SMART WINDOW DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

Methods relating to and an apparatus including: a smart device and an integrated heating module are provided. The apparatus includes: a smart device having an electrically switchable material, a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer, wherein the electrically switchable material is retained between a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer; and an integrated heating module configured between the electrically switchable material and one of: the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, wherein the integrated heating module is configured to provide resistant heating along at least a portion of the electrically switchable material.

Claims

1) An apparatus, comprising: a. a smart device comprising: i. a first layer; ii. a second layer, iii. an electrically switchable material configured between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the electrically switchable material is configured to provide a transparent mode and a non-transparent mode, iv. a pair of electrodes, including an anode and a cathode, wherein each of the electrodes is configured in electrical communication with the electrically switchable material; and v. a power source configured in electrical communication with the electrodes, further wherein the power source is configured to provide: (1) a switching mode current to the electrically switchable material and (2) a heating mode current via at least one electrode.

2) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an electrode is configured as an ohmic heater.

3) The apparatus of claim 1, further, comprising: b. an integrated heating module configured between the electrically switchable material and one of: the first layer and the second layer, wherein the integrated heating module is configured to provide resistant heating along at least a portion of the electrically switchable material.

4) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smart device comprises a smart window.

5) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smart window is greater than 10″×10″.

6) The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the smart window is selected from the group consisting of: a liquid crystal window; a photochromic window, a micro-blinds window, and suspended particles window.

7) The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the smart window comprises a liquid crystal, electrically switchable material comprises at least one liquid crystal.

8) The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the smart window is a single pixel cell liquid crystal window.

9) The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the smart window comprises a photochromic window, the electrically switchable material comprises a nano-crystalline film.

10) The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the smart window comprises a micro-blinds window, the electrically switchable material comprises a plurality of conductive metal oxide members.

11) The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the smart window comprises a suspended particle window, the electrically switchable material comprises a plurality of rod-shaped, electrically alignable particles.

12) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the heating module comprises: a. an electrically insulating sheet configured to promote electrical separation from the electrically switchable material and the heating module; and b. a power supply configured to provide current to the heating module, wherein the power supply is configured electrically isolated from the electrically switchable material.

13) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heating module comprises a resistance layer.

14) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the resistance layer is selected from: a transparent conductive layer.

15) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the resistance layer is configured as a sheet, a coating, a film, and/or combinations thereof.

16) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heating module comprises a resistance element.

17) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the resistance element is selected from: a transparent conductive layer, a semi-transparent conductive layer, a non-transparent conductive layer, and combinations thereof.

18) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the resistance element is configured with a tailored pattern.

19) The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the tailored pattern is selected from the group consisting of: a grid, a ribbon, a wire, a mesh, a geometric shape, a plurality of concentric shapes, and/or combinations thereof.

20) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heating module comprises: a resistance layer and a resistance element.

21)-40). (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure are better understood when the following detailed description of the disclosure is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a smart window assembly having an integrated thermal control module, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting another embodiment of a smart window assembly having an integrated thermal control module comprising a heating module, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of an embodiment of a smart window having an integrated thermal control module comprising a heating module, in accordance one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict schematic diagrams of an embodiment of a smart window device having two types of heating modules, a resistance layer and two resistance elements, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4A, component of the heating members, two heating array embodiments and one heating layer embodiment, are shown in exploded, side-by-side, plan view.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4B, a schematic of the smart window device having the combined (e.g. stacked) heating member is shown relative to the remaining assembly components, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this configuration, a plurality of heating members, each having differing areas or portions of the device that they interact with or the same (overlapping) portions of the device, are combinable to provide a tailored heating module (e.g. with localized relatively higher heat in small areas or distributed relatively lower heat in large areas of the device).

[0067] FIG. 5 is a schematic of another embodiment of a smart device having discrete zones of heating members (4 shown, 2 upper and 2 lower), in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of a sensor array configured to communicate with a control system, utilized in conjunction with the smart device having a heating member, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 7 depicts and embodiment of a plurality of smart devices having integrated heating modules configured communicate with (direct signals to and receive signals from) a control system having a processor. As shown, the devices and processor can be housed in the same site or the control system can be housed remotely (depicted as ‘in’ or ‘out’ of corresponding optional configurations).

