Electrochromic IGU Windows With Matched Redox-Electrolyte Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical devices face challenges in achieving compatibility and durability between redox layers and electrolyte layers, particularly in electrochromic devices, due to differences in composition and processing, which affect ion transport and durability under varying climatic conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of polymeric compositions with similar plasticizers and salt concentrations in both redox and electrolyte layers, along with compatible polymer materials and perimeter sealants, ensures interfacial compatibility and durability, while maintaining ion conductivity and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If different composition and processing methods are used for redox layers and electrolyte layers, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but interfacial compatibility and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration of dissociable salt and plasticizer amount to be similar in both redox and electrolyte layers. This parameter matching ensures compatible interfacial properties while allowing different base compositions and processing methods for each layer, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing flexibility and interfacial compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs homogeneity by ensuring that the plasticizer and salt concentration parameters are matched between redox and electrolyte layers. This creates homogeneous interfacial conditions that improve durability and compatibility, while the overall device structure maintains heterogeneity in layer compositions for manufacturing flexibility
2Reliability
If plasticizers and salts are added to both redox and electrolyte layers, then ion conductivity is improved, but compositional compatibility and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the parameters of plasticizer concentration and salt amount to be similar in both layers. This controlled parameter matching allows high ion conductivity through adequate salt and plasticizer content while maintaining compositional compatibility by preventing excessive concentration differences that would cause instability
Solution Approach 2:
By making the plasticizer and salt concentrations homogeneous across both redox and electrolyte layers, the patent achieves stable compositional compatibility while maintaining high ion conductivity. The homogeneous distribution prevents phase separation and interfacial instability
3Loss of energy
If electrochromic devices are designed for variable light transmission control, then energy efficiency is improved, but complexity of device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the electrochromic functionality with the low-emissivity coating in an integrated insulated glass unit design. The EC element is incorporated between glass panes with Low-E coatings, merging multiple functions (variable transmission control and thermal insulation) into a single integrated device structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy 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
This approach results in low-cost, high-performance, and durable electrochromic devices with improved adhesion and ion transport, suitable for architectural and transportation applications, providing dynamic solar heat gain control and thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
a redox layer in contact with the conductive coating
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte layer comprising a first polymer wherein the electrolyte layer is in contact with the redox layer
Implementation Method 3
electrochromic devices (which are electrochemical in nature)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and materials to fabricate electrochromic including electrochemical devices are disclosed. In particular, emphasis is placed on the composition, fabrication and incorporation of electrolytic sheets in these devices. Composition, fabrication and incorporation of redox materials and sealants suitable for these devices are also disclosed. Incorporation of EC devices in insulated glass system (IGU) windows is also disclosed.