CA2551356A1 - Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system - Google Patents
Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2551356A1 CA2551356A1 CA 2551356 CA2551356A CA2551356A1 CA 2551356 A1 CA2551356 A1 CA 2551356A1 CA 2551356 CA2551356 CA 2551356 CA 2551356 A CA2551356 A CA 2551356A CA 2551356 A1 CA2551356 A1 CA 2551356A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- window
- desiccant
- frame
- heat insulation
- glass panes
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000002274 desiccant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 8
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000012431 wafers Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000002313 adhesive film Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000005340 laminated glass Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- QLCJOAMJPCOIDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-(butoxymethoxy)butane Chemical compound CCCCOCOCCCC QLCJOAMJPCOIDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- MARUHZGHZWCEQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-phenyl-2h-tetrazole Chemical compound C1=CC=CC=C1C1=NNN=N1 MARUHZGHZWCEQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JBRZTFJDHDCESZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N AsGa Chemical compound [As]#[Ga] JBRZTFJDHDCESZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910001218 Gallium arsenide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KTSFMFGEAAANTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N [Cu].[Se].[Se].[In] Chemical compound [Cu].[Se].[Se].[In] KTSFMFGEAAANTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021417 amorphous silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- JGIATAMCQXIDNZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium sulfide Chemical compound [Ca]=S JGIATAMCQXIDNZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010924 continuous production Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
- E06B3/67—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B7/00—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
- E06B7/28—Other arrangements on doors or windows, e.g. door-plates, windows adapted to carry plants, hooks for window cleaners
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
- H01L31/048—Encapsulation of modules
- H01L31/0488—Double glass encapsulation, e.g. photovoltaic cells arranged between front and rear glass sheets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/26—Building materials integrated with PV modules, e.g. façade elements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Securing Of Glass Panes Or The Like (AREA)
- Joining Of Glass To Other Materials (AREA)
- Special Wing (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A heat insulating window comprises a pair of outer glass panes, held apart by a spacing member and surrounded by a frame enclosing at least one photovoltaic cell. In a preferred embodiment a conduit system providing gas communication to the air space between the glass panes includes a desiccant.
Description
1. ...,. 1 1. iiY~Mii" ... url II 1 1 dhw,i...4 i INSULATING WINDOW INCORPORATING PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND A
PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to window structures, and more particularly to window structures comprising photovoltaic panels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Windows or glass areas are a significant weakness in the heat insulation schemes for buildings in hot or cold climates. A basic insulating window that is well-known is constructed from two panes of glass within a rigid frame. The air space between the panes provides heat insulation.
Photovoltaic units, when disposed between the two panes, heat the air entrapped within the insulating glass unit, which causes the seal to fail prematurely. U.S. Patent 4,137,098 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing that is cooled by a forced air system. U.S. Patent 5,128,181 to Kunert discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing in which excess solar radiation is dissipated outwardly by convection. U.S. Patent 5,221,363 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing having valves so that excess heat may be removed by convection. However, if the entrapped air is vented, when the window cools and air reenters the unit, condensation may occur which impairs the transparency of the window unit.
Therefore there is a need in the art for an insulating glass unit window structure, which includes a photovoltaic cell and mitigates the difficulties posed by the prior art.
. . . , . .,._... .~..... ... ,,, .a ..,. .4.. ..
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a pressure equalized heat insulation window comprising photovoltaic cells. Therefore, in one aspect, the invention comprises a heat insulation window comprising:
(a) a pair of glass panes defining an air space therebetween;
(b) a spacing member disposed between said glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship;
(c) at least one photovoltaic cell disposed between said glass panes; and (d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprising a conduit means for providing gas communication through the frame to the air space.
In one embodiment the conduit means comprises a desiccant.
In other embodiments the frame encloses an interior space and comprises an access means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat insulation window enclosing photovoltaic cells and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the window of Fig. 1(photovoltaic cells not shown), showing the interior space enclosed by the window frame and access means; and FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 2.
PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to window structures, and more particularly to window structures comprising photovoltaic panels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Windows or glass areas are a significant weakness in the heat insulation schemes for buildings in hot or cold climates. A basic insulating window that is well-known is constructed from two panes of glass within a rigid frame. The air space between the panes provides heat insulation.
