Method and apparatus for control of electrochromic devices
AssigneeAshwin-Ushas Corporation, Inc.
InventorPrasanna Chandrasekhar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for modulating the transmissivity of electrochromic devices utilizing a controller that provides a continuous potential that may be pulsed to the electrochromic device.
Claims23
An apparatus for applying electrical potential to an electrochromic device and configured to electrochromically switch the electrochromic device where the electrochromic device comprises a first electrode comprising a cathodically coloring conducting polymeric material, a second electrode comprising an anodically coloring conducting polymeric material, and an electrolyte disposed between and in electrochemical communication with the first and second electrode, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a photosensor configured to receive light and convert such light to a photosensor potential;
- and
- b. a controller in electrical communication with the photosensor and the electrochromic device, the controller configured to deliver a continuous voltage that is pulsed to the electrochromic device in response to the photosensor potential, the continuous voltage sufficient to electrochromically switch the electrochromic device;
- wherein the cathodically coloring conducting polymeric material comprises a substituted or unsubstituted 2,2-dibenzyl-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene monomer.
A method for modulating the transmittance of an electrochromic device having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a power source in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes, the method comprising the steps of:
- delivering a continuous voltage from the power source across the first and second electrodes and pulsing the continuous voltage according to a pulse sequence, the pulse sequence comprising applying at least one overpotential for less than about 0.5 seconds and then applying an operating potential for less than about 0.5 seconds, wherein the overpotential is greater in magnitude than the operating potential;
- and
- halting delivery of the continuous voltage to the first and second electrode once a selected transmittance state of the electrochromic device is reached.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.