended coating film 714. The suspended coating film 714 has a coating on at least one major surface, the coating selected to reflect both some IR radiation and some UV radiation.

[0080] FIG. 8 shows a building system 800 according to a further embodiment, in which, for example, one or more building units according to the embodiments described above may be remotely controlled in response to user action, or may be autonomously controlled using machine learning / artificial intelligence, for example, based on information received from one or more sensors in the building units, external information such as weather information, and / or occupant preferences.

[0081] In this embodiment, the system 800 comprises three self-powered building units 802a, 802b, and 802c, each of which is configured according to the above-described embodiment, and a controller 804 in network communication with the three self-powered building units 802a, 802b, and 802c, the controller 804 being configured to remotely control the operation of one or more electrically powered devices of the building units 802a, 802b, and 802c.

[0082] In a particular embodiment, the controller 804 is implemented remotely using a cloud computing services platform, such as using Linux servers on Amazon Web Services (AWS), and the controller 804 communicates wirelessly with the three building units 802a, 802b, and 802c over a wide area network, such as the Internet 806, and a local wireless network connecting the building units 802a, 802b, and 802c to the Internet.

[0083] The controller 704 is implemented using a control system 808 configured to manage the control of the building unit's electrically powered devices and to provide a user interface accessible using any suitable computing device, such as a personal computer 809 and a smartphone 811. The control system 808 in this example is configured to control the building unit's electrically powered devices in response to instructions received directly from a user, for example using the personal computer 809 or smartphone 811, and to autonomously control the building unit's electrically powered devices based on defined criteria, such as one or more thresholds, or using machine learning / artificial intelligence.

[0084] In this example, the controller 804 may control the powered devices of the building units using at least one learning algorithm 810 that receives data from sensors on the building units, external information such as weather information from a third party provider, and user preferences, and responsively generates control instructions to the powered devices of the building units, for example, causing an adjustment of the opacity of panels of the at least one building unit and / or an adjustment of the position of blinds of the at least one building unit.

[0085] In this example, the control system 808 is implemented using the Node-RED programming interface and the learning algorithm is a deep-Q reinforcement learning (deep-Q RL) algorithm, such as the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm, although it will be understood that other implementations are also contemplated.

[0086] It should also be understood that although this embodiment includes three building units 802a, 802b, 802c, the system 800 may include any other number of building units, such as only one building unit or three or more building units.

[0087] The system 800 also includes a data interface 812, which in this example is implemented using cloud services such as those provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The data interface 812 acts as a broker between the building units 802a, 802b, 802c and the remote controller 804, facilitating the communication of encrypted lightweight protocol messages between the building units and the control system 808. In this example, the data interface 812 uses the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol, although it will be understood that any suitable communication protocol is contemplated.

[0088] In this embodiment, the data interface 812 also manages the storage of sensor data 814 received from the sensors in the cloud services platform.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, the sensors in the building units 802a, 802b, 802c may be Wi-Fi enabled, for example, by providing a Wi-Fi interface in each building unit.

[0090] In this example, the sensors 216 in each building unit include a CO2 sensor, a rain sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor / detector, an ambient light sensor, an air quality sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or a facial or gait recognition sensor, although it will be understood that any suitable sensors are contemplated.

[0091] The sensors 216 in the building units sense respective parameters associated with the sensors, and signals indicative of the sensed parameters are transmitted via Wi-Fi or other communication protocol and the Internet 806 to the data interface 812 for storage at a cloud server. The controller 804 then accesses the stored sensor data 814 and makes a decision based on the sensor data 814 as to whether to make any changes to the building unit's powered devices. For example, the controller 804 may make a decision based on whether the sensor data exceeds respective threshold levels set using the control system 808 interface, and if so, may automatically send control signals to one or more building units to make changes to one or more powered devices.

[0092] It will be appreciated that instead of implementing the controller 804 and the data interface 812 on a cloud server and storing the sensor data 814 on the cloud server, the controller 804 and the data interface 812 may be implemented using any suitable remote network-enabled computing device, for example, the sensor data 814 being stored on the computing device.

[0093] The user interface of the control system 808 may include a dashboard that is presented to a user when the user accesses the control system 808 using a computing device. The dashboard may be used to directly control the building unit's power devices individually or in selected groups, to set thresholds used to automatically control the building unit's power devices, and to set parameters used by the machine learning algorithm(s) 810. For example, machine learning set points may be defined for a desired room temperature, a desired room humidity, or maximum CO or CO levels.

[0094] The dashboard may also display information indicative of currently applicable sensor data, such as, for example, the current temperature adjacent to the building unit, the current wind speed adjacent to the building unit, and information indicative of the status of one or more of the building unit's powered devices, such as the current opacity level, current blind position, etc.

