Electrochromic Device Color Correction Stepped Voltage Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices face issues with undesirable coloration when transitioning to low-transmission states and stability degradation during repeated cycling at elevated temperatures, which affects their performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
Applying a stepped voltage profile with varying voltage levels and durations to achieve and maintain low-transmission states, accompanied by reverse bias voltage for color correction, and optimizing voltage sequences for elevated temperatures to minimize device damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a standard voltage profile is applied to achieve low-transmission state, then the device transitions to desired transmission level, but undesirable coloration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage profile is segmented into multiple discrete steps rather than applied as a single continuous voltage. Each step increases the voltage by a fixed increment (e.g., 0.1V) and is held for a specific duration, allowing the electrochromic device to transition through intermediate states that avoid the harmful coloration effect while achieving the desired low-transmission state.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage application follows a periodic stepped pattern with defined hold times at each voltage level. This periodic action allows the electrochromic material to respond progressively to voltage changes, preventing the sudden coloration that occurs with direct high-voltage application while maintaining control over the transmission state.
2Reliability
If repeated cycling is performed to maintain device operation, then the device remains functional, but stability degradation occurs at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped voltage profile with controlled hold times acts as a preliminary protective measure against the degradation that occurs during repeated cycling at elevated temperatures. By gradually transitioning through voltage steps rather than applying full voltage immediately, the method prevents excessive stress on the electrochromic materials, thereby maintaining device stability and extending operational life.
3Illumination intensity
If voltage is applied to achieve low-transmission state, then transmission is reduced, but color correction is required to maintain desired color
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage control is segmented into standardized incremental steps that can be systematically applied and managed. This segmentation simplifies the complexity of color correction by breaking it down into discrete, repeatable voltage applications rather than requiring continuous analog control, making the system more manageable despite the added control requirements.
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 method effectively reduces undesirable coloration and maintains stable low-transmission states, enhancing the electrochromic device's performance and longevity by controlling the transition and operation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic device configured for color correction
Implementation Method 2
applying a negative voltage to induce reduction of the cathodic material and oxidation of the anodic material
Implementation Method 3
applying a positive voltage to perform color correction in the electrochromic device at the low-transmission state
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for color correction in an electrochromic device includes applying a stepped voltage profile to the electrochromic device in a high-transmission state to achieve a desired low-transmission state. Each step of the stepped voltage profile is at a step difference of about 0.01 volts to about 0.5 volts from an adjacent step with each successive step being at a varying voltage level and each of the steps is held for a time period from about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds. At the desired low-transmission state, the system and method include applying a reverse bias voltage from about 0.01 volts to about 0.5 volts for about 0.01 seconds to about 10 seconds to color correct the low-transmission state.