Electrochromic Window Laminate for Stable Transmittance Under Sunlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic elements face issues with durability, mechanical strength, electrolyte leakage, and inconsistent performance under varying environmental conditions, particularly due to changes in light transmittance and appearance caused by external factors like sunlight.
Innovation Solution
The electrochromic element is designed with specific layers and materials, including transparent electrodes, discoloration layers, and electron-accepting materials, which maintain low transmittance and haze changes under sunlight exposure, and are fabricated using a method that ensures high thickness uniformity and mechanical strength, reducing electrolyte leakage and improving durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrochromic films are used with standard deposition methods, then the basic electrochromic function is achieved, but the durability and mechanical strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials including ITO (indium tin oxide) as conductive layers, WO3 (tungsten oxide) as chromogenic material, and solid electrolyte layers to create a multi-layered structure that simultaneously provides mechanical strength, electrochromic functionality, and durability. The composite structure of multiple thin films deposited on glass substrates enhances overall reliability while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic device is segmented into multiple functional layers: glass substrates for mechanical support, ITO layers for electrical conduction, WO3 layers for electrochromic transformation, and solid electrolyte layers for ion transport. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function while contributing to overall durability and mechanical strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If high-frequency compression rolling is used to bond films, then the films are bonded together, but thickness uniformity and peel strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sputtering deposition parameters (power, pressure, gas flow rates) and annealing temperature parameters to precisely control film thickness and uniformity. By optimizing deposition parameters such as RF power (100-500W), pressure (0.01-0.1 Pa), and annealing temperature (300-500°C), the process achieves both effective bonding and consistent thickness uniformity without relying on high-frequency compression rolling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers are deposited to improve functionality, then electrochromic performance is enhanced, but peel strength and appearance consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions including surface cleaning, oxygen plasma treatment, and controlled atmosphere deposition before assembling the multi-layer structure. These preliminary steps ensure strong adhesion between layers, preventing peeling issues that commonly occur in multi-layer electrochromic devices. The glass substrates are pre-treated and layers are sequentially deposited under controlled conditions to maintain appearance consistency.
4Ease of operation
If the device is exposed to sunlight for color control, then the electrochromic response is activated, but transmittance deviation and appearance change increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes strong oxidizing conditions during the deposition and treatment processes to create stable oxide layers (WO3, ITO) that are resistant to further oxidation by sunlight. The oxygen plasma treatment and annealing in oxygen atmosphere create highly stable surface oxides that prevent transmittance deviation when exposed to sunlight, while still allowing the electrochromic color control function to operate.
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 solution provides an electrochromic element with improved durability, consistent appearance, and reduced transmittance deviation, allowing for precise control of light transmission and enhanced mechanical integrity, even under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromic films, whose colors change due to coloring and discoloring through oxidation-reduction reactions at each oxidation electrode and reduction electrode depending on an applied potential
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectron reduction layer disposed on the first discoloration layer
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides an electrochromic device comprising: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; and an electrochromic part disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the rate of light transmittance change, measured by a measurement method below, is less than 0.25.