Transparent photovoltaic coating for an electro-chromic device

• US 10,423,044 B2
• Filed: 02/08/2018
• Issued: 09/24/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Franz, Sue F., Tonar, William L., Cammenga, David J., Neuman, George A., Geerlings, Kurtis L., Bareman, Donald L., Ash, Kevin L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ben, Loha
• Application Number:
  US15/891,780
• Publication Number:
  US 20180231861A1
• Time in Patent Office: 593 Days
• Field of Search: 359265, 359270, 359275, 345105, 52204, 52591, 52593, 52204595, 2441293
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2009/2464 featuring transparency control by applying voltage, e.g. LCD, electrochromic panels
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2009/2476 Solar cells
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 3/6722 with adjustable passage of light
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 9/24 Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blindsoperating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures E06B9/56; free-hanging flexible screens A47H23/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/153 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/161 Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/163 Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cells; Circuit arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/15145 the electrochromic layer comprises a mixture of anodic and cathodic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0488 Double glass encapsulation, e.g. photovoltaic cells arranged between front and rear glass sheets
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/345 using capacitors as storage or buffering devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/35 with light sensitive cells
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 40/20 Optical components
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 40/38 Energy storage means, e.g. batteries, structurally associated with PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/10 Photovoltaic [PV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/56 Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin

Abstract

A transparent photovoltaic (TPV) integrated directly into the structure of an electrochromic (EC) device is beneficial in that it can eliminate at least one substrate and provide more uniform coloring. Integration of a transparent photovoltaic with an electrochromic device may also reduce or eliminate the need for an electrical bus on a substrate. In some embodiments, positioning the TPV internally with the EC cell may eliminate the need for additional substrate layers or a conductive layer on one side of the TPV cell. Integrating a PV cell into the EC device can additionally reduce the need for external wiring and an external power supply. Alternatively, the TPV can assist in charging a battery where the battery can be used to power the EC device when there is no sunlight available.

Claims

1. An electro-optic device comprising:

a first substantially transparent substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer;

a second substantially transparent substrate having third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer;

a primary seal disposed between the first and second substantially transparent substrates, wherein the seal and the first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween;

an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity on the second electrically conductive layer, the electro-optic medium being variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states; and

a transparent photovoltaic medium disposed in the cavity on the first electrically conductive layer, wherein the transparent photovoltaic medium converts and maintains the electro-optic device to the darkened state, wherein the transparent photovoltaic medium is additionally disposed on the electro-optic medium.

2. The electro-optic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a controller electrically coupled to the first and second electrically conductive layers.

3. The electro-optic device of claim 2, wherein the controller is electrically coupled to one or more inputs and an energy storage device.

4. The electro-optic device of claim 1, further comprising:

an external power supply configured to store and deliver an electrical charge when the transparent photovoltaic medium is not absorbing a threshold light energy.

5. The electro-optic device of claim 1, wherein the transparent photovoltaic medium is configured to electrically charge an external power supply.

6. The electro-optic device of claim 1, wherein the transparent photovoltaic medium has at least a 45% visible light transmission.

7. The electro-optic device of claim 1, wherein the electro-optic device is selected from the group consisting of a mirror, a vehicle rearview assembly, a window, a display device, an aircraft transparency.

8. The electro-optic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a third electrically conductive layer disposed between the electro-optic medium and the transparent photovoltaic medium.

9. The electro-optic device of claim 1, wherein one or more inputs send information to a controller configured to direct a voltage to the electro-optic device through the transparent photovoltaic medium or an external power supply.

10. An electro-optic device comprising:

a first substantially transparent substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer;

a second substantially transparent substrate having third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the third surface comprises a third electrically conductive layer;

a primary seal disposed between the first and second substantially transparent substrates, wherein the seal and the first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween;

an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity on the third surface of the second substantially transparent substrate, the electro-optic medium being variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states;

a transparent photovoltaic medium disposed in the cavity on the first electrically conductive layer, wherein the transparent photovoltaic medium converts and maintains the electro-optic device to the darkened state; and

a second electrically conductive layer disposed between the electro-optic medium and the transparent photovoltaic medium.

11. The electro-optic device of claim 10, further comprising a controller coupled to the first, second, and third electrically conductive layers, wherein the controller is coupled to one or more inputs and an energy storage device.

12. The electro-optic device of claim 10, further comprising an external power supply configured to store and deliver an electrical charge when the transparent photovoltaic medium is not absorbing a threshold light energy.

13. The electro-optic device of claim 10, wherein one or more inputs send information to a controller configured to direct a voltage to the electro-optic device through the transparent photovoltaic medium or an external power supply.

14. The electro-optic device of claim 10, wherein the transparent photovoltaic medium is configured to electrically charge an external power supply.

15. The electro-optic device of claim 10, wherein the transparent photovoltaic medium has at least a 45% visible light transmission.

16. The electro-optic device of claim 10, wherein the electro-optic device is selected from the group consisting of a mirror, a vehicle rearview assembly, a window, a display device, an aircraft transparency.

17. An electro-optic device comprising:

a first substantially transparent substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the first surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer and the second surface comprises a third electrically conductive layer;

a second substantially transparent substrate having third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the third surface comprises a fourth electrically conductive layer;

a primary seal disposed between the first and second substantially transparent substrates, wherein the seal and the first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween;

an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity, the electro-optic medium being variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states; and

a transparent photovoltaic medium disposed between a first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer of the first substantially transparent substrate, wherein the transparent photovoltaic medium converts and maintains the electro-optic device to the darkened state.

18. The electro-optic device of claim 17, further comprising a controller coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth electrically conductive layers, and wherein the controller is coupled to one or more inputs and an energy storage device.

19. The electro-optic device of claim 17, further comprising an external power supply configured to store and deliver an electrical charge when the transparent photovoltaic medium is not absorbing a threshold light energy.

20. The electro-optic device of claim 17, wherein one or more inputs send information to a controller configured to direct a voltage to the electro-optic device through the transparent photovoltaic medium or an external power supply.