Scalable Solar-Powered Electrochromic Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of electrochromic glazings is costly and complex due to the need for wiring through building structures, and existing solar power solutions are often too large or aesthetically unacceptable for small-scale applications, requiring custom designs that are not scalable in size or power capacity.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic assembly with a modular design, where a photovoltaic module is attached to an electrochromic insulated glazing unit, using standard-sized solar cell wafers and battery modules that can be scaled in size and power capacity, combined with a control module for transmissivity control and power supply, and aesthetically integrated with trims to match the glazing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If standard-sized solar panels are used to power electrochromic glazings, then power capacity is sufficient, but the physical size becomes too large for small-scale applications and aesthetic requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar power system into modular components: a controller module containing battery and electronics, and a separate photovoltaic module. This segmentation allows the photovoltaic module to be sized appropriately for aesthetic requirements while the controller module houses the power storage and management systems, resolving the contradiction between sufficient power capacity and acceptable physical size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the battery and power management electronics from the photovoltaic module to a separate controller module that can be mounted in different locations (e.g., interior frame, adjacent structure). This dimensional relocation allows the photovoltaic module on the exterior to maintain an aesthetically pleasing size while the system as a whole provides sufficient power capacity through the larger controller module.
2Area of stationary object
If custom-sized solar panels are manufactured for each application, then aesthetic requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal controller module design that can be used across different glazing applications. The standardized controller module with integrated battery and electronics can serve multiple projects, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs. The photovoltaic module is also designed as a standard component that can be adapted to various applications through configuration rather than custom manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves size adaptation through parameter changes rather than custom manufacturing. By adjusting the number and arrangement of standard photovoltaic cells and configuring standard controller modules, the system can be scaled to meet different aesthetic requirements without incurring custom manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If wiring is installed through building structures for electrochromic glazings, then power supply is reliable, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller module is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated battery and power management electronics that can be mounted externally to the glazing assembly. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex internal wiring through building structures, as the module can be connected via simpler external connections while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the battery and power management electronics from the traditional integrated window assembly and places them in a separate, externally mountable controller module. This extraction eliminates the need for complex wiring through building structures and structural supports, significantly reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable power supply through the standalone module.
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
This solution reduces installation costs and complexity by providing a scalable, aesthetically acceptable, and efficient power source for electrochromic glazings, allowing for easy replacement of electronics without replacing the glazing unit, and adaptable to various building and vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module attached to an exterior face portion of the electrochromic insulated glazing unit and electrically coupled to the variably transmissive glazing
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromic glazings include electrochromic materials that are known to change their optical properties, such as coloration, in response to the application of an electrical potential
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A window transmissivity control assembly having a power source with scalable size and power capacity is provided. The assembly includes an insulated glazing unit including a variably transmissive glazing, a photovoltaic module attached to the insulated glazing unit and electrically coupled to the variably transmissive glazing, and a control module having a control circuit for controlling transmissivity of the glazing and a battery for providing power to the glazing. The photovoltaic assembly is attached to an exterior face portion of the insulated glazing unit, and a control module is attached to an interior face portion of the insulated glazing unit. Each module may extend from a first end of the insulated glazing unit to an opposing second end of the insulated glazing unit, wherein the length of the module being substantially the same as the distance between the first and second ends of the insulated glazing unit.