Light-Modulating Glazing With Liquid Thermal Layer for Overheating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glazing units, particularly vacuum glazing, fail to adjust for incoming solar radiation, leading to issues such as overheating and reduced lifespan due to heat buildup, and lack the ability to dynamically manage light transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light modulator with a temperature regulating layer, which can be passive, sealed with a heat sink, or actively connected to a liquid exchange mechanism, to manage heat and optical properties dynamically, using electrodes to modulate light transmission and a controller to maintain optimal temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum glazing is used to reduce convection and gaseous conduction, then thermal insulation is improved, but the ability to adjust for incoming solar radiation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light modulator that can dynamically change its optical properties from transparent to opaque state, allowing the glazing unit to adapt to varying solar radiation conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining the vacuum insulation structure while adding the ability to actively manage solar heat gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The light modulator changes its optical transmission parameter in response to solar radiation intensity, transitioning between transparent and opaque states. This parameter change allows the system to maintain excellent thermal insulation while gaining adaptability to solar radiation conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light modulator is added to enable dynamic light transmission adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light modulator serves multiple functions: it modulates light transmission, regulates temperature, and extends the lifespan of the glazing unit. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the overall device complexity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light modulator with the vacuum glazing structure, integrating the modulation functionality into the existing insulating system. This merging approach adds adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Temperature
If temperature regulating layer is added to manage heat, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature regulating layer is integrated with the light modulator, combining thermal management functionality with the existing light modulation component. This merging approach improves temperature control while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light modulator is designed to perform both light transmission modulation and temperature regulation functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Temperature
If active cooling system is implemented to prevent overheating, then temperature control is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light modulator proactively blocks incoming solar radiation before it causes overheating, preventing the need for active cooling systems. This preliminary action approach maintains temperature control while avoiding the continuous energy consumption associated with active cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of solar radiation into a controllable parameter by using the light modulator to selectively block or transmit radiation based on thermal conditions, thereby preventing overheating without requiring additional energy-intensive cooling 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 regulates temperature and light transmission, preventing overheating, extending the lifespan of the glazing unit and enhancing energy efficiency by actively managing heat through passive or active thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
An optical layer is arranged between the first and second substrates. The one or more driving electrodes are configured to cause modulation of optical properties of the optical layer.
Implementation Method 2
The temperature regulating layer may be arranged for cooling and/or for heating of the light modulator.
Implementation Method 3
vacuum glazing is similar to double glazing in which the gas-filled space is evacuated to low pressure, thus reducing the levels of convection and gaseous conduction to negligible values.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1e
Figure 2a
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a glazing unit. The glazing unit includes a light modulator, and a liquid-filled, temperature regulating layer, the temperature regulating layer being arranged against the light modulator, outside of the optical layer, and extending across the surface of the first or second substrate, the temperature regulating layer being arranged for cooling and/or heating of the light modulator.