Photovoltaic Window Layout for Lighting Without Losing Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current opto-electronic devices, particularly organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and photovoltaic cells, face challenges in achieving high efficiency and transparency for integrated window applications, where they need to generate energy and provide lighting while maintaining visibility and efficiency across the visible spectrum.
Innovation Solution
An integrated window system incorporating a transparent photovoltaic device with a conversion efficiency greater than 10% and transparency greater than 30% across the visible spectrum, combined with a non-transparent OLED or LED, and an energy storage device, which can power the light source and provide indirect lighting by reflecting a portion of the emitted light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transparent photovoltaic devices are used in windows, then energy generation is improved, but transparency and visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple sections: transparent photovoltaic devices are placed in specific regions (e.g., top portion) while leaving other regions transparent for visibility. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous energy generation and visual access without requiring the entire window to be opaque.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the window have different optical and functional properties. The photovoltaic regions are optimized for energy conversion while maintaining partial transparency, while other regions are optimized for maximum visibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between energy generation and transparency.
2Reliability
If integrated window systems with photovoltaic devices and OLEDs are implemented, then energy self-sufficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated window system: photovoltaic devices generate electricity, OLEDs provide lighting and display functions, and energy storage components store power. This consolidation reduces the need for separate external systems and simplifies overall installation despite the sophisticated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The window system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates energy like a solar panel, provides lighting like a lamp, displays information like a screen, and maintains visibility like a traditional window. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices, achieving energy self-sufficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If high brightness is achieved for lighting output, then illumination quality is improved, but glare and visibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The OLEDs emit light in specific color wavelengths that are optimized for illuminating the room while minimizing glare. By controlling the spectral composition and using complementary colors, the system achieves high illumination quality without creating harmful glare that would obstruct visibility through the window.
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 system generates over 10,000 lumens per m2 of window area for at least half the time it is exposed to sunlight, offering efficient energy harvesting and lighting without external power sources, while maintaining transparency and reducing glare through controlled light reflection.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent photovoltaic device with a conversion efficiency greater than 10%
Implementation Method 2
a non-transparent OLED or LED
Implementation Method 3
an energy storage device, which can power the light source
Implementation Method 4
provide indirect lighting by reflecting a portion of the emitted light
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provide a window, an energy and light producing device including at least one transparent photovoltaic device and at least one non-transparent Organic Light Emitting Device (OLED) in an optical path of the window. A controller may control the operation of the non-transparent OLED of the energy and light producing device. An energy storage device may be electrically coupled to the controller and the energy and light producing device to store energy generated by the transparent photovoltaic device and to power the non-transparent OLED. In some implementations, a LED or OLED may be mounted in the frame of the window and may be powered by the energy storage device.