Solar-Powered Smart Window Diffuser for Glare and Daylight Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional smart window systems fail to effectively control direct solar radiation while maximizing diffused light admission, leading to inefficient energy consumption in buildings for lighting and heating/cooling.

Innovation Solution

A solar-powered smart window system with a light diffuser that converts direct solar radiation to diffusive light, using a motor-driven mechanism and control unit to adjust its position based on solar panel output power, blocking direct radiation and admitting diffusive light, optionally incorporating IR reflection or absorption for temperature regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional smart window systems block direct solar radiation, then glare is suppressed, but diffused light admission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglare suppressionVSAvoiddiffused light admission

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The window system is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones, each with its own light diffuser and control mechanism. This allows selective blocking of direct solar radiation in specific areas while maintaining diffused light admission in other areas, resolving the contradiction between glare suppression and diffused light admission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light diffusers are designed to be dynamically adjustable, changing their state between blocking and diffusing modes based on real-time solar radiation conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to suppress glare when direct radiation is present while admitting diffused light when conditions permit, eliminating the static trade-off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If solar panels are integrated into the window system, then onsite power generation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveonsite power generationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panels are integrated directly into the window structure itself, merging the power generation function with the building envelope. This eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity while achieving onsite power generation for the light diffuser operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The window system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides natural lighting, blocks solar radiation, generates electrical power through integrated solar panels, and controls glare. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If light diffuser position is continuously adjusted, then optimal light control is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight control optimizationVSAvoidmotor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous adjustment, the light diffuser position is adjusted periodically or at discrete intervals based on changing solar conditions. The system monitors environmental parameters and activates the motor only when adjustment is necessary, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining optimal light control through periodic optimization rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Reduces energy consumption by maximizing diffused light admission while blocking direct solar radiation, and optionally reducing cooling energy needs through IR management, with a user-friendly control system that adjusts to seasonal changes without complex sensors.

Implementation Method 1

smart window with solar powered diffusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a light diffuser configured to convert an incident direct solar radiation to a diffusive light toward interior direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11746592B2Smart window with solar powered diffusion

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIV

AI summary

A solar powered smart window includes a light diffuser configured to convert an incident direct solar radiation to a diffusive light toward interior direction, a light diffuser positioner, a driving mechanism, a solar panel, and a control unit. The control unit moved the light diffuser from a predetermined opened position to a closed position and to hold the light diffuser at the closed position with latch mechanism, when the output power of the solar panel exceeds a threshold for over a duration time. The controller releases the latch mechanism and to cause the light diffuser to return to the predetermined opened position when the output power lowers below threshold for over the duration time. A method includes storing a predetermined condition, monitoring the output power, comparing the output power with the predetermined conditions, making decision whether a positional transition is necessary, and causing the transitional transition or maintaining current position.