Electrochromic Device Charging Control for Uniform Color Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochromic devices face issues with uneven color change, slow color change speed, and short cycle life due to non-uniform potential distribution and continuous constant voltage application, leading to instability and degradation.

Innovation Solution

A control method for electrochromic devices that includes determining current transmittance and open circuit potential, switching between first and second mode charging and discharging to maintain preset transmittance and potential thresholds, using various charging and discharging modes such as constant voltage/current, pulse, and sweeping speed to ensure uniform color change and prolonged service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If continuous constant voltage is applied to drive uniform color change, then color uniformity is improved, but device stability deteriorates due to edge region degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor uniformityVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic voltage adjustments instead of continuous constant voltage. The method involves initially applying a first voltage to achieve color change, then after a predetermined time, applying a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage to maintain uniform color. This periodic voltage adjustment prevents edge region degradation while maintaining color uniformity throughout the device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If constant current charging is used to control transmittance, then transmittance control is simplified, but color change speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmittance controlVSAvoidcolor change speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically during operation. Initially, a first voltage is applied for color change, then a second voltage (higher than the first) is applied to maintain uniform color. This parameter change enables both simplified transmittance control through constant current charging and maintains fast color change speed by adjusting voltage at critical moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If larger voltage is applied to achieve uniform color change, then color uniformity is improved, but edge region stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor uniformityVSAvoidedge region stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic voltage application where a first voltage is applied initially and then a second voltage (higher than the first) is applied after a predetermined time period. This timing-based periodic action ensures uniform color distribution while preventing excessive voltage exposure at edge regions that would cause instability and degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 method achieves rapid and uniform color change while extending the service life of electrochromic devices by optimizing charging and discharging processes to maintain consistent transmittance and potential levels.

Implementation Method 1

An electrochromic device needs to control the reversible electrochemical redox reaction of materials in the electrochromic device through an external applied voltage or an external applied current, so that the transmittance or the reflectivity of the device can be adjusted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical redox reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

control the reversible electrochemical redox reaction of materials in the electrochromic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4053627B1Control method, apparatus and device for electrochromic device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 SHENZHEN GUANGYI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4053627B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053627B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4053627B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided are a control method, apparatus (300) and equipment (400) for an electrochromic device and a storage medium. The control method for the electrochromic device includes: determining whether a current transmittance of the electrochromic device reaches a preset transmittance; when determining that the current transmittance does not reach the preset transmittance, controlling an external power supply to perform a first mode charging and discharging on the electrochromic device until the current transmittance reaches the preset transmittance; when determining that the current transmittance reaches the preset transmittance, suspending the charging and discharging, and continuously monitoring whether a current open circuit potential of the electrochromic device is within a preset open circuit potential threshold range; and if the current open circuit potential is not within the preset open circuit potential threshold range, controlling the external power supply to perform a second mode charging and discharging on the electrochromic device to enable the current open circuit potential to be continuously within the preset open circuit potential threshold range.