[0095] In a specific example, the dashboard of the control system 808 may be used to set a room temperature setpoint of 23° C. When a temperature sensor detects a temperature that is determined by the controller 804 to be either higher or lower than 23° C., the control system 808 uses a learning algorithm 810 to generate and send control commands to the powered devices of a particular building unit to move the temperature closer to the desired setpoint. For example, one or more ventilation systems of the building units 802 a, 802 b, 802 c may be turned on, up, or down, the opacity of one or more of the building units 802 a, 802 b, 802 c may be changed, and / or the blinds of one or more of the building units 802 a, 802 b, 802 c may be opened or closed by a particular amount.

[0096] In this embodiment, the learning algorithm is a reinforcement learning (RL) type algorithm, and the algorithm is trained using a reward function, although it will be understood that other configurations are possible. In this example, after activating one or more electrically driven devices, depending on whether sensor data subsequently received by the controller 804 constitutes a positive or negative reward, the controller 804 gradually learns how to effectively activate one or more electrically driven devices to control the internal temperature of the room.

[0097] In certain instances where one or more building units are equipped with battery charge sensors and controller 804 receives battery charge sensor data indicating a low battery level, controller 804 may be further configured to control the operation of one or more electrically powered devices to remain in one particular state to conserve power, and controller 804 may be configured to automatically reduce the reward of the learning algorithm in these circumstances.

[0098] While several specific embodiments have been described, it should be understood that the disclosed unit 10 may be embodied in many other forms. For example, the light-transmitting and power-generating portion P of the unit 10 may have a configuration other than rectangular. Also, the structure 16 incorporated into the unit for directing infrared and ultraviolet radiation laterally toward the frame 20 need not include the three layers described and illustrated herein, but may, for example, be formed of a single layer. The portion P may take the form described, for example, in any one of PCT / AU2012 / 000778, PCT / AU2012 / 000787, and PCT / AU2014 / 000814, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] Any discussion of background art throughout this specification should in no way 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 in Australia or worldwide.

[0100] In the claims that follow and in the foregoing description, unless the context requires otherwise by express words or necessary implication, the term "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in their inclusive sense, i.e., used to specify the presence of stated features but do not exclude the presence or addition of further features to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. first and second light-transmitting panels, the first light-transmitting panel defining a light-receiving surface; a structure supporting the first and second light-transmitting panels in spaced apart relationship and defining a cavity between the first and second light-transmitting panels, the structure extending along the periphery of or adjacent to the building unit; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed within the cavity for generating electrical energy from light passing through the light-receiving surface, the one or more photovoltaic cells being arranged to extend along or adjacent to one or more edge regions of the structure to at least partially define a central region of the building unit in which the photovoltaic cells are not disposed and which is at least mostly light-transmitting, the arrangement of the one or more photovoltaic cells enabling the reception or concentration of sunlight that is incident on or passes through the light-receiving surface and is irradiated or internally reflected towards the corresponding edge region of the structure; a rechargeable electrical storage device coupled to the one or more photovoltaic cells for storing the electrical energy, the rechargeable electrical storage device configured to power one or more electrically powered devices disposed inside or outside the cavity; and a control device configured to autonomously or remotely control the operation of the one or more electric devices, wherein the remote control of the operation of the one or more electric devices is performed through operation of a computing device configured to be able to communicate with the control device via a network; and one or more sensors operatively associated with the controller; Equipped with the controller is configured to remotely control the or each of the electrically powered devices in response to instructions received from a user via the computing device, and to autonomously control the or each of the electrically powered devices in response to information received from one or each of the sensors or based on one or more criteria set by a user; Building unit.

2. first and second light-transmitting panels, the first light-transmitting panel defining a light-receiving surface; a structure supporting the first and second light-transmitting panels in spaced apart relationship and defining a cavity between the first and second light-transmitting panels, the structure extending along the periphery of or adjacent to the building unit; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed within the cavity for generating electrical energy from light passing through the light-receiving surface, the one or more photovoltaic cells being arranged to extend along or adjacent to one or more edge regions of the structure to at least partially define a central region of the building unit in which the photovoltaic cells are not disposed and which is at least mostly light-transmitting, the arrangement of the one or more photovoltaic cells enabling the reception or concentration of sunlight that is incident on or passes through the light-receiving surface and is irradiated or internally reflected towards the corresponding edge region of the structure; a rechargeable electrical storage device coupled to the one or more photovoltaic cells for storing the electrical energy, the rechargeable electrical storage device configured to power one or more electrically powered devices disposed inside or outside the cavity; and a control device configured to autonomously or remotely control the operation of the one or more electrically powered devices, wherein remote control of the operation of the one or more electrically powered devices is performed via operation of a computing device configured to be in network communication with the control device, the one or more electrically powered devices being configured to be operable to modify light transmission from a building unit; and one or more sensors operatively associated with the controller; Equipped with wherein the control device is configured to remotely control any of the or each of the electrically powered devices in response to instructions received from a user via the computing device, and to autonomously control one or each of the electrically powered devices to controllably adjust light transmission properties of the building unit in response to information received from one or each of the sensors or in accordance with information received from one or each of the sensors or based on one or more criteria set by a user, so as to vary the intensity and / or color of light transmitted through the building unit, Building unit.

