Dielectric-Coated Laminated Spandrel Panels for Glazing Harmony and BIPV
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spandrel panels fail to harmonize effectively with adjacent transparent glazings, are not stable over time, and do not meet aesthetic and thermal performance requirements, while also being costly and not allowing for the incorporation of photovoltaic cells without compromising efficiency and esthetics.
Innovation Solution
A laminated spandrel panel assembly comprising a transparent exterior substrate coated with a top dielectric layer having a high refractive index and low absorption coefficient, laminated with an opaque second substrate using an intermediate polymeric material, which allows for the integration of photovoltaic cells and meets aesthetic and thermal requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a colored enamel is deposited on a reflective metal oxide to provide opacity, then the spandrel panel becomes opaque, but the harmonization with adjacent windows is sub-optimal and not stable over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a dielectric layer with specific refractive index (1.7-2.0) and absorption coefficient (0.01-0.05) to achieve both opacity and harmonization. This parameter optimization allows the spandrel panel to match the optical characteristics of adjacent windows while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a transparent substrate with a dielectric layer having specific optical properties. This composite material approach enables simultaneous achievement of opacity, harmonization with windows, and long-term stability, overcoming the limitations of simple enamel coatings.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a double glazing with low light transmittance interior glass is used to prevent people looking in, then privacy is improved, but the cost increases and esthetic requirements are not fully met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing opacity only where needed for privacy protection, while maintaining aesthetic harmony through optimized dielectric layer properties. The dielectric layer is specifically designed with refractive index and absorption coefficient that match adjacent windows, creating localized optical control without requiring complex double glazing structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If an absorbent stack is used to make the exterior substrate opaque, then the spandrel panel becomes opaque, but the solution leads to problems with storage cost and does not meet esthetic requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes optical parameters by selecting a dielectric layer with specific refractive index (1.7-2.0) and absorption coefficient (0.01-0.05). This parameter selection achieves the required opacity while controlling storage costs and meeting esthetic requirements, avoiding the need for complex absorbent stacks.
4Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic cells are installed in windows or spandrel panels, then energy collection is improved, but the esthetics and light transmission efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the facade into transparent window areas and opaque spandrel areas, placing photovoltaic cells in the spandrel panels where they are less visually disruptive. The dielectric layer is optimized to maintain light transmission efficiency while providing the necessary opacity for cell integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dielectric layer parameters (refractive index 1.7-2.0, absorption coefficient 0.01-0.05) to balance light transmission and opacity, enabling photovoltaic cell integration that maintains both esthetics and energy collection efficiency.
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 optimal harmonization with adjacent glazings, maintains stability over time, meets aesthetic and thermal performance criteria, and allows for the efficient integration of photovoltaic cells, enhancing energy collection while maintaining a visually appealing facade.
Implementation Method 1
a top dielectric layer characterised by a high refractive index and a low absorption coefficient
Implementation Method 2
a top dielectric layer characterised by a high refractive index
Implementation Method 3
assemblies of at least two substrates, one of which is transparent and the other of which is opaque... to form so-called building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
Implementation Method 4
an intermediate sheet of polymeric material provided for adhesion purposes
Implementation Method 5
glazings intended for such buildings must be heat treated, in particular for safety reasons, this implying that they must be subjected to temperatures exceeding 500° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A spandrel including a first substrate, an intermediate film made of polymer material, and a second, opaque substrate, such that the first substrate is coated with at most two layers which are deposited on the surface located on the side facing the intermediate film made of polymer material and which include at least one upper dielectric layer.