Composite Facade Pane Structure for Angle-Stable Color and Wind Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in creating a facade element with a composite pane structure that maintains a homogeneous color appearance regardless of lighting conditions and viewing angles, while also being producible in various sizes and shapes at affordable costs, and meeting increased wind resistance requirements for taller buildings and higher wind load zones.
Innovation Solution
A facade element comprising a transparent or semitransparent first pane for coloring and a mechanically supporting second pane, firmly connected by a transparent intermediate layer, with a structured region on the first pane featuring an optical interference layer for stable color reflection and enhanced mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a solar module is designed in color to provide a homogeneous color impression, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the light absorption intensity is reduced and thus the electrical output or efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the facade element into multiple independent panes (first pane for coloring, second pane for structural support, optional third pane for photovoltaic function). This segmentation allows each pane to be optimized for its specific function: the first pane can be colored with optical interference layers for aesthetic purposes, while the third pane maintains photovoltaic efficiency, thereby resolving the contradiction between color appearance and electrical output.
Solution Approach 2:
The facade element is designed as a multi-functional composite structure where different panes serve different purposes: aesthetic coloring, structural support, and photovoltaic energy generation. This multi-functionality allows the system to simultaneously achieve homogeneous color impression and maintain acceptable electrical output by distributing functions across multiple components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smaller and non-rectangular solar modules are produced to meet specific facade dimensions, then the adaptability to different facade shapes is improved, but the material input per unit of output power increases and manufacturing costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The facade element is segmented into multiple panes that can be produced in standard sizes and then assembled into custom configurations. This allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for each pane while the overall element can be adapted to different facade shapes and sizes, reducing material waste and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from producing custom-sized photovoltaic modules to producing standard-sized panes that are assembled in two or three dimensions to create the final facade element. This dimensional approach allows flexibility in facade design without requiring custom manufacturing for each project, thereby reducing costs.
3Quantity of substance
If the first pane is made thinner to reduce weight and cost, then the material cost is reduced, but the mechanical strength and wind resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical strength function is separated from the coloring function by using multiple panes. The first pane can be thin and focused on aesthetic coloring, while the second pane provides structural support and wind resistance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The facade element uses a composite structure of multiple panes bonded together with intermediate layers. This composite construction provides mechanical strength equivalent to or greater than a single thick pane, while using less total material and allowing the colored first pane to be thinner for cost reduction.
4Shape
If optical interference layers are applied to achieve stable color reflection, then the color homogeneity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interference layers are applied only to the first pane, which is a separate component from the photovoltaic panels. This segmentation allows the coloring process to be independent and simplified, using standard glass coating techniques rather than requiring integration with complex photovoltaic manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interference layers are applied to the first pane in advance during standard glass manufacturing, before the pane is assembled into the final facade element. This preliminary action allows the coloring process to be integrated into existing glass production workflows, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity.
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
The solution achieves a homogeneous color impression with low angular dependence, allows for cost-effective production in diverse sizes and shapes, and provides enhanced mechanical stability to withstand higher wind loads, making it suitable for larger and taller building applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one color-imparting optical interference layer is disposed on the first pane
Data Source
AI summary
A facade element includes a coloring transparent or semi-transparent first pane and a mechanically supporting transparent second pane firmly connected to one another by an intermediate layer. The first pane has a front surface arranged on the light incidence side and an opposite back surface, at least one surface of the front and back surfaces has at least one structured region, and at least one optical interference layer is arranged on the at least one surface for reflecting light within a predetermined wavelength range. The structured region has the following features:perpendicular to the plane of the first pane, a height profile comprising peaks and valleys, wherein an average height difference between the peaks and valleys is at least 2 μm,at least 50% of the structured region is composed of segments which are inclined with respect to the plane of the first pane (2).