3. 3. A building unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rechargeable electricity storage device is a supercapacitor.

4. 3. A building unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rechargeable electricity storage device is a rechargeable battery.

5. 5. A building unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the electrically powered devices is operable when positioned within the cavity to modify the effect of solar radiation incident on the receiving surface.

6. 6. The building unit of claim 1, wherein the one or more electrically powered devices include any one or a combination of any two or more of the following: blinds, curtains, air dampers, fans, electrically activated dynamic layers including electrochromic layers, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layers, LCD layers, electrophoretic layers, and E-ink layers, motors, ventilation systems, and pumps.

7. 7. A building unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising one or more sensors operatively associated with the one or more electrically powered devices, the sensors configured to automatically operate the electrically powered devices when a sensed parameter exceeds a threshold level.

8. 8. A building unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising one or more sensors operatively associated with the control device, the one or more sensors comprising at least one of a sensor configured to provide the control device with information regarding the effect or characteristics of solar radiation passing through the receiving surface, a facial recognition sensor or a gait recognition sensor.

9. The one or more sensors may be a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a rain sensor, an air quality sensor, a CO sensor, a CO ２ 9. A building unit according to claim 7 or claim 8, comprising any one or a combination of any two or more of a sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient light sensor, a battery charge sensor, and a face recognition sensor or a gait recognition sensor.

10. One of the electrically powered devices includes a Wi-Fi modem or a cellular / GSM modem that allows a human to control the operation of one or more of the electrically powered devices.

10. A building unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein

11. 11. A building unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the one or more motorised devices comprise blinds operable between an open state in which at least some of the incident light can be transmitted through the building unit, and a closed state in which the blinds prevent the transmission of at least a majority of the incident light through the building unit.

12. 12. The building unit of claim 11, wherein the blinds include a portion configured to block transmission of the incident light when the blinds are in the closed state, the portion including a photovoltaic cell facing towards the light receiving surface when the blinds are in the closed state.

13. 13. A building unit as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the blinds are positioned within the cavity between the first and second light-transmitting panels.

14. 14. A building unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a building sub-panel coupled to the structure, the building sub-panel being arranged in a plane parallel to the first and second light-transmitting panels.

15. 15. The building unit of claim 14, wherein the building sub-panel includes a sub-panel cavity.

16. 16. The building unit of claim 15, wherein at least one said electrically powered device is disposed within said sub-panel cavity.

17. a building subpanel coupled to the structure, the building subpanel disposed in a plane parallel to the first and second light-transmitting panels; the building subpanel includes a subpanel cavity; 17. A building unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rechargeable electricity storage device is located within the sub-panel cavity.

18. a building subpanel coupled to the structure, the building subpanel disposed in a plane parallel to the first and second light-transmitting panels; the building subpanel includes a subpanel cavity; A building unit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control device is located within the sub-panel cavity.

19. 19. A building unit as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the building sub-panel comprises an opaque cover on the same side as the first light-transmitting panel.

20. 20. A building unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising one or more electrical connectors configured to allow electrical coupling between the power storage device and an electrically powered device external to the building unit.

21. 21. A building unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more electrically powered devices comprise one or more light sources arranged inside the cavity.

22. The one or more light sources may be configured such that light emitted from the one or more light sources is reflected by the building unit.

22. A building unit according to claim 21 adapted to be substantially contained within a knit.

23. 23. A building unit according to any one of claims 1 to 22, comprising a suspended coating film disposed between the first light-transmitting panel and the second light-transmitting panel.

24. 24. A building unit according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein at least one or more photovoltaic cells comprises a bifacial photovoltaic cell.

25. at least one building unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a controller in network communication with said at least one building unit; Equipped with the controller is configured to control operation of one or more electrically powered devices of the at least one building unit; Building systems.

26. 26. The building system of claim 25, wherein the controller is configured to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors and use the sensor data to control operation of the one or more electrically powered devices of the at least one building unit.

27. 27. The building system of claim 26, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the sensor data exceeds a respective threshold level, and if so, automatically send a control signal to one or more of the at least one building unit to modify the operation of one or more of the electrically powered devices.

28. 28. A building system as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the controller is in wireless communication with the at least one building unit and is implemented remotely using a cloud computing services platform.

29. 29. The building system of claim 26 or claim 28, wherein the controller is further configured to receive external information and to control operation of the one or more electrically powered devices of the at least one building unit using sensor data from the one or more sensors and the external information.

30. 30. A building system according to claim 29, wherein the external information is related to weather information and / or occupant preferences.

31. 31. The building system of any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the controller is configured to autonomously control operation of the one or more electrically powered devices of the at least one building unit using machine learning.

32. A plurality of building units according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a controller in network communication with each of the plurality of building units; Equipped with The building system, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of one or more of the electrically powered devices of the plurality of building units.

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