Nanostructured Transition Metal Oxide Bronze Electrochromic Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current static window coatings are not well-suited for varying climates, as they do not effectively modulate both near-infrared and visible spectrum radiation in response to changing environmental conditions, limiting their energy efficiency and adaptability in different weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic window device featuring a nanostructured transition metal oxide bronze layer with specific dopants that selectively modulate transmittance of near-infrared and visible spectrum radiation based on applied voltage, allowing for independent control of NIR and visible light transmission through surface plasmon resonance and intercalation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional EC materials are used to modulate visible light, then visible light transmission is controlled, but near-infrared radiation remains unchanged or switches simultaneously, limiting selective thermal management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral modulation function by introducing a multi-layer electrochromic structure where different layers are responsible for different spectral regions. The first EC layer (e.g., tungsten oxide) primarily modulates visible light, while the second EC layer (e.g., nickel oxide or iron oxide) primarily modulates near-infrared radiation. This segmentation allows independent control of visible and NIR transmission, enabling selective thermal management while maintaining visible transparency when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrochromic materials combining multiple transition metal oxides with complementary spectral responses. By creating a composite structure where each component material targets a specific spectral region, the system achieves simultaneous but independent modulation of visible and near-infrared radiation. The composite approach leverages the distinct electrochromic properties of different materials to achieve spectral selectivity that single materials cannot provide.
2Loss of energy
If static window coatings are used to reject solar heat gain, then thermal performance improves in warm climates, but adaptability to varying climates is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static thermal management into a dynamic system through electrochromic modulation. The window coating can actively adjust its optical properties in response to changing environmental conditions, user preferences, or time of day. By applying voltage to the electrochromic layers, the system dynamically switches between transparent and tinted states, or selectively modulates different spectral regions, providing adaptive thermal control that responds to varying climate conditions rather than being fixed for a single climate type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electrochromic materials' optical properties through electrochemical doping and dedoping processes. By controlling the oxidation state and ion insertion/extraction in the transition metal oxide layers, the system dynamically alters key parameters such as visible transmittance, NIR transmittance, and solar heat gain coefficient. This parameter control enables the window to adapt its thermal performance to match different climate requirements, transitioning from static to adaptive energy management.
3Ease of operation
If electrochromic materials switch simultaneously in visible and NIR regions, then optical control is simplified, but independent thermal and shading control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by assigning different electrochromic layers to different spectral regions with different switching characteristics. The first EC layer responds to voltage changes primarily in the visible region, while the second EC layer responds primarily in the NIR region. This segmentation enables independent control of visible and NIR transmission, allowing the system to achieve thermal management (NIR blocking) without sacrificing visible transparency, or vice versa, providing operational flexibility that simultaneous switching cannot deliver.
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 enables the electrochromic window to operate in multiple modes, providing thermal management and shading control by varying light transmission in response to voltage, enhancing energy efficiency and adaptability across different climates.
Implementation Method 1
a dopant species that causes a surface plasmon resonance effect on the one or more transition metal oxide by creating delocalized electron carriers that selectively modulate transmittance of NIR spectrum radiation
Implementation Method 2
an intercalation species that causes a change in the oxidation state of transition metal ions in the transition metal oxide due to intercalation into and deintercalation from the metal oxide
Implementation Method 3
EC window coatings undergo a reversible change in optical properties when driven by an applied potential
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
An electrochromic device includes a nanostructured transition metal oxide bronze layer that includes one or more transition metal oxide and one or more dopant, a solid state electrolyte, and a counter electrode. The nanostructured transition metal oxide bronze selectively modulates transmittance of near-infrared (NIR) spectrum and visible spectrum radiation as a function of an applied voltage to the device.