Electrochromic Glazing Series-Connected Cells Trench Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochromic glazings experience increased switching times with larger surface areas due to limited electrical conductivity of transparent electrode layers, affecting efficiency and the ability to rapidly regulate light transmission.

Innovation Solution

The electrochromic glazing is subdivided into series-connected electrochromic cells with a trench structure, using high electron conductivity materials for electrode layers and low electron conductivity materials for active layers, with a conductive material-filled trench connecting adjacent cells for enhanced electrical connection and isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the glazing area is enlarged to cover larger surfaces, then the coverage area is improved, but the switching time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglazing areaVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrochromic glazing is divided into multiple smaller electrochromic cells connected in series, with each cell having its own electrode layers and active layers. This segmentation allows each cell to switch independently and faster, while the series connection maintains uniform voltage distribution across the entire large-area glazing, solving the problem of increased switching time in large-area applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the electrode layer thickness is increased to improve conductivity, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the transparency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidoptical transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the electrode structure: highly conductive transparent materials (such as doped metal oxides like ITO, FTO, or AZO) are used in the electrode layers to maximize conductivity while maintaining transparency, while the active layers use electrochromic materials (such as tungsten oxide, nickel oxide, or viologens) that provide the necessary ionic conductivity and optical modulation. This local optimization of material properties resolves the contradiction between conductivity and transparency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If conventional transparent electrode materials are used, then the transparency is maintained, but the electrical conductivity is insufficient for large areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical transparencyVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the electrode materials by using highly doped transparent conducting oxides with optimized doping concentrations (e.g., tin-doped indium oxide with 90-110 at% In, fluorine-doped tin oxide with specific F content, or aluminum-doped zinc oxide). These parameter changes in material composition and doping levels significantly enhance electrical conductivity while preserving optical transparency, enabling large-area glazing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration significantly reduces switching times, enabling faster optical transmission changes and maintaining efficiency across larger areas, while being cost-effective and simple to produce in industrial settings.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the two layers consisting of an electrochromic material which has different oxidation states that correspond to the stored or released state of the ions and have a different color

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

The two active layers are each capable of reversibly storing small ions (e.g., H+, Li+)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical ion storage:

Implementation Method 3

an electrolyte layer made from a material that has a very low or virtually no electron conductivity but has a high ion conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8947757B2Electrochromic glazing with series connected cells, and production method therefor

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA

AI summary

An electrochromic glazing containing: a substrate including a layer structure thereon, which contains a first and second electrode layer, between which a first and second electrochemically active layer are situated, which each reversibly incorporate ions, wherein the first active layer contains an electrochromic material and the two active layers are separated from each other by an electrolyte layer, the layer structure being subdivided into series-connected electrochromic cells by a transition zone comprising: a first trench; a second trench; and a third trench between the first and second trenches, wherein the first and second trenches subdivide the first and second electrode layers into first electrode sections electrically insulated from each other and second electrode sections electrically insulated from each other, respectively, and the third trench is filled with an electrically conductive material, by which the first and second electrode sections of the cells adjacent the transition zone are electrically connected.