Electrochromic Smart Glass Low DC Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart glass technologies, such as PDLC and SPD glass, consume energy when powered on to remain transparent, and require high AC voltage for control, posing challenges in energy efficiency and emergency situations like power outages.
Innovation Solution
A nano smart glass system utilizing an electrochromic thin-film device with multi-layer nanometer-scale films, powered by a DC supply, and controlled by a sensor and control unit, allowing for flexible color adjustment and low power consumption, with the ability to switch to transparent state when power is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PDLC or SPD glass is used to achieve smart glass functionality, then the glass can switch between transparent and opaque states, but energy is continuously consumed to maintain transparency and high AC voltage is required for control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from high AC voltage (24V-100V) to low DC voltage (1V-50V), and changes the default state parameter from opaque (power-off) to transparent (power-off), fundamentally altering the energy consumption characteristics of the smart glass system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the default state logic of conventional smart glass: instead of being opaque when power is off and transparent when power is on, the electrochromic glass is transparent when power is off and can become opaque when low DC voltage is applied, thereby eliminating continuous energy consumption
2Ease of operation
If high AC voltage (24V-100V) is used to control PDLC or SPD glass, then the glass switching function is achieved, but the system requires complex power supply and control infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high AC voltage (24V-100V) to low DC voltage (1V-50V), which simplifies the power supply requirements and reduces the complexity of the control infrastructure while maintaining full glass switching functionality
3Use of energy by moving object
If the glass is made opaque when power is off to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but rescue operations during emergencies become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the default transparency state: the electrochromic glass remains transparent when power is off, ensuring that emergency rescue operations are not hindered, while consuming minimal energy. Transparency is only reduced when low DC voltage is actively applied
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 nano smart glass system achieves significant energy savings, improved color changing speed, and enhanced safety during emergencies by using low DC voltage and integrating sensors for real-time energy management, while maintaining transparency when power is off.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochromic layer, which is capable of changing color upon the application of a voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a nano smart glass system, including nano smart glass, DC power supply, sensor, and control unit. Wherein, the nano smart glass includes glass and the electrochromic thin-film device; The anode of the DC power supply connects to the at least one conductive anode layer of the electrochromic thin-film device; the cathode of the DC power supply connects to the at least one conductive cathode layer of the electrochromic thin-film device; the DC power supply is used to provide 1V-50V DC voltage to the electrochromic thin-film device; the electrochromic thin-film device adheres to the inside surface of the glass through the at least one conductive cathode layer or the at least one conductive anode layer; The sensor measures outdoor or indoor conditions and send the real-time measurement data to the control unit. The control unit connects to the DC power supply, and it can control the output voltage of the DC power supply to the electrochromic thin-film device. The present invention can real-time and intelligently adjust the color of the glass, which can help saving energy and reducing green house gas emission.