Bistable Electrophoretic Film for Solar Fluid Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pool heating systems require continuous energy input and occupy significant space, making them costly and inefficient for temperature regulation.

Innovation Solution

A solar heating system utilizing a bistable electrophoretic medium film that switches between light-absorbing and light-reflective states based on temperature, integrated with a temperature sensor and controller, to regulate fluid temperature without continuous energy input, and can be incorporated into pool structures or other applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional pool heating systems are used, then water temperature can be increased, but continuous energy input is required and space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidenergy input

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the sun's natural energy to heat the water through the transparent surface, eliminating the need for continuous external energy input. The electrochromic surface automatically adjusts its transparency based on temperature sensor feedback, creating a self-regulating system that harnesses free solar energy for heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the surface material dynamically. By adjusting the electrochromic surface between transparent and opaque states, the system controls the amount of solar energy transmitted to the water, thereby regulating temperature without requiring additional energy input mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If solar reservoir systems are used, then solar energy is utilized for heating, but large space is required and installation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidspace occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the heating function directly into the pool surface itself, eliminating the need for separate external reservoirs or heating equipment. The transparent electrochromic surface serves dual purposes: as the pool's top layer and as the temperature regulation mechanism, thereby saving significant space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a thin electrochromic film as the pool surface, replacing bulky traditional heating infrastructure. This flexible, space-efficient solution can be integrated directly into the pool structure without requiring additional space for equipment or reservoirs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Temperature

If electrical heating elements are used, then water temperature can be increased, but operational cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the natural phenomenon of solar radiation, which would otherwise simply pass through or heat the surface unevenly, into a controlled heating mechanism. By using electrochromic technology to regulate solar energy transmission, the system transforms available sunlight into efficient, cost-free thermal energy for water heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system efficiently maintains a normalized temperature range for fluids by cycling between heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption and space requirements while providing dual functionality for temperature control and pattern creation.

Implementation Method 1

a bistable electrophoretic medium that is coupled to a temperature sensor and a controller. The controller can switch the film between a light-absorbing state (i.e., dark) and a light-reflective state (i.e., white)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor in thermal contact with the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

When the first particles are adjacent to the light-transmissive electrode layer, the laminate material has a first albedo and when the second particles are adjacent to the light-transmissive electrode layer, the laminate material has a second albedo

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11656522B2Solar temperature regulation system for a fluid

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 E INK CORP

AI summary

A temperature regulation system includes a laminate material that has a first light transmissive electrode layer, a rear electrode layer, and a bistable electrophoretic medium disposed between the first and second electrode layer. The electrophoretic medium includes two types of particles that have different charges and color. The amount of incident radiation (visible light, infrared, etc.) that is absorbed by the laminate can be modified by providing a voltage between the electrode layers.