Electrochromic Window Medium Reducing Daylight Illuminance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current variable transmission electrochromic windows for aircraft systems do not adequately reduce illuminance to levels that are bothersome for sensitive observers trying to sleep during daylight, as they typically maintain high transmission states even in low transmission modes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating anodic and cathodic compounds within the electrochromic medium of the windows, such as viologen and phenazine derivatives, to achieve a lux level of less than 5 in low transmission states during normal daylight conditions, utilizing a solvent and a redox buffer to enhance color stability and reduce irradiance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional electrochromic window materials are used, then the window achieves variable transmission capability, but the illuminance reduction in low transmission state is insufficient (greater than 5 lux during daylight)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the electrochromic medium by incorporating specific anodic compounds (such as poly(aniline), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) and cathodic compounds (such as viologens, iron complexes) with optimized concentrations and ratios. This parameter optimization enables the electrochromic window to achieve illuminance levels below 5 lux during daylight hours in low transmission state, resolving the insufficient illuminance reduction issue while maintaining reliable transmission control.
2Illumination intensity
If the electrochromic window is in low transmission state during daylight, then illuminance is reduced, but sensitive observers still perceive bright sunlight affecting sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrochromic medium composition with specific anodic and cathodic compounds to achieve illuminance levels below 5 lux during daylight hours. This extreme parameter optimization ensures that even sensitive observers cannot perceive sunlight interference, completely eliminating the harmful effect on sleep quality while maintaining the low transmission state.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional electrochromic materials are used, then the window provides basic dimming function, but the lux reduction is only moderate (not less than 5 lux)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements precise parameter changes in the electrochromic medium by incorporating specific concentrations of anodic compounds (e.g., poly(aniline) at 0.1-1.0 mM, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) at 0.05-0.5 mM) and cathodic compounds (e.g., viologens at 0.5-2.0 mM, iron complexes at 0.1-1.0 mM). This optimized parameter configuration achieves lux levels below 5 during daylight, providing exceptional sleep comfort that is an order of magnitude improvement over conventional systems.
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 effectively reduces illuminance to nearly an order of magnitude lower than current systems, providing a more comfortable sleep environment by achieving lux levels of less than 5 in low transmission states, significantly improving user experience during daylight hours.
Implementation Method 1
Variable transmission electrochromic window
Implementation Method 2
one or more anodic electroactive materials; (3) one or more cathodic electroactive materials
Data Source
AI summary
A variable transmission electrochromic window including: first and second substantially transparent substrates having electrically conductive materials associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and wherein the electrochromic window exhibits an Ev of less than approximately 20, and more preferably less than approximately 5, while in a low transmission state during normal daylight conditions.