Electrochromic Layer Structure for Fast Switching Large-Area Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices lack improvements in terms of optical modulation efficiency, switching speed, and impedance characteristics, particularly in larger devices, due to limitations in their layer structures and materials.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a metallic oxide film and a MOxNy layer between the cathodic and anodic electrochemical layers, along with optimized deposition and oxidation processes, enhances the device's performance by improving switching speed and reducing impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional electrochromic device structure is used, then the device can operate with basic electrochromic functionality, but the switching speed is slow and impedance is high, particularly in larger devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metallic oxide film as an intermediary layer between the cathodic and anodic electrochemical layers. This intermediate layer facilitates ion transport and reduces interfacial resistance, thereby lowering overall device impedance and improving switching speed without compromising electrochromic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures by combining metallic oxide films with electrochromic materials in a multilayer configuration. This composite approach optimizes both ionic conductivity and electrochromic performance, enabling faster switching speeds while maintaining low impedance characteristics, particularly in larger device areas.
2Area of stationary object
If the device area is increased to improve visibility and coverage, then the optical modulation capability is enhanced, but the impedance increases and switching speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality improvement by strategically placing metallic oxide film layers at critical interfaces within the electrochromic device structure. These localized enhancements in ionic conductivity at key positions facilitate efficient ion transport across the entire large-area device, maintaining fast switching speeds despite increased device area.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic oxide film acts as a mediator that enables large-area devices to maintain low impedance by providing optimized ion transport pathways across extended areas, decoupling the relationship between device area and switching performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional materials and structures are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the optical modulation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite material systems combining metallic oxide films with electrochromic materials to achieve superior optical modulation efficiency. The metallic oxide components enhance ionic conductivity and electrochromic material performance, delivering improved optical modulation while the systematic layer structure remains manufacturable and reasonably complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes optical modulation efficiency by carefully controlling the thickness, composition, and structural parameters of the metallic oxide film layers. These parameter optimizations enhance ion transport and electrochromic material performance, achieving high optical modulation efficiency with a structured but not excessively complex layer configuration.
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 proposed structure and process result in faster switching speeds and reduced impedance, particularly in larger electrochemical devices, thereby enhancing their overall performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ion conductor layer ('IC') 13 which functionally replaces an electrolyte, allowing the passage of ions while blocking electronic current
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromic (EC) devices employ materials capable of reversibly altering their optical properties following electrochemical oxidation and reduction in response to an applied potential
Implementation Method 3
optimized deposition and oxidation processes
Implementation Method 4
optimized deposition and oxidation processes
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrochemical device is disclosed. The electrochemical device includes a first transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic layer overlying the first transparent conductive layer, a counter electrode layer overlying the electrochromic layer, a second transparent conductive layer, and a switching speed parameter of not greater than 0.68 s/mm at 23 °C.