Single Component Electrochromic Device Tunable IR Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic devices are limited in their ability to attenuate near-infrared (NIR) radiation, as they are primarily designed to address visible solar spectrum, leaving a significant portion of solar energy unmanaged, and suffer from degradation and slow switching times due to the use of separate anodic and cathodic compounds.
Innovation Solution
A single component electrochromic device utilizing a triphenodithiazine compound that functions as both an anodic and cathodic material, capable of reversible oxidation and reduction, selectively absorbing NIR radiation and maintaining stability across various oxidation states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate anodic and cathodic compounds are used in conventional electrochromic devices, then the device can achieve electrochromic functionality, but the device suffers from degradation and slow switching times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate anodic and cathodic compounds into a single electrochromic compound that can function as both anodic and cathodic materials. This merging of functions into one component eliminates the degradation issues associated with separate compounds and accelerates switching times by removing interfacial resistance between distinct materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic compound is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - acting as both the anodic material and cathodic material. This multi-functionality allows the single compound to replace traditional multi-component systems, improving reliability while maintaining fast switching performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrochromic systems are designed to attenuate only visible portion of solar spectrum, then the device can maintain simplicity, but over one-half of total solar energy (NIR radiation) remains unmanaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the electrochromic compound to enable absorption in the NIR region (700-1400 nm) in addition to visible wavelengths. By changing the compound's molecular structure and electronic properties, the device gains the capability to manage broader solar energy without requiring additional structural components.
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 attenuates NIR radiation without degrading, offering improved stability and faster switching times compared to traditional segregated devices, while maintaining transparency in the visible spectrum.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic compound M having at least one reduced state and at least one oxidized state. The electrochromic medium is capable of reversibly attenuating transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined range
Implementation Method 2
the electrochromic compound can be reversibly reduced to form a reduced species and can be reversibly oxidized to form an oxidized species
Implementation Method 3
Since solar energy is, on the average, 7.9% ultraviolet (UV), 45.5% visible radiation, and 46.7% near-infrared (NIR) radiation, over one-half of the total solar energy is not in the visible portion of the spectrum. Addressing exposure to the near infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum could be advantageous
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic cell for an electrochromic device includes an electrochromic medium including an electrochromic compound M having at least one reduced state and at least one oxidized state. The electrochromic compound M can act as both the anodic material and the cathodic material in the electro-optic cell. The electrochromic medium can be capable of reversibly attenuating transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined range.