Smart self-powered window with pod concept and charger system

A self-contained smart window system, the window system comprising:

• an energy harvesting component, the energy harvesting component comprises an insulated glass unit (IGU) comprising solar-generating glass configured to provide a source of electrical power to the window system;
• an energy management component, the energy management component in electrical communication with the solar-generating glass and configured to optimize storage and distribution of the electrical power generated by the solar-generating glass;
• an energy storage component, the energy storage component comprising one or more storage devices in electrical communication with the energy management component;
• one or more energy consuming functional components, the one or more energy consuming functional components provide at least one of a privacy function, a security function, a dynamic window tinting function, or an on-demand power function;
• a smart window system controller component, the smart window system controller component in electrical communication with the energy harvesting component, the energy management component, the energy storage component, and the one or more energy consuming functional components and configured to control energy management and the functional components;
• and
• a structure configured to secure at least the energy harvesting component, the energy management component, the energy storage component, the smart window system controller component, and the one or more energy consuming functional components within the structure,
• wherein the window system is self-contained such that the electrical power required to power the components is provided by the solar-generating glass.

A method of providing privacy, security, and energy efficiency to an interior structure having a window frame, the method comprising:

• providing a self-contained smart window system;
• and
• mounting the self-contained smart window system in the window frame, the self-contained smart window system comprising:
• solar-generating glass, the solar-generating glass configured to provide a source of electrical power to the window system;
• one or more pods configured to hold one or more features;
• an energy management system in electrical communication with the solar-generating glass, the energy management system configured to optimize storage and distribution of the electrical power provided by the solar-generating glass;
• at least one energy storage device positioned in at least one pod, the at least one energy storage device configured to be in electrical communication with the solar-generating glass;
• one or more electrical circuits configured to distribute the electrical power to the one or more pods and the at least one energy storage device;
• and
• a structure configured to secure at least the solar-generating glass, the one or more pods, and the at least one energy storage device within the structure,
• wherein the window system is self-contained such that the electrical power required to operate the one or more features, to energize the one or more electrical circuits, and charge the at least one energy storage device is provided by the solar-generating glass.