Photovoltaic units, when disposed between the two panes, heat the air entrapped within the insulating glass unit, which causes the seal to fail prematurely. U.S. Patent 4,137,098 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing that is cooled by a forced air system. U.S. Patent 5,128,181 to Kunert discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing in which excess solar radiation is dissipated outwardly by convection. U.S. Patent 5,221,363 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing having valves so that excess heat may be removed by convection. However, if the entrapped air is vented, when the window cools and air reenters the unit, condensation may occur which impairs the transparency of the window unit.
Therefore there is a need in the art for an insulating glass unit window structure, which includes a photovoltaic cell and mitigates the difficulties posed by the prior art.
. . . , . .,._... .~..... ... ,,, .a ..,. .4.. ..
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a pressure equalized heat insulation window comprising photovoltaic cells. Therefore, in one aspect, the invention comprises a heat insulation window comprising:
(a) a pair of glass panes defining an air space therebetween;
(b) a spacing member disposed between said glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship;
(c) at least one photovoltaic cell disposed between said glass panes; and (d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprising a conduit means for providing gas communication through the frame to the air space.
In one embodiment the conduit means comprises a desiccant.
In other embodiments the frame encloses an interior space and comprises an access means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat insulation window enclosing photovoltaic cells and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the window of Fig. 1(photovoltaic cells not shown), showing the interior space enclosed by the window frame and access means; and FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 2.
,_ .. .. .. ,. ..
.. ..,..H....Ir rM lx.. ...1-...A xrx...l.r.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an energy efficient, heat insulating window design. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings.
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of photovoltaic cells (2) mounted on the inner surface of outer glass pane (12) and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections (4).
Figures 2 and 3 show the heat insulation window with a pressure equalization system as described in co-owned Canadian Patent Application 2,507,108, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Figure 2 shows a view of a window unit comprising dual glass panes (10, 12) and a frame (14).
Figure 3 shows cross-sections of the glass panes (10, 12) spaced apart by a spacer (16) and held together by the frame (14).
The frame comprises an outer channel member (18), an inner channel member (20) and dual intermediate web members (22) which join the inner and outer channel members.
The inner channel member may include an installation flange (24) which projects outwardly and will abut a window jamb (not shown) when installed into a wall frame. A removable desiccant concealing member (26) is attached to the inner channel member (20) opposite the installation flange (24) which serves to retain the glass unit but does not serve any other structural function. The desiccant concealing member (26) is tube-shaped defining a single elongate channel (28). One edge of the channel defines a first lip (30) while the other edge of the channel defines a second lip (32). The two lips (30, 32) mate with corresponding grooves (31, 33) formed in the inner channel member (20).
The glass planes are positioned and retained by resilient seals (34, 36, 38).
Seal (34) is attached to the outer channel member (18) while seal (36) is attached to the inner channel member (20). Air seal (38) is attached to the desiccant concealing member (26). The seals are preferably formed , . . .. . . ,....4 =, . .... .,:al i..aro..n ,1., from a material having low thermal conductivity and relatively impervious to moisture, such as neoprene, EPDM or silicone rubber.
In a preferred embodiment, a dual desiccant system is employed. The spacer (16) is a hollow rectangular member which is filled with a suitable desiccant (40). The spacer defines pores which allow air to circulate between the air space between the glass panes (10, 12) and the interior volume of the spacer (16) which contains the desiccant. As well, a small conduit (42) connects the interior space of the spacer to a sealed tube (44) within the desiccant concealing member (26) which is filled with desiccant (40). The sealed tube (40) has a cap (46) which receives the conduit (42) thereby providing gas communication between the spacer interior volume and the desiccant tube (44).
As is apparent, the desiccant concealing member (26) may be removed from the frame (14) by disengaging the lips (30, 32) from the inner channel member (20), thereby exposing the desiccant tube (44). The desiccant tube (44) can then be easily disconnected from the conduit (44) and replaced with a fresh desiccant tube if necessary. In one alternative embodiment, the desiccant in the desiccant tube may be different from the desiccant contained in the spacer and has a higher affinity for water than the desiccant in the spacer. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, air which is drawn into the air space must pass through the replaceable desiccant tube, thereby preserving the dry atmosphere within the window unit.
Desiccant tubes (44) may be placed in one, two, three or all four desiccant concealing (20) members (26) in any orientation.
The outer, intermediate and inner channel members which comprise the frame (14) may be formed from a thermoplastic material having low thermal conductivity such as polyvinylchloride or polyamide. Alternatively, the inner and outer channel members may be metallic members such as aluminum while the intermediate member is non-metallic, thereby avoiding a thermal bridge between the two. The desiccant concealing members may be any suitable material such as a metal or a plastic, and is preferably resilient to facilitate its installation and removal from the inner channel member.
