Window Insulating Substrate with Segmented Openings for Solar Energy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window systems fail to effectively harness renewable energy from radiant light while also providing insulation, resulting in a loss of readily available energy.

Innovation Solution

A window assembly incorporating a solar module with a photovoltaic layer and an insulating substrate of predefined openness, positioned adjacent to a window pane, which converts radiant light into electrical energy and channels excess light based on the substrate's openness, with an energy module for electrical communication and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a window assembly uses a solid opaque insulating substrate to block radiant light, then insulation performance is improved, but renewable energy collection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss from blocking radiant lightVSAvoidheat gain from radiant light

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating substrate is segmented with an optimized pattern of openings that allows selective transmission of radiant light. This segmentation enables the substrate to simultaneously block harmful thermal radiation while permitting useful solar energy to reach the photovoltaic layer, resolving the contradiction between insulation and energy collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate transitions from being uniformly opaque to having spatially varying properties with specific opening patterns. This local quality variation allows different regions of the substrate to perform different functions: solid areas provide insulation while opening areas enable energy transmission to the photovoltaic layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If a window assembly uses a photovoltaic layer to convert radiant light into electrical energy, then energy collection is improved, but insulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoidheat loss through window

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic layer is merged with the insulating substrate to form an integrated solar insulating unit. This combination allows the system to simultaneously provide electrical energy generation through the photovoltaic layer and thermal insulation through the substrate, eliminating the need to choose between the two functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The window assembly becomes multi-functional by integrating both photovoltaic energy conversion and thermal insulation capabilities into a single unit. The system simultaneously generates electrical energy and provides insulation, making it universally applicable for both energy production and thermal management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If a window assembly blocks radiant light to prevent heat gain, then thermal comfort is improved, but renewable energy availability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindoor temperature controlVSAvoidloss of renewable energy from radiant light

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts what would normally be harmful radiant light (causing unwanted heat gain) into beneficial electrical energy through photovoltaic conversion. The radiant light that would otherwise be blocked is instead captured and converted, transforming a harmful factor into a useful resource while still maintaining thermal comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 window assembly efficiently generates electrical energy from radiant light while providing insulation, optimizing energy collection and usage by controlling light exposure and transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a photovoltaic layer to receive at least a portion of the radiant light, and to convert the received radiant light into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

an insulating substrate having a predefined openness that is disposed proximate to the photovoltaic layer to channel at least another portion of the radiant light based on the openness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight channeling through porous structure: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS10665741B2Window insulating and power generation system

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 TOTAL SHADE INC

AI summary

A window assembly. The window assembly is exposed to radiant light, and comprises a window pane, a solar module positioned adjacent the window pane. The solar module includes a) a photovoltaic layer to receive at least a portion of the radiant light, and to convert the radiant light into electrical energy, and b) an insulating substrate having a predefined openness and being positioned proximate the photovoltaic layer, to block out another portion of the radiant light based on the openness. The window assembly also comprises an energy device being in electrical communication with the photovoltaic layer to receive and distribute the electrical energy.