Electrochromic Device Selective Membrane Energy Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices based on liquid media face high energy consumption due to continuous recombination of electrochromic compounds, which is not balanced with quick switching times between clear and dark states, and often result in low transparency and long fading times.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic device with a selective membrane that restricts the diffusion of electrochromic compounds while allowing counter ions to pass through, maintaining a stable colored state with reduced energy consumption and quick switching times, using a structure with two electrodes, two liquid compartments, and electrochromic compounds that can be oxidized or reduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If electrochromic compounds are used in liquid media to achieve dense color and quick fading, then transmission range and fading speed are improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous recombination
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate compartments by a selective membrane, with electrochromic compounds confined to one compartment and counter ions in the other. This segmentation prevents continuous recombination while maintaining coloration, reducing energy consumption by approximately 50% compared to conventional liquid-based devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A selective membrane acts as an intermediary barrier between electrochromic compounds and counter ions. The membrane allows counter ion transport for electrochromic switching while blocking electrochromic compound diffusion, enabling stable colored state without continuous energy input.
2Speed
If electrochromic compounds diffuse freely in liquid medium to achieve quick state switching, then fading speed is improved, but recombination occurs continuously increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the liquid medium into two compartments separated by a selective membrane, the invention allows quick fading when voltage is applied (compounds can reach colorless state through counter ion movement) but prevents continuous recombination (compounds cannot diffuse back across the membrane), thus reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The selective membrane creates different local environments: one compartment contains electrochromic compounds while the other contains counter ions. This local separation maintains the ability for quick switching while preventing harmful continuous recombination.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a selective membrane is introduced to prevent electrochromic compound diffusion, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selective membrane is implemented as a thin film structure that can be integrated into existing electrochromic device architectures. This thin-film approach minimizes the added complexity while achieving the desired separation function, making the device suitable for mobile applications.
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 achieves a balance between energy consumption and switching times, maintaining high transparency in the clear state, a large range of transmission between states, and quick fading, while ensuring the device remains in a safe clear state without energy.
Implementation Method 1
the selective membrane limits electrochromic compounds diffusion
Implementation Method 2
selective membrane separating the chamber in two compartments
Implementation Method 3
at least one electrochromic compound and at least one compound able to be oxidized or reduced dispersed in said liquid materials
Implementation Method 4
compound able to be oxidized or reduced
Implementation Method 5
The electrochromic compound is chosen so that it is colored in the reduced state and colorless or weakly colored in the oxidized state
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device including a selective membrane separating two liquid media including at least one electrochromic compound and at least one compound able to be oxidized or reduced and showing low energy consumption.