Photovoltaic Electrochromic Device Using Shared Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic electrochromic devices face challenges in long-term stability and scalability, particularly in integrating photovoltaic and electrochromic technologies to achieve efficient energy savings without additional power sources.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic electrochromic device is designed with thin-film solar cells on a transparent substrate, where the anodes and cathodes serve as electrodes for both solar cell and electrochromic functions, utilizing light-induced electroplating to deposit electrochromic materials directly onto the electrodes, enabling color change without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic and electrochromic technologies are integrated to achieve color change without additional power source, then energy efficiency is improved, but long-term stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent modules: photovoltaic cells for power generation, electrochromic layers for color change, and ion storage layers for charge storage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall reliability while maintaining energy self-sufficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and physical parameters of the electrochromic materials and electrolytes to enhance stability. By adjusting parameters such as material purity, layer thickness, and chemical composition, the device achieves both energy efficiency and long-term operational stability.
2Device complexity
If photovoltaic and electrochromic technologies are integrated into a single device, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device is manufactured by sequentially depositing distinct functional layers (transparent conductive layers, electrochromic layers, ion storage layers, etc.) with precise control over each layer's thickness and composition. This layer-by-layer fabrication approach maintains manufacturing precision while achieving device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive substrates serve multiple functions: as structural support, as electrical conductors, and as optical windows. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized substrate processing.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrochromic materials are deposited onto solar cell electrodes, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell electrodes and electrochromic device electrodes are merged into a single integrated electrode structure. The same conductive layer serves as both the current collector for the photovoltaic cell and the electrode for the electrochromic layer, simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating separate electrode fabrication steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes perform dual functions: electrical conduction for power generation and electrochemical reaction sites for color change. This multi-functionality is achieved through careful selection of electrode materials and structures that satisfy both photovoltaic and electrochromic requirements simultaneously.
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 achieves efficient energy conversion and color change under illumination, enhancing stability and scalability by leveraging the internal photo-induced voltage of thin-film solar cells for electroplating, thus functioning as both a solar cell and a smart window for energy-saving applications.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic electrochromic device is designed with thin-film solar cells on a transparent substrate, where the anodes and cathodes serve as electrodes for both solar cell and electrochromic functions, utilizing light-induced electroplating to deposit electrochromic materials directly onto the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
utilizing light-induced electroplating to deposit electrochromic materials directly onto the electrodes, enabling color change without external power sources
Implementation Method 3
The at least one electrochromic thin film is disposed on at least one surface of the cathode and the exposed surface of the anode of the thin-film solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic electrochromic device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. According to the method, at least one thin-film solar cell is formed on a transparent substrate, wherein the thin-film solar cell at least includes an anode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a cathode, and a portion of a surface of the anode is exposed from the thin film solar cell. An electrochromic thin film is then deposited on at least one surface of the cathode and the exposed surface of the anode. Thereafter, an electrolyte layer is formed on a surface of the thin-film solar cell to cover the electrochromic thin film. The anode and the cathode of the thin-film solar cell also serve as the anode and the cathode of the photovoltaic electrochromic device.