Tunable PV-EC Device with Dual-Function Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic electrochromic (PV-EC) devices face challenges in long-term stability and scalability, particularly in integrating photovoltaic and electrochromic technologies, such as dye-sensitized solar cells and silicon-based systems, which struggle with color uniformity and large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A tunable PV-EC device and module design that incorporates a transparent substrate, thin film solar cells, transparent conductive layers, electrochromic materials, and a switching apparatus, where the transparent conductive layers and cathode layers of the solar cells serve as the anodes and cathodes of the electrochromic material, allowing for external circuit control of potential difference and uniform color change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dye-sensitized solar cells or silicon-based PV-EC devices are used, then photovoltaic and electrochromic technologies are integrated, but long-term stability and scalability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional layers: a photovoltaic layer for power generation, an electrochromic layer for color change, and separate electrode structures. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, improving overall stability while maintaining integration benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive layers serve dual functions as both electrodes for the photovoltaic cell and electrodes for the electrochromic device, enabling unified control and reducing structural complexity that could compromise stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If EC materials are integrated into PV devices, then color change functionality is achieved, but color uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic material is applied as a uniform coating over the transparent conductive layers, ensuring consistent thickness and composition across the entire active area. This local uniformity in material distribution directly improves color uniformity during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent conductive layers are designed to provide uniform electrical potential distribution across the electrochromic material surface, ensuring homogeneous ion injection and consistent color change throughout the device area
3Ease of operation
If additional power supply is used for EC device, then color change control is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic layer generates electrical power directly from incident light, which is then used to drive the electrochromic color change process. This self-powered operation eliminates the need for external power supplies and significantly improves energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic power generation function and electrochromic color change function are merged into a single integrated device structure, allowing direct energy conversion from light to controlled optical modulation without intermediate power conversion losses
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 design enables uniform color change and improved stability of the electrochromic material, addressing the issues of scalability and color uniformity in PV-EC devices, enhancing their practical application in energy-saving systems like building-integrated photovoltaics.
Implementation Method 1
a thin film solar cell (102) is located on the transparent substrate (100). The thin film solar cell (102) has an anode layer (114), a cathode layer (116), and a photoelectric conversion layer (118) between the anode layer (114) and the cathode layer (116)
Implementation Method 2
an EC material (106) is provided. The EC material (106) at least covers an exposed surface of the first transparent conductive layer (104) and the thin film solar cell (102). The first transparent conductive layer (104) and the cathode layer (116) of the thin film solar cell (102) respectively serve as the anode and the cathode of the EC material (106)
Data Source
AI summary
A tunable photovoltaic electrochromic (PV-EC) device and module are provided. The device includes a transparent substrate, a thin film solar cell on the transparent substrate, a transparent conductive layer located on the transparent substrate beside the thin film solar cell, an EC material covering an exposed surface of the transparent conductive layer and the thin film solar cell, a switching apparatus, and a charge-discharge device coupled to the switching apparatus. The transparent conductive layer and a cathode layer of the thin film solar cell respectively serve as the anode and the cathode of the EC material simultaneously. The switching apparatus is electrically connected to the transparent conductive layer and electrically connected to the anode layer and the cathode layer of the thin film solar cell. The switching apparatus enters a control mode through a switch control signal.