Autonomous Electrochromic Window with Low-Density Solar Microcells
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of electrochromic-based smart windows is hindered by the complexity of internal wiring and the need for complete reinstallation of existing windows, limiting their commercialization in residential and commercial buildings.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous light management system integrating an electrochromic film stack with small-scale inorganic solar microcells, where the solar microcells are arranged in a low-density array on the front surface to control light transmission through the electrochromic film stack, utilizing incident solar radiation to power the system and simplify integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic-based smart windows are integrated into existing buildings, then light management capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to complicated internal wiring and complete reinstallation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the traditional external power source and integrates it directly into the window structure through solar microcells. This eliminates the need for complicated internal wiring by using the window itself (front surface) as the power source location, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining light management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic window system is designed to perform multiple functions: light management through electrochromic layer modulation and self-powering through integrated solar microcells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate external power wiring and control systems, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic-based smart windows are integrated into existing buildings, then light management capability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates due to need for complete reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrochromic window system into modular components including the electrochromic layer, ion storage layer, electrolyte, and solar microcells. This segmentation allows for easier installation and integration into existing buildings without requiring complete reinstallation, as each component can be independently installed or replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar microcells are integrated directly into the window structure, enabling the window to power itself. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external power wiring and reduces installation complexity, making it easier to integrate smart window technology into existing buildings.
3Power
If solar microcells are arranged in high-density array on the front surface, then power generation capability is improved, but light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by arranging solar microcells in a low-density array specifically on the front surface where light transmission is most critical. This localized optimization ensures that power generation is sufficient while minimizing the impact on light transmission, as the solar microcells are positioned to generate power without blocking excessive light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by employing a low-density array of solar microcells rather than a high-density array. This partial coverage provides sufficient power generation capability while leaving the majority of the front surface area available for light transmission, achieving a balance between power generation and light transmission requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient light management by modulating light transmission through the electrochromic film stack, reducing energy consumption by dynamically controlling internal lighting and heating/cooling needs, while avoiding the complexity of retrofitting existing windows.
Implementation Method 1
an array of power units disposed on a front surface of the electrochromic film stack, where each power unit comprises at least one solar microcell
Implementation Method 2
electrochromic windows can dynamically control the transmitted solar flux by either absorbing or reflecting a portion of the incident solar spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous light management system for a window includes an electrochromic film stack comprising an electrochromic layer on a first transparent electrode, an ion storage layer on a second transparent electrode, and an electrolyte sandwiched between the ion storage and electrochromic layers. The electrochromic film stack exhibits a transmissive state or an absorptive state depending on charging or discharging of the electrochromic layer. The light management system further comprises an array of power units disposed on a front surface of the electrochromic film stack, where each power unit comprises at least one solar microcell. Collectively, the solar microcells cover an area no greater than about 6% of a total area of the front surface. The array of power units is configured to control the charging and discharging of the electrochromic layer, thereby manipulating light transmission through the electrochromic film stack.