NIR Electrochromic Membrane Stack for Scalable Thermal Signature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack scalable and efficient devices for controlling near-infrared radiation, particularly in large area applications, with a need for improved materials and methods to manage thermal signatures for thermal regulation and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising carbon nanotubes and transition metal oxides, integrated with polymeric membranes and ionic liquid electrolytes, allows for the active modification of near-infrared radiation by adjusting the Fermi level through potential bias or doping, utilizing the principles of Pauli Blocking and metal-insulator transitions to control emissivity and reflectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical vapour deposition technique is used to deposit graphene, then device performance is improved, but scalability and large area production capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process with a liquid-based printable nanocarbon layer deposition method. This substitution enables large area production and scaling while maintaining device performance, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the deposition method from vapor-phase to liquid-phase, fundamentally altering the processing parameters and enabling scalable manufacturing. This parameter change allows the same functional performance to be achieved through a more scalable process.
2Ease of manufacture
If passive coatings with fixed properties are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but thermal regulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates switchable electrochromic and thermochromic devices that can dynamically adjust their optical properties in response to environmental conditions or electrical stimuli. This dynamic capability enables active thermal regulation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integration into glazing products.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates coatings that can perform multiple functions: they can passively regulate thermal radiation, actively switch between transparent and reflective states, and provide both solar heat rejection and thermal emission control. This multi-functionality enhances thermal regulation effectiveness without significantly complicating manufacturing.
3Reliability
If active switchable devices are integrated as large area devices, then thermal regulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (electrochromic layer, thermochromic layer, nanocarbon layers) into an integrated glazing product. This merging approach enables comprehensive thermal regulation capability while managing device complexity through systematic integration and standardized manufacturing processes.
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 effectively reduces thermal radiation and emissivity, enabling thermal camouflage and energy-efficient thermal regulation by minimizing power consumption and providing large area coverage with fast switching times.
Implementation Method 1
the inventors believe that an NIR electrochromic device comprising nanoparticulate graphite/graphene and/or carbon nanotubes can use the principle of Pauli Blocking to modify the band structure of graphene to block state transitions
Implementation Method 2
Electrically switchable phase transition materials, especially metal-insulator materials (MITs) are suited towards incorporation into electrochemical capacitor structures
Implementation Method 3
The active control of thermal radiation into, and out of, objects and structures and exterior surfaces is important for a range of industrial applications which require the management of a thermal signatures
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides devices for active modification of NIR radiation, the devices comprising: (i) a substrate; (ii) one or more polymeric permeable membranes comprising an ionic liquid electrolyte; (iii) one or more electrodes comprising carbon nanotubes and a transition metal oxide; and (iv) a protective encapsulation layer. The invention also provides methods of making such devices.