Integrated Photovoltaic-Electrochromic-Battery Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusion devices that combine solar energy production and storage with electrochromic functions are inefficient due to physical coupling and lack of ability to utilize one function while another is operating, leading to increased area requirements and limited functionality in a single device structure.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic-electrochromic-battery all-in-one device is developed, integrating a photoelectrode with a metal oxide dye layer, a counter electrode with an electrochromic layer, and a lithium salt-containing electrolyte, allowing for simultaneous solar energy generation, electrochromic light blocking, and energy storage in a single structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar cell, electrochromic device and secondary battery are horizontally arranged on the same plane, then three functions can be implemented, but the area of the device becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar cell, electrochromic device, and secondary battery into a single integrated structure where the photoelectrode serves as both the solar cell electrode and the battery electrode, the counter electrode serves as both the electrochromic device electrode and the battery electrode, and the electrolyte layer serves dual functions for both electrochromic operation and battery operation, thereby reducing the overall device area while maintaining three functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing electrodes and electrolyte layers that serve multiple purposes: the photoelectrode and counter electrode function in solar energy conversion, electrochromic modulation, and energy storage; the electrolyte layer enables both electrochromic ion transport and battery ion conduction, allowing a single structure to perform multiple functions simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic device and secondary battery are implemented separately, then each function operates independently, but it is impossible to implement three functions in one structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate devices (solar cell, electrochromic device, secondary battery) into one integrated structure by sharing common components: the photoelectrode and counter electrode serve both electrochromic and battery functions, while the electrolyte layer enables both electrochromic ion transport and battery ion conduction, achieving three functions in one structure without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal components that perform multiple functions: the electrolyte layer serves as both the ion transport medium for electrochromic operation and the ion conductor for battery operation; the electrodes participate in both electrochromic modulation and energy storage reactions, enabling a single structure to implement three functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical coupling is used between energy production device and energy storage device, then fusion device can be formed, but resistance in external circuit contact portion causes efficiency to be lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates external circuit contact portions by merging the energy production and energy storage functions into a single integrated device where the electrodes and electrolyte layer serve dual purposes, thereby removing the source of resistive energy loss associated with external connections
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 device efficiently generates electric energy during the day, blocks infrared rays to enhance energy efficiency, and utilizes stored energy at night, maximizing energy savings while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
The active layer of the photoelectrode may generate electrons with solar energy incident on a second surface opposite to the first surface and provides the generated electrons to the counter electrode through an external charging circuit
Implementation Method 2
the electrochromic layer of the counter electrode may perform an electrochromic operation while storing the electrons
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a photovoltaic-electrochromic-battery all-in-one device in which the functions of a dye-sensitized solar cell, an electrochromic device, and a lithium secondary battery are fused into one device. The all-in-one device according to the disclosure includes a photoelectrode uses as an active layer of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), a counter electrode used as an electrochromic layer opposite to the photoelectrode, and an electrolyte containing a lithium salt. The all-in-one device according to the disclosure allows the function of the DSSC that generates electrons by receiving solar energy, the function of an electrochromic device (ECD) that blocks light by discoloring an electrode with generated electrons, and the function of a lithium secondary battery (LIB) that stores generated electrons and uses the stored electrons again to be all implemented by one device.