[0070] FIG. 8 depicts a method of operating a smart window device having an integrated thermal control module by utilizing temperature-based information, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG. 9 depicts a method of operating a smart window device having an integrated thermal control module by utilizing transmittance-based information, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 10 depicts a method of operating a smart window device having an integrated thermal control module by utilizing temperature-based information, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] FIG. 11 depicts a method of operation of a smart window device having an integrated passive thermal control module by utilizing one or more criterion (e.g. temperature or optical transmittance), in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 12 depicts a method of operation of a smart window device having an integrated active thermal control module by utilizing one or more criterion (e.g. temperature or optical transmittance), in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various principles of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, having had the benefit of the present disclosure, that the present disclosure may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from the specific details disclosed herein. Moreover, descriptions of well-known devices, methods and materials may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of various principles of the present disclosure. Finally, wherever applicable, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0076] The Figures depict various embodiments for smart window configurations, where embodiments provide: (1) the existing power supply is utilized in both switching mode and heating mode or (2) an additional heating module (including corresponding power supply, resistance element(s) and/or resistance layer(s), and insulating layer are provided).

[0077] In some embodiments, the thermal control module is operated during (concomitant with) switching of the smart window. In some embodiments, the thermal control module is operated prior to switching of the smart window. In some embodiments, the thermal control module is operated prior to and in combination with the switching of the smart window (e.g. either as passive/background heating or in instances where temperature gradient(s) and/or temperature thresholds are detected). For example, based on the finite sheet resistance of the electrode (conductive film), by applying electrical current, the electrode is configured to generate resistive heating locally in the smart device. In this configuration, the smart device is heated to provide tailored temperature control in low temperature operating conditions and/or provide a reduced and/or eliminated temperature gradient across the surface of the smart device. Thus, device performance is improved in environmental conditions that would otherwise impact device performance and/or longevity.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 1, a smart window 100 including a smart device 110 configured with an in-situ thermal control module 140 is provided. The smart window 100 includes a smart device 110 positioned between a first layer 120 and a second layer 130. The first layer 120 and second layer 130 are configured with a generally planar configuration and are transparent (e.g. glass or polymer), such that the smart device 110 is visible during operation/in installation. The first layer 120 includes a first layer 120 includes an outer surface 122 and inner surface 124 (adjacent to the first side 114 of smart device 110). The second layer 130 includes an outer surface 132 and an inner surface 134 (adjacent to the second side 116 of smart device 110).

[0079] To actuate, the smart device 110 (e.g. electrically switchable material 112) is configured in electrical communication with (via electrical connection 104) a power source 118 (shown with V for providing voltage) via a pair of electrodes, first electrode 106 and second electrode 108 (e.g. anode and cathode). The power source 118 is configured with two modes: in a first mode, the power source 118 supplies a first voltage across the electrodes and corresponding electrically switchable material 112, to actuate a change in the smart window 100 (e.g. establish a voltage drop) such that the transmission state actuates from a first transmission to a second transmission; and in a second mode, the power source 118 is configured to direct current through an electrode (106 or 108), such that the electrical current causes resistive heating in the electrode (and corresponding conductive heat of the smart window 100 components, including the electrically switchable material 112).

[0080] Referring to FIG. 1, a smart window 100 including a smart device 110 configured with an in-situ thermal control module 140 is provided. The smart window 100 includes a smart device 110 positioned between a first layer 120 and a second layer 130. The first layer 120 and second layer 130 are configured with a generally planar configuration and are transparent (e.g. glass or polymer), such that the smart device 110 is visible during operation/in installation. The first layer 120 includes a first layer 120 includes an outer surface 122 and inner surface 124 (adjacent to the first side 114 of smart device 110). The second layer 130 includes an outer surface 132 and an inner surface 134 (adjacent to the second side 116 of smart device 110).

[0081] To actuate, the smart device 110 (e.g. electrically switchable material 112) is configured in electrical communication with (via electrical connection 104) a power source 118 (shown with V for providing voltage) via a pair of electrodes, first electrode 106 and second electrode 108 (e.g. anode and cathode). Additionally, the power source 118 is configured in electrical communication with (e.g. to supply voltage to) a heating module 150. The heating module 150 is positioned between the second layer 130 and an insulating layer 162 (e.g. dielectric sheet), such that the heating module is electrically isolated from the electrode 108 and configured to provide radiant heat, conductively across the smart window 100 components to direct heat into the electrically conductive material 112 of the smart device 110. Thus, the power supply 118 cooperates the heating module 150 (at least one of: a resistance element and/or resistance layer) to direct current through the heating module 150 to create resistive heating in the electrode (and corresponding conductive heat of the smart window 100 components, including the electrically switchable material 112).

[0082] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded schematic view of another embodiment of a smart window 100 having an integrated heating module 150, further providing a second power source 142 configured to direct current to/through the heating module 150 (i.e. the power source 142 is electrically isolated/separate from the smart device 110 power source 118).