.. ..,..H....Ir rM lx.. ...1-...A xrx...l.r.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an energy efficient, heat insulating window design. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings.
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of photovoltaic cells (2) mounted on the inner surface of outer glass pane (12) and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections (4).
Figures 2 and 3 show the heat insulation window with a pressure equalization system as described in co-owned Canadian Patent Application 2,507,108, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Figure 2 shows a view of a window unit comprising dual glass panes (10, 12) and a frame (14).
Figure 3 shows cross-sections of the glass panes (10, 12) spaced apart by a spacer (16) and held together by the frame (14).
The frame comprises an outer channel member (18), an inner channel member (20) and dual intermediate web members (22) which join the inner and outer channel members.
The inner channel member may include an installation flange (24) which projects outwardly and will abut a window jamb (not shown) when installed into a wall frame. A removable desiccant concealing member (26) is attached to the inner channel member (20) opposite the installation flange (24) which serves to retain the glass unit but does not serve any other structural function. The desiccant concealing member (26) is tube-shaped defining a single elongate channel (28). One edge of the channel defines a first lip (30) while the other edge of the channel defines a second lip (32). The two lips (30, 32) mate with corresponding grooves (31, 33) formed in the inner channel member (20).
The glass planes are positioned and retained by resilient seals (34, 36, 38).
Seal (34) is attached to the outer channel member (18) while seal (36) is attached to the inner channel member (20). Air seal (38) is attached to the desiccant concealing member (26). The seals are preferably formed , . . .. . . ,....4 =, . .... .,:al i..aro..n ,1., from a material having low thermal conductivity and relatively impervious to moisture, such as neoprene, EPDM or silicone rubber.
In a preferred embodiment, a dual desiccant system is employed. The spacer (16) is a hollow rectangular member which is filled with a suitable desiccant (40). The spacer defines pores which allow air to circulate between the air space between the glass panes (10, 12) and the interior volume of the spacer (16) which contains the desiccant. As well, a small conduit (42) connects the interior space of the spacer to a sealed tube (44) within the desiccant concealing member (26) which is filled with desiccant (40). The sealed tube (40) has a cap (46) which receives the conduit (42) thereby providing gas communication between the spacer interior volume and the desiccant tube (44).
As is apparent, the desiccant concealing member (26) may be removed from the frame (14) by disengaging the lips (30, 32) from the inner channel member (20), thereby exposing the desiccant tube (44). The desiccant tube (44) can then be easily disconnected from the conduit (44) and replaced with a fresh desiccant tube if necessary. In one alternative embodiment, the desiccant in the desiccant tube may be different from the desiccant contained in the spacer and has a higher affinity for water than the desiccant in the spacer. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, air which is drawn into the air space must pass through the replaceable desiccant tube, thereby preserving the dry atmosphere within the window unit.
Desiccant tubes (44) may be placed in one, two, three or all four desiccant concealing (20) members (26) in any orientation.
The outer, intermediate and inner channel members which comprise the frame (14) may be formed from a thermoplastic material having low thermal conductivity such as polyvinylchloride or polyamide. Alternatively, the inner and outer channel members may be metallic members such as aluminum while the intermediate member is non-metallic, thereby avoiding a thermal bridge between the two. The desiccant concealing members may be any suitable material such as a metal or a plastic, and is preferably resilient to facilitate its installation and removal from the inner channel member.
. =.. .., k 4 nw.rkra. rh.l.x.w.4nwo-n..d., .
A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell (2), is a semiconductor device consisting of a large-area p-n junction diode, which, in the presence of sunlight is capable of generating usable electrical energy. Any suitable type photovoltaic cell (2) can be used in the window described herein. For example, silicon, calcium sulfide, gallium arsenide and other types of cells are suitable. The cells can be of any desired configuration such as square, circular.
The photovoltaic cells may be any suitable cell, such as crystalline wafers, or thin film cells. As an alternative to using crystalline photovoltaic cell wafers, photovoltaic laminated glass can also be produced using thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. The fabrication of a thin-film solar cell involves depositing very thin, consecutive layers of atoms, molecules, or ions of semiconductor material (such as amorphous silicon, copper indium diselenide, or cadmium telluride) on a low-cost substrate, such as glass, metal, or plastic. Thin-film cells have certain advantages over crystalline solar cell wafer technologies. They use less material and the cell's active area is usually only 1 to 10 microns thick, whereas conventional wafers are as much as 200 to 400 microns thick. Thin-film cells are also usually amenable to large-area fabrication (more than 1 m2) and are suitable for automated, continuous production, arraying, and packaging. They can also be deposited on flexible substrate materials.
