Dynamic Glazing Backup Power for Emergency Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic glazing systems revert to an opaque state during power loss, posing safety hazards and inconveniences in buildings, vehicles, and aircraft by obstructing visibility and necessitating emergency lighting or increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical emergency energy storage to maintain transparency or semi-transparency in dynamic glazing systems, allowing them to switch to a transparent state during power outages using energy from the emergency storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic glazing systems use default opaque state during power loss, then energy consumption is reduced and privacy is enhanced, but visibility is obstructed and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges energy storage devices (capacitors or batteries) during normal operation when power is available. In case of power failure, this stored energy is immediately deployed to maintain the transparent state, ensuring safety-critical visibility without waiting for external power restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant power supply paths with energy storage buffers that cushion against power failures. The system is designed with multiple energy sources (main power, backup battery, and capacitor) that provide layered protection, ensuring the glazing maintains transparency during electrical disturbances.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If dynamic glazing systems revert to opaque state during power loss, then system complexity is reduced, but emergency lighting requirements increase and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic glazing system serves itself by maintaining its transparent state through integrated energy storage devices during power failures, eliminating the need for external emergency lighting systems. The glazing autonomously manages its optical state without requiring additional safety infrastructure.
3Reliability
If dynamic glazing maintains transparency during power loss using emergency energy storage, then visibility and safety are improved, but device complexity and energy storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its complexity based on operational needs. During normal operation, the energy storage devices are charged but not actively managing the optical state. During power failures, the system dynamically activates the emergency power path, transforming from a simple controlled system to an autonomous safety-critical system only when needed.
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
Ensures continuous visibility and reduces the need for emergency lighting, enhancing safety and reducing energy consumption by maintaining transparency during power failures.
Implementation Method 1
The transition between states with different transparency may be effected by electrochromic materials
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to dynamic glazing supporting multiple states of different transparency. The dynamic glazing has a connection to an electrical emergency energy storage. An emergency increase in transparency is effected in case of a loss of connection to a main power supply by applying energy from the emergency energy storage.