[0083] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a smart window 100 having a heating module 150 configured from multiple components: two resistance elements 152 (one right-facing 152′ and one left-facing 152″) and one resistance sheet 168. Each of the components is depicted in FIG. 4B, in plan, side-by-side view. FIG. 4A depicts a schematic of the smart window 100, showing the resistance elements 152′ and 152″ in stacked configuration with the resistance layer 168, where the resistance elements are in an interdigitated configuration, to provide tailored delivery of heat (e.g. resistance elements configured with lower resistance so higher current (more heating) and resistance sheet configured with higher resistance, so lower current (less heat).

[0084] FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment, showing a smart window 100 having a plurality of zones 170, including four zones, 172, 174, 176, and 178. The smart window 100 is configured with a plurality of sensors 180 across, here, showing 5 sensors interspaced in each zone. The sensors 180 are configured to detect one or more criterion (e.g. temperature, transmission, etc.) and communicate with one or more other smart window 100 and/or control system (not shown) components to provide real-time information on the state of the window.

[0085] FIG. 6 depicts a smart window 100 configured with a plurality of sensors 180, where the sensors are configured to communicate with control system 186 to provide sensed criterion to the control system (e.g. temperature, transmittance, or other criterion). Depicted are two arrows: arrow 182, which indicates the detected signals 182 from the sensors 180 and arrow 184, which indicates the control signals 184 directed from the control system to the smart window 100 (e.g. actuating an integrated thermal control module based on the sensed criterion).

[0086] FIG. 7 provide a schematic depicting two embodiments of a smart window 100, a embodiment A showing a plurality of smart windows 100 each having an integrated plurality of sensors configured to communicate with an onboard/onsite control system 186 having a processor 188 (e.g. wirelessly or hard wired) and embodiment B, showing a remote configuration of a plurality of smart windows 100 each having an integrated plurality of sensors 180 communicating with a remote control system 186 having an on board processor.

[0087] FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart for an embodiment of utilizing the integrated thermal control module of the smart window, showing various steps for a detecting a temperature gradient and heating in response to a temperature gradient below a predetermined threshold.

[0088] FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart for an embodiment of utilizing the integrated thermal control module of the smart window, showing various steps for a detecting a transmittance gradient and heating in response to a transmittance gradient below a predetermined threshold.

[0089] FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart for an embodiment of utilizing the integrated thermal control module of the smart window, showing various steps for a detecting an average temperature and heating in response to a average temperature below a predetermined threshold.

[0090] FIG. 11 depicts a flow chart of the steps of a method of detecting and actuating the integrated heating module in conjunction with temperature feedback, depicting a continuous monitoring and feedback loop.

[0091] FIG. 12 depicts a flow chart of the steps of a method of detecting and actuating the integrated heating module in conjunction with transmittance feedback, depicting a continuous monitoring and feedback loop.

[0092] Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and various principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0093] Smart window assembly 100

[0094] Frame 102

[0095] Sealing member 104

[0096] Smart device (e.g. panel) 110

[0097] Electrically switchable material 112

[0098] First sidewall (of smart device) 114

[0099] Second sidewall (of smart device) 116

[0100] Electrical connection 104

[0101] Power source 118 (e.g. configured to direct either switching current or heating current to electrode(s) of smart device)

[0102] First electrode 106

[0103] Second electrode 108

[0104] Integrated thermal control module 140

[0105] Power source (of heating module) 142

[0106] Electrical bus work/connections 144

[0107] First pane 120 (e.g. transparent, optically clear, glass, glass laminate, or polymer)

[0108] Outer surface first pane 122

[0109] Inner surface first pane 124

[0110] Second pane 130 (e.g. transparent, optically clear, glass, glass laminate, or polymer)

[0111] Outer surface second pane 132

[0112] Inner surface second pane 134

[0113] Heating module 150 (e.g. resistance layer (transparent) or resistance element (transparent or non-transparent))

[0114] Resistance element 152 (e.g. configured in pattern, lines, mesh, grid, geometric, concentric, etc.)

[0115] Insulating layer 162 (e.g. dielectric layer, portion, sheet, film, coating)

[0116] Resistance layer 168 (e.g. layer, sheet, film, coating)

[0117] Plurality of zones 170

[0118] Zone 1 172

[0119] Zone 2 174

[0120] Zone 3 176

[0121] Zone 4 176

[0122] Plurality of sensors 180

[0123] Detect signal 182

[0124] Control signal 184

[0125] Control System 186

[0126] Processor 188