Electrochromic Device Infrared Absorption via Conductive Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices suffer from excessive heat transfer through windows, particularly infrared radiation, which is not adequately controlled, despite effective management of visible light transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrically conducting particles with sizes below 400 nm in the ion conducting electrolyte layer, which absorb electromagnetic radiation above 700 nm, enhancing both ion conductivity and light absorption, thereby reducing heat transmittance while maintaining visible light performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional electrochromic devices are used to control visible light transmission, then visible light control is satisfactory, but heat transfer through the window is too large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the light spectrum control by using particles with specific size (0.1-400 nm) that selectively absorb infrared radiation while allowing visible light to pass through. This segmentation of spectral control resolves the contradiction between blocking heat (infrared) and maintaining visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by incorporating particles with specific optical properties (infrared absorption) into specific layers (electrochromic layer or electrolyte layer) of the device. This localized functional enhancement blocks infrared heat while preserving visible light transmission in other regions of the spectrum.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If particles are added to block infrared radiation, then heat transfer is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the infrared blocking function with existing device components by incorporating particles directly into the electrochromic layer or electrolyte layer. This integration avoids adding separate infrared-blocking layers, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the desired infrared absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The particles serve multiple functions simultaneously: they absorb infrared radiation to block heat transfer, maintain electrical conductivity for electrochromic operation, and do not interfere with visible light transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If large particles are used for infrared absorption, then heat blocking is effective, but ion conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the particle size parameter to the range of 0.1-400 nm, which is small enough to maintain ion conductivity pathways between particles while being sufficient to absorb infrared radiation through plasmon resonance. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between infrared absorption efficiency and ion conductivity.
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 effectively restricts heat transmittance while enabling fast switching between colored and bleached states, ensuring reduced infrared radiation penetration while maintaining clear visibility and efficient light control.
Implementation Method 1
The particles are adapted to absorb electromagnetic radiation. The particles have a main light absorption above 700 nm.
Implementation Method 2
The particles are electrically conducting.
Implementation Method 3
Electrochromic materials have the property of changing their colour depending on the charging state.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
AI summary
An electrochromic device (1) comprises a layered structure (11) having an ion conducting electrolyte layer (20). The ion conducting electrolyte layer (20) in turn comprises particles (30) absorbing electromagnetic radiation. The particles (30) are electrically conducting. The particles have a main light absorption above 700 nm.