Abstract:
The color of an electrochromic stack in a tinted state may be modified to achieve a desired color target by utilizing various techniques alone or in combination. A first approach generally involves changing a coloration efficiency of a WOx electrochromic (EC) layer by lowering a sputter temperature to achieve a WOx microstructural change in the EC layer. A second approach generally involves utilizing a dopant (e.g., Mo, Nb, or V) to improve the neutrality of the tinted state of WOx (coloration efficiency changes). A third approach generally involves tailoring a thickness of the WOx layer to tune the color of the tinted stack.
Abstract:
A method of operating an electrochromic device comprising: coupling a logic device to the electrochromic device; applying a voltage to the electrochromic device; receiving a current from the electrochromic device in response to the provided voltage; and with the logic device, determining an exact operating condition of the electrochromic device from the received current. A method of operating a plurality of electrochromic devices comprising: adjusting a frequency of voltage applied to the plurality of electrochromic devices, wherein each of the plurality of electrochromic devices is adjusted by a different frequency; measuring a duration of time required to change tint states of each of the electrochromic devices; and identifying a location of each of the plurality of electrochromic devices in response to the measured duration of time required to change the tint states of each of the electrochromic device.
Abstract:
An electrochemical device and method of forming said device is disclosed. The method can include providing a substrate and stack overlying the substrate. The stack can include a first transparent conductive layer over the substrate, a cathodic electrochemical layer over the first transparent conductive layer, an anodic electrochemical layer over the electrochromic layer, and a second transparent conductive layer overlying the anodic electrochemical layer. The method can include depositing an insulating layer over the stack and determining a first pattern for the second transparent conductive layer. The first pattern can include a first region and a second region. The first region and the second region can be the same material. The method can include patterning the first region of the second transparent conductive layer without removing the material from the first region. The first region can have a first resistivity and the second region can have a second resistivity.
Abstract:
A glazing unit is disclosed. The glazing unit can include a first pane and an active device. The active device can be coupled to the first pane. The glazing unit can also include a thermoelectric film layer between the active device and the first pane. In one embodiment, the active device is an electrochromic device.
Abstract:
An electrochromic apparatus is disclosed. The electrochromic device can include a first bus bar electrically connected to a first transparent conductor, where the first bus bar comprises a first segment between a second segment and a third segment, where the first segment has a first thickness that is less than a second thickness of the second segment and less than a third thickness of the third segment. The electrochromic apparatus can further include a first voltage supply terminal that is offset from a center of the first bus bar.
Abstract:
The present disclosure describes various processes of forming an electrochromic stack using at most one metallic lithium deposition station. In some aspects, a process may include depositing metallic lithium only within an electrochromic counter-electrode of an electrochromic stack. In some aspects, a process may include using a lithium-containing ceramic counter-electrode target to form an electrochromic counter-electrode and depositing metallic lithium only within or above an electrochromic electrode of the electrochromic stack. In some embodiments, a process may include using a lithium-containing ceramic electrode target, and optionally additionally depositing metallic lithium to add mobile lithium to the electrochromic stack. In some embodiments, a process may include using a single metallic lithium deposition station to deposit metallic lithium between an ion-conducting layer and an electrochromic electrode of the electrochromic stack.
Abstract:
A laminate can include a first panel and including a first transparent substrate having a first refractive index. The laminate can further include a second panel and a third panel, each coupled to the first panel. The second panel includes a second transparent substrate having a second refractive index, and the third panel includes a third transparent substrate having a third refractive index. The laminate can further include a fill material disposed within a gap between the second and third panels and having a fill material refractive index. The fill material refractive index is within 0.09 of the second refractive index, the third refractive index, or a value between the second and third refractive indices. Coupling may be direct or may be achieved with an adhesive film. The fill material can help to reduce the likelihood of seeing seams between the second and third panels.
Abstract:
The disclosure is directed to a cutting process involving: (a) creating a starter crack using a scribe wheel, (b) application of laser or electrothermal heating, and (c) subsequent cooling from a gas or an aerosol jet, as the laser beam and cooling jet move along the desired cutting line. The cutting process can be implemented for cutting a glass panel or other substrate into a plurality of smaller panels. The starter crack may be created on any of the smaller panels within about 10 mm to about 20 mm from the corner of the smaller panel.
Abstract:
An electrochromic device is structured to restrict moisture permeation between an electrochromic stack in the device and an external environment. The electrochromic device includes conductive layers and one or more encapsulation layers, where the encapsulation layers and conductive layers collectively isolate the electrochromic stack from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layers resist moisture permeation, and at least the outer portions of the conductive layers resist moisture permeation. The moisture-resistant electrochromic device can be fabricated based at least in part upon selective removal of one or more outer portions of at least the EC stack, so that at least the encapsulation layer extends over one or more edge portions of the EC stack to isolate the edge portions of the EC stack from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layer can include one or more of an anti-reflective layer, infrared cut-off filter, etc.
Abstract:
One object of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic device having improved insulating film structure to reduce electrical leakage. The improved structure includes a lower conductive layer, upper conductive layer, an electrochromic electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and at least one ion-conductor layer sandwiched between the electrochromic electrode layer and the counter electrode layer. The lower conductive layer and the electrochromic electrode layer are scribed and the gap formed from the scribing is filled with the layers formed above the electrochromic electrode layer. In some aspects, the ion-conductor layer is also scribed with the lower conductor and electrochromic electrode layers and the gap formed from the scribing is filled with the layers formed above the ion-conductor layer. In further aspects, the insulating film may include one or more buffer layers formed above an ion-conductor layer, further separating the upper conductive layer from the lower conductive layer.