Transparent Solar Window Conductor Routing and Flex Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating transparent solar collectors into operable windows poses challenges such as delicate electronic integration, conductor damage from repetitive motion, energy leakage, and aesthetic concerns, requiring novel methods for mounting, routing, and connecting conductors within window frames to maintain performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of transparent and semi-transparent solar collectors integrated within window scaffoldings or frames, utilizing inert gases like Argon, mechanical balances, and innovative conductor designs such as flexible bus bars and positional contact interference to ensure reliable energy transfer and durability, while hiding conductors from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional glass is replaced with transparent solar collectors in operational windows, then energy generation capability is improved, but conductor reliability deteriorates due to repetitive opening and closing motion causing pinching and fatigue failure
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is designed with flexible sections that can dynamically adapt to the movement of the window sash. The flexible conductor includes a first section attached to the stationary window frame and a second section attached to the movable sash, with a flexible intermediate section that can bend and flex as the sash opens and closes, preventing pinching and fatigue failure while maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the window's operational cycle.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conductors are routed through the window sash and frame for energy transfer, then energy transfer capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor routing system is extracted and concealed within the structural components of the window. Conductors are routed through hollow portions of the window frame and sash, with connection terminals positioned in recesses or behind decorative elements. This extracts the visually intrusive conductor elements from the visible surface while maintaining their functional energy transfer capability through the window structure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar cell strips are placed around the periphery of the collector to enable edge light collection, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but sash design complexity increases due to wider and more delicate edges requiring special protection
Solution Approach 1:
The delicate peripheral solar cell strips are protected beforehand by positioning them within recesses or channels formed in the sash structure. These recesses provide physical protection and support for the fragile edge-mounted solar cells, preventing damage during installation, operation, and maintenance while allowing the solar cells to extend to the edges for optimal light collection efficiency.
4Reliability
If conductors are made rigid for stable electrical connection, then electrical connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in releasing conductors for sash removal and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor system is segmented into distinct sections with different properties: rigid sections provide stable electrical connections at fixed points (window frame and sash attachment points), while flexible intermediate sections enable easy release and reattachment. The conductor includes connection terminals that can be disconnected from recesses, allowing the sash to be removed for repair or cleaning while maintaining stable electrical connectivity when assembled.
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
Enables the efficient generation and transfer of electrical energy from transparent solar collectors in operable windows, maintaining performance and aesthetics, with improved durability and reduced risk of conductor damage, allowing for seamless integration and operation.
Implementation Method 1
transparent and semi-transparent solar collectors... cleanly generating electricity
Implementation Method 2
utilizing inert gases like Argon
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are novel forms of operable and fixed windows capable of at least one or more of: producing an electrical current utilizing a transparent or semi-transparent solar collecting coating or film on a pane, and selectively changing one or more of opacity and tint of one or more electrochromatic layers in the window. Some embodiments also disclose a robust scaffold assembly utilized to enclose the perimeter of the substrate and one or more transparent solar cells or electrochromatic layers, or transparent solar cells and electrochromatic layers. Various structural and electrical configurations are disclosed to satisfy the kinematic demands of operable windows. Wired and wireless configurations of the windows are contemplated as are self-powered versions whereby the transparent solar collector powers the electrochromatic function.