Energy Recapturing Driver for Electrically Controllable Privacy Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart structures with electrically controllable optically active materials face inefficiencies in energy usage due to the need to discharge and recharge them fully when switching between transparency and privacy states, leading to energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical driver with energy storage elements that recapture and reuse energy during polarity switching, allowing the driver to charge, discharge, and reverse-charge the optically active material efficiently, reducing the need for continuous power from an external source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the driver applies alternating polarity to transition the optically active material between transparent and privacy states, then the material achieves controllable privacy functionality, but energy is wasted due to full discharge and recharge cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful energy dissipation that occurs during polarity switching into a beneficial stored energy resource. The energy storage element captures the energy released when the optically active material discharges during state transitions, and this captured energy is then reused to facilitate subsequent polarity switches, transforming what was previously waste into a useful resource that reduces overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If the driver continuously charges and discharges the optically active material to maintain state transitions, then the privacy control functionality is maintained, but continuous power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an energy recovery mechanism where the energy storage element captures and stores energy that would otherwise be discarded during the discharge phase of optically active material transitions. This recovered energy is then made available to assist in subsequent charging operations, creating a cyclic recovery process that reduces the net energy draw from the power source while maintaining reliable privacy control functionality.
3Device complexity
If the driver uses a simple charging mechanism without energy recapture, then the device complexity is low, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage element as an intermediary component between the power source and the optically active material. This intermediary serves as a buffer that captures energy during discharge phases and releases it during charge phases, mediating the energy transfer to improve efficiency. The addition of this single intermediary element provides a straightforward path to enhanced energy efficiency without requiring complex control systems or multiple sophisticated components.
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
This approach enhances energy efficiency by minimizing power requirements and reducing energy wastage during state transitions, enabling more sustainable operation of smart structures like smart windows and partitions.
Implementation Method 1
the driver may include one or more energy storage elements. In operation, the driver may charge the electrically controllable optically active material to a first polarity or charge stage... To alternate polarity, the driver may discharge the electrically controllable optically active material and subsequently recharge the electrically controllable optically active material to a second polarity
Data Source
AI summary
A driver for an electrically dynamic structure may store and release energy during polarity cycling to improve the energy efficiency of operation. In some examples, the driver includes an energy storage element. In operation, the driver can charge an electrically controllable optically active material to a first operating voltage at a first polarity and subsequently discharge the optically active material during polarity reversal. The driver may store energy released from the optically active material during discharging and subsequently release the energy to charge the optically active material to a second operating voltage at a second polarity different than the first polarity.