Dichroic Dye Switching Layer for Energy-Regulating Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for regulating energy passage from outdoor to indoor spaces, particularly through windows, face challenges in achieving high light fastness, dichroic ratio, and solubility, with limitations in absorbing light in the VIS and NIR ranges, and in converting fluorescent light into electrical energy efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device with a switching layer containing compounds of the formula (I), which are dichroic dyes with specific structural features, including thienothiadiazole groups, that absorb light differently based on polarization and have high fluorescence quantum yield, allowing for efficient energy conversion and long service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dyes are used in switching layers, then the device can regulate energy transmission, but the light fastness and stability do not meet extreme requirements for window use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies molecular parameters of dye compounds by introducing specific structural elements (thienothiadiazole groups, aromatic substituents) to achieve the desired combination of light fastness, dichroism, and absorption properties. This resolves the contradiction by changing chemical parameters to create dyes that meet both reliability and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite dye molecules combining thienothiadiazole core structures with various aromatic substituents (phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl groups). These composite structures integrate the stability of the thienothiadiazole framework with the optical properties of aromatic groups, achieving both light fastness and suitable absorption characteristics for window applications.
2Reliability
If dyes absorbing at shorter wavelengths are used, then light fastness requirements are met, but the blue-green color range is inadequately covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively positioning electron-donating aromatic groups at specific locations on the thienothiadiazole core. This local modification of molecular structure creates push-pull systems that extend absorption into the blue-green range while maintaining the overall stability provided by the thienothiadiazole framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electronic parameters of the dye molecules by introducing electron-donating aromatic substituents that extend the conjugation system. This parameter change shifts absorption maxima to longer wavelengths, covering the blue-green range while maintaining light fastness through the stable thienothiadiazole core.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the device converts fluorescent light to electrical energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy regulation function with energy generation by integrating fluorescent dyes that convert absorbed light into electrical energy via solar cells. This combination of functions reduces overall system complexity by making the window itself an energy-generating component rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching layer serves multiple functions: it regulates energy transmission, provides fluorescence for solar cell activation, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing device complexity while improving energy efficiency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If dichroic dyes with high absorption are used, then energy regulation is improved, but solubility in liquid crystal mixtures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alkyl chains and other solubilizing groups at specific positions on the dye molecule, creating local regions that interact favorably with liquid crystal molecules. This local modification maintains the core absorption properties while improving overall solubility in the liquid crystal medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite dye structures combining the chromophoric thienothiadiazole core with aliphatic side chains. This composite structure integrates the light-absorbing functionality with solubilizing properties, achieving both high energy absorption and good solubility in liquid crystal mixtures.
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 device achieves improved light absorption above 580 nm, high dichroic ratio, and effective energy conversion, enabling the use of fluorescent light to power the device and potentially exceed energy requirements, while maintaining high light stability and solubility in liquid crystal mixtures.
Implementation Method 1
a dichroic dye is understood to be a light-absorbing compound in which the absorption properties depend on the orientation of the compound relative to the polarization direction of the light
Implementation Method 2
the compound absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the UV-A, VIS, and NIR ranges
Implementation Method 3
a temperature-induced transition from an isotropic state of the liquid crystalline medium to a liquid crystalline state
Implementation Method 4
the energy absorbed by the dye is partially re-emitted as fluorescence radiation, which in turn is directed onto a solar cell which converts it into electrical energy
Implementation Method 5
a solar cell which converts it into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a device for controlling the passage of energy from an exterior to an interior, to connections, to windows and uses of the devices and connections.