Laminated Window Unit With Edge Electronics for Light and Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buildings with large glass facades face significant heating issues due to sunlight, leading to high energy consumption for air conditioning, and integrating electrical components like solar cells and control electronics is challenging due to installation and wiring complexities.
Innovation Solution
A window unit design featuring a housing for electronic components positioned at the edge of transparent panels, allowing for a laminated structure with integrated solar cells and electrical connections, enabling self-powered operation without external wiring, and incorporating control electronics for regulating light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass panelling is used in large amounts for exterior facades, then building aesthetics and light transmission are improved, but interior heating and energy consumption for air conditioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated window unit: transparent glass panelling for light transmission, solar cells for electricity generation, and control electronics for regulating light transmission. This merging allows the window to simultaneously provide aesthetic transparency, generate renewable energy to offset air conditioning consumption, and actively control heat gain through electrochromic or liquid crystal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of sunlight causing interior heating into a beneficial source of electricity. Solar cells are integrated into the window structure to capture solar radiation that would otherwise contribute to unwanted heating, transforming it into electrical energy that powers the window's control systems and offsets air conditioning energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components such as solar cells and control electronics are integrated into the window unit, then functionality and energy self-sufficiency are improved, but installation complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the window unit into distinct functional modules: transparent glass panelling, solar cell arrays, control electronics housings, and electrochromic or liquid crystal layers. Each module is designed to perform a specific function and can be independently manufactured and tested before assembly. This segmentation simplifies installation by allowing modular replacement and reduces wiring complexity through localized electrical connections between adjacent modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the window unit with universal, multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. For example, the solar cells not only generate electricity but also provide structural support and aesthetic integration. The control electronics housing serves both as a protective enclosure and as a mounting structure for electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies installation procedures.
3Ease of operation
If control electronics are positioned within the window unit, then light transmission regulation is improved, but positioning and electrical connection challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions control electronics in three-dimensional space within the window structure, utilizing the depth between the inner and outer glass panellings. Rather than attempting to mount electronics on the two-dimensional surface of the glass, the invention creates a volumetric space housing the electronics, allowing for optimized electrical connections to solar cells and electrochromic layers while maintaining a compact, integrated design that simplifies installation.
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 facilitates energy generation and efficient light control while maintaining standard dimensions and installation requirements, reducing energy consumption and simplifying component integration.
Implementation Method 1
PCT international applications numbers PCT/AU2012/000778, PCT/AU2012/000787 and PCT/AU2014/000814 (owned by the present applicant) disclose window units having a windowpane which is transmissive for visible light, but comprise solar cells that absorb light, such as infrared radiation, to generate electricity.
Implementation Method 2
a first panel having an area transparent for at least a portion of visible light; a second panel having an area transparent for at least a portion of visible light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a window unit for a building or structure. The window unit comprises a first panel having an area transparent for at least a portion of visible light. The window unit also comprises a second panel having an area transparent for at least a portion of visible light. The window unit further comprises a spacer spacing the first panel from the second panel. The spacer surrounds a space between the first and second panels. A first edge area of the first panel extends beyond a projection of the circumference of the spacer in a direction of a surface normal of the first panel. The window unit also comprises a housing incorporating at least one electric or electronic element which is indirectly or directly electrically coupled to at least one other electrical component positioned within the window unit. The housing is positioned at or near the spacer and at least partially within a projection of the circumference of the first edge area of the first panel in the direction of the surface normal of the first panel.