US 12,009,775 B2 · Solar window construction and methods

Abstract

Disclosed are novel forms of operable and fixed windows capable of at least one or more of: producing an electrical current utilizing a transparent or semi-transparent solar collecting coating or film on a pane, and selectively changing one or more of opacity and tint of one or more electrochromatic layers in the window. Some embodiments disclose a scaffold assembly to enclose the perimeter of the substrate and one or more transparent solar cells or electrochromatic layers, or transparent solar cells and electrochromatic layers. Various structural and electrical configurations are disclosed satisfying kinematic demands of operable windows. Wired and wireless configurations of the windows are contemplated as are self-powered versions whereby the transparent solar collector or wireless power powers electrochromatic functions. Also disclosed are self-powered and self-contained glaze units with control wirelessly or from user interface controls on an indoor facing pane. Also disclosed are other smart window functions.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of converting a fixed or operable window that is absent of one or more of photovoltaics and electrochromatics on a glaze (non-PVEC glaze) of the fixed or operable window to have a self-contained and self-powered photovoltaic electrochromatic glaze (PVEC glaze):

obtaining the fixed or operable window having a sash with the non-PVEC glaze seated in a scaffold assembly of the fixed or operable window;
removing a glaze bead from a bead recess of one or more of:
a first stile, a second stile, a first rail, and a second rail of the scaffold assembly of the fixed or operable window having the non-PVEC glaze;
removing at least a portion of one or more of sealants and gaskets present in a rabbet of the scaffold assembly;
removing the non-PVEC glaze of the fixed or operable window from the scaffold assembly of the sash;
obtaining the self-contained and self-powered PVEC glaze wherein said PVEC glaze is sized for fit within the rabbet of the scaffold assembly of the sash;
applying at least one of gaskets and sealants operable to seal the PVEC glaze in the scaffold assembly;
orientating the PVEC glaze for positional fit within the fixed or operable window;
seating the PVEC glaze in the rabbet of the scaffold assembly;
and
securing the self-powered and self-contained PVEC glaze within the scaffold assembly with a glaze bead along the one or more rails and stiles of the sash.

8 more elements

An operational solar collecting window comprising:

a sash portion;
a window frame portion encircling said sash portion for mounting within the wall of a building structure;
said sash portion comprising a glaze with a generally transparent solar collector portion capable of producing an electrical current when exposed to light;
said sash portion comprising a scaffold enclosing the periphery of said generally transparent solar collector portion;
a solar terminal;
said solar collector portion electrically coupled to said solar terminal;
said solar terminal comprising a positive solar terminal and a negative solar terminal;
an exit conductor for conducting electricity from said solar terminal;
said exit conductor having a sash lead for electrical coupling with said solar terminal;
said exit conductor having a functional lead at said window frame portion;
a scaffold port to provide passage of a conductor through said scaffold;
a portion of said exit conductor residing in said scaffold port;
a bridge portion of said exit conductor extending between said sash portion and said window frame portion;
said sash portion operational via pivoting or sliding with respect to said window frame portion;
said bridge portion of said exit conductor transferring electrical current between said sash portion and said frame portion;
said frame portion comprising a frame port for passage of a conductor through said window frame portion;
and,
a portion of said exit conductor residing in said frame port.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Solar window construction and methods

Life of this patent

Solar window construction and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20