Transparent PV-Electrochromic Window Laminate With Thermal Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass and artificial glass laminates for windows face challenges in incorporating photovoltaic and electrochromic technologies that balance energy efficiency, optical characteristics, and aesthetic appeal, with issues such as heat gain and the need for external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained window laminate integrating a transparent photovoltaic interlayer and electrochromic assembly with an ion conducting interlayer film and conductive electrodes, powered by the photovoltaic interlayer, eliminating the need for external wiring and reducing heat gain through a gap between the electrochromic and photovoltaic assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic features are incorporated into windows to harness solar energy, then energy generation capability is improved, but heat gain increases and optical/aesthetic characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The window system is divided into separate functional layers: a photovoltaic layer for energy generation, an electrochromic layer for optical control, and a gap for thermal isolation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, enabling energy harvesting without direct heat transfer to the interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
A gap or spacing layer is introduced between the photovoltaic assembly and the electrochromic assembly to act as a thermal barrier. This intermediary prevents heat generated by the photovoltaic cells from directly affecting the ion conducting material and interior space, while still allowing the system to function as an integrated unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrochromic technology is used to control heat gain through windows, then heat gain control is improved, but external power connections are required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic assembly is powered by the photovoltaic assembly integrated into the same window unit, creating a self-contained system. The photovoltaic cells generate electrical energy that is directly used to power the electrochromic layer, eliminating the need for external power connections and making the window unit autonomously functional.
3Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic features are integrated into windows for power generation, then energy efficiency is improved, but heat generated by photovoltaic cells interferes with ion conducting material and reduces overall energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A gap or spacing layer is positioned between the photovoltaic assembly and the electrochromic assembly containing the ion conducting material. This gap acts as a thermal insulator, preventing heat generated by the photovoltaic cells from degrading the ion conducting material, thereby protecting the electrochromic function while maintaining power generation capability.
4Ease of operation
If transparent photovoltaic and electrochromic assemblies are integrated into a self-contained window unit, then external power connections are eliminated, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic assembly, electrochromic assembly, ion conducting material, and gap structure are combined into a single integrated laminate unit. This merging of components into one manufacturable laminate simplifies installation and ensures proper integration of all functional layers, though it requires specialized lamination 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 solution provides a window unit with improved energy efficiency, maintaining optical clarity and aesthetic appeal while generating power internally, reducing heat gain, and allowing automatic control of light transmissivity without external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A self-contained window laminate integrating a transparent photovoltaic interlayer and electrochromic assembly with an ion conducting interlayer film and conductive electrodes, powered by the photovoltaic interlayer
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromic technology changes the light transmissivity of a window on the application of an electric current through an ion conducting material
Data Source
AI summary
A functional glass, an artificial glass laminate, and a self-contained window unit formed therefrom can include functional performance layers such as an electrochromic assembly in one layer, and a photovoltaic assembly in another layer. The photovoltaic assembly may include a polymeric interlayer having transparent photovoltaic cells disposed therein, or a thin film of organic photovoltaic cells, the photovoltaic cells providing electrical power to the electrochromic assembly. A first layer of glass and a second layer of glass separated by a gap may be disposed between the electrochromic assembly and the polymeric interlayer. The glass, laminate and window unit are optically clear.