Solar-Powered Electrochromic Window Control With Reduced Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochromic devices, particularly electrochromic windows, have not realized their full commercial potential due to various problems and inefficiencies in power management and control systems.

Innovation Solution

A system integrating a photovoltaic array, energy storage device, voltage regulator, and networked window controllers to manage power and control tint states of optically switchable windows, utilizing sensors for data-driven optimization and minimizing wiring through a photovoltaic combiner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a photovoltaic array is integrated with spandrel glass to generate electric power, then energy self-sufficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy self-sufficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines photovoltaic power generation functionality with spandrel glass structural elements, creating an integrated facade system that generates electricity while maintaining building envelope integrity. This merging of functions improves energy self-sufficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spandrel glass panels serve multiple functions: they provide structural coverage, maintain aesthetic appearance, and generate electric power through integrated photovoltaic cells. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve energy independence while using existing structural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If a networked control system with sensors is implemented to optimize tint states, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by using sensors to monitor environmental conditions (light levels, temperature) and automatically adjusting electrochromic window tint states accordingly. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy efficiency by dynamically responding to changing conditions without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system operates autonomously using environmental sensors and pre-programmed logic to adjust tint states, eliminating the need for continuous manual control or complex centralized management. This self-service approach improves energy efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If photovoltaic panels are coupled with spandrel glass to maximize power generation, then power generation capability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic cells are integrated into the spandrel glass panels during the manufacturing process, allowing power generation capability to be built into the structural elements before installation. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall installation process despite increasing the complexity of the manufacturing step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of electrochromic windows by optimizing power generation and distribution, enabling data-driven control of tint states and reducing installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaic array having one or more photovoltaic panels to generate electric power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20250321457A1Solar power dynamic glass for heating and cooling buildings

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments herein relate to systems for powering electrochromic windows in a building. Systems may include photovoltaic panels configured to generate electrical power, energy storage device(s) configured for storing generated power, and one or more controllers on a network of electrochromic windows that are configured to receive power from the energy storage device(s) and power tint transitions in one or more electrochromic windows. Systems may include various additional circuit components described herein for regulating and/or controlling the generation, storage, and application of electric power. The systems and techniques described herein can be used to design networks of electrochromic windows that are hybrid-solar or off-the-grid (“OTG”).