Electrochromic Window Element With Photoelectron Capping for Fast Tinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic elements lack durability, color variety, and wide range of transmittance, and suffer from slow color change speed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a photoelectron capping part to absorb generated photoelectrons, along with a layered structure of transparent electrodes and discoloration layers using materials like tungsten oxide and Prussian blue, allowing for efficient electron transfer and separate driving of electrochromic parts for varied colors and transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photoelectron capping part is added to absorb photoelectrons, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A photoelectron capping part is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrochromic part and the external environment. This capping part specifically absorbs photoelectrons generated during electrochromic operation, preventing them from causing degradation reactions. The capping part acts as a protective mediator that extends the operational life and durability of the electrochromic element without fundamentally altering the core electrochromic mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discoloration layers with different materials are used, then color variety and transmittance range are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic element is segmented into multiple functional discoloration layers, each with distinct material compositions and color characteristics. By dividing the electrochromic function across separate layers (e.g., first discoloration layer, second discoloration layer with different materials), the system achieves a wider color palette and transmittance range. Each layer can be independently controlled and manufactured, making the complexity manageable through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where different electrochromic materials are combined in layered configurations. Each layer uses specific materials (such as tungsten oxide, nickel oxide, or other inorganic oxides) that provide distinct optical and electrochemical properties. This composite approach enables the overall system to exhibit multiple colors and transmittance states that single-material systems cannot achieve, while maintaining manufacturability through established deposition techniques.
3Speed
If photoelectron capping part is added, then color change speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectron capping part serves as an intermediary that accelerates color change by rapidly capturing and removing photoelectrons generated during electrochromic transitions. This prevents photoelectron accumulation that would otherwise slow down the color change process. The capping part acts as a photoelectron sink, enabling faster establishment of the desired electrochromic state without requiring increased driving voltage or extended operation time.
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 enhances durability, enables fast and uniform color change across the entire surface, and provides a wide range of colors and transmittance states, improving the overall performance of electrochromic elements.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectron capping part configured to absorb photoelectrons generated when external light is incident on the electrochromic part
Implementation Method 2
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 3
coloring and discoloring through oxidation-reduction reactions at each oxidation electrode and reduction electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in an embodiment are an electrochromic element and a window device comprising same, the electrochromic element comprising an electrochromic unit and a photoelectron capping unit, which absorbs photoelectrons generated when external light is incident to the electrochromic unit, and having improved durability and discoloration rate.