Thermo-Responsive Dual Band Electrochromic Device for Independent Spectral Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available electrochromic dynamic windows are unable to independently control near-infrared (NIR) radiation and visible (VIS) transmittance simultaneously, limiting their applications in energy-efficient glass façades and smart window technologies.
Innovation Solution
A thermo-responsive dual band electrochromic device is developed, comprising a first electro-optically active electrode with nanocrystalline transparent semiconducting layers and electrochromic layers that regulate NIR and VIS transmittance, and a second electrode with transparent semiconducting nanoparticles, along with a temperature-dependent ion conductive layer to manage thermal transmittance based on device temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrochromic materials are used, then visible transmittance can be regulated, but near-infrared radiation cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides spectral control into separate functional layers: a first electrochromic layer for visible light regulation and a second electrochromic layer for near-infrared radiation control. This segmentation allows independent control of different spectral regions without requiring a completely new device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electrochromic materials that exhibit dual-band optical modulation capability, enabling a single device to perform both visible transmittance regulation and NIR radiation control through the same electrochromic mechanism operating at different wavelengths.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple electrochromic layers are added for dual band control, then spectral selectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides spectral control into separate functional layers: a first electrochromic layer for visible light regulation and a second electrochromic layer for near-infrared radiation control. This segmentation allows independent control of different spectral regions without requiring a completely new device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple electrochromic layers with different spectral responses into a single integrated device structure, sharing common electrodes and electrolyte systems. This merging approach achieves dual-band spectral selectivity while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through resource sharing.
3Temperature
If traditional electrochromic windows are used, then visible light regulation is achieved, but thermal transmittance cannot be responsively regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates temperature-dependent ion conductive layers that automatically adjust their ionic conductivity in response to temperature changes. This feedback mechanism enables the device to responsively regulate thermal transmittance based on environmental temperature conditions without external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials whose optical and ionic properties change with temperature, allowing the device to dynamically adjust thermal transmittance in response to environmental temperature variations. This parameter change approach provides passive thermal regulation capability.
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 enables selective and reversible regulation of optical radiation in both VIS and NIR spectral ranges in response to electrical stimuli and temperature changes, enhancing energy efficiency and adaptability in various applications, including smart glazing and automotive systems.
Implementation Method 1
the absorption spectrum of one or more electrochromic materials is changed by oxidation or reduction reactions
Implementation Method 2
the absorption spectrum of one or more electrochromic materials is changed by oxidation or reduction reactions
Implementation Method 3
the absorption spectrum of one or more electrochromic materials is changed by oxidation or reduction reactions
Implementation Method 4
a temperature-dependent ion conductive layer to manage thermal transmittance based on device temperature
Implementation Method 5
a temperature-dependent ion conductive layer to manage thermal transmittance based on device temperature
Data Source
AI summary
It relates to a thermo-responsive dual band electrochromic device, which is capable of selectively controlling the amount of sunlight radiation transmitted in the visible and in the near-infrared regions by operating under four distinct optical regimes, namely: fully transparent, visible blocking, near-infrared blocking, and fully blocking. The device can be regulated either by an electric stimulus, namely by controlling the sign and the intensity of the applied bias voltage, or by a thermal stimulus. In the latter the attenuation of incoming thermal radiation results increased as temperature increases. The thermo-responsive dual band electrochromic device comprises a first electrode consisting of a first transparent conductive substrate topped by a first electro-optically active layer and a second electrode consisting of a second transparent conductive substrate topped by a second electro-optically active layer separated by a temperature-dependent ion conductive layer consisting of a thermo-responsive polymer gel, an ion conductor and a plasticizer.