In one embodiment, the photovoltaic cells (2) are disposed between the two glass panes of glass (10, 12) as a photovoltaic laminate, with the photovoltaic cells laminated between two glass panels. In conventional laminated glass products a sheet of glass is bonded to a layer of polymer adhesive film, and a further sheet or layer of material is bonded to the other side of the adhesive film layer, so that the adhesive film is sandwiched between two outer layers.
A number of methods for producing such laminates are known, for example, see U.S. Patent Nos: 5,268,049;
A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell (2), is a semiconductor device consisting of a large-area p-n junction diode, which, in the presence of sunlight is capable of generating usable electrical energy. Any suitable type photovoltaic cell (2) can be used in the window described herein. For example, silicon, calcium sulfide, gallium arsenide and other types of cells are suitable. The cells can be of any desired configuration such as square, circular.
The photovoltaic cells may be any suitable cell, such as crystalline wafers, or thin film cells. As an alternative to using crystalline photovoltaic cell wafers, photovoltaic laminated glass can also be produced using thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. The fabrication of a thin-film solar cell involves depositing very thin, consecutive layers of atoms, molecules, or ions of semiconductor material (such as amorphous silicon, copper indium diselenide, or cadmium telluride) on a low-cost substrate, such as glass, metal, or plastic. Thin-film cells have certain advantages over crystalline solar cell wafer technologies. They use less material and the cell's active area is usually only 1 to 10 microns thick, whereas conventional wafers are as much as 200 to 400 microns thick. Thin-film cells are also usually amenable to large-area fabrication (more than 1 m2) and are suitable for automated, continuous production, arraying, and packaging. They can also be deposited on flexible substrate materials.
In one embodiment, the photovoltaic cells (2) are disposed between the two glass panes of glass (10, 12) as a photovoltaic laminate, with the photovoltaic cells laminated between two glass panels. In conventional laminated glass products a sheet of glass is bonded to a layer of polymer adhesive film, and a further sheet or layer of material is bonded to the other side of the adhesive film layer, so that the adhesive film is sandwiched between two outer layers.
A number of methods for producing such laminates are known, for example, see U.S. Patent Nos: 5,268,049;
5,118,371; 4,724,023; 4,234,533; and 4,125,669. Laminated glass has been generally manufactured by a process wherein a stack of at least two sheets of glass having a plastic film called an intermediate film or laminating film, typically a plasticized polyvinyl butylal (PVB) film, is sandwiched between each pair of adjacent sheets of glass which is subjected to evacuation, pressing and heating.
_,.....,~ .w..,.. ,,i..,a,..._,~., The photovoltaic cells (2) are usually electrically connected (4) together in a series circuit to achieve desired voltage, and a plurality of series circuits of photovoltaic cells can then be connected in parallel, as desired. The electrical energy can then be fed by electric lines (4) from + and - terminals to a power control or other suitable distribution device (6). Such conventional electrical circuitry, would preferably include an isolator, to a main power bus. As well known in the art, an inverter would be used to produce alternating current (AC) from direct current (DC) produced by the photovoltaic cells. Preferably, a plurality of photovoltaic cells are grouped in parallel to raise the voltage and each group is provided with a three pole disconnect DC switch and an inverter, the AC current then passing to a 208 volt distribution panel.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein. The various features and elements of the described invention may be combined in a manner different from the combinations described or claimed herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
_,.....,~ .w..,.. ,,i..,a,..._,~., The photovoltaic cells (2) are usually electrically connected (4) together in a series circuit to achieve desired voltage, and a plurality of series circuits of photovoltaic cells can then be connected in parallel, as desired. The electrical energy can then be fed by electric lines (4) from + and - terminals to a power control or other suitable distribution device (6). Such conventional electrical circuitry, would preferably include an isolator, to a main power bus. As well known in the art, an inverter would be used to produce alternating current (AC) from direct current (DC) produced by the photovoltaic cells. Preferably, a plurality of photovoltaic cells are grouped in parallel to raise the voltage and each group is provided with a three pole disconnect DC switch and an inverter, the AC current then passing to a 208 volt distribution panel.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein. The various features and elements of the described invention may be combined in a manner different from the combinations described or claimed herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (13)
1. A heat insulation window comprising:
(a) a pair of glass panes defining an interior air space therebetween;
(b) a spacing member disposed between said glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship;
(c) at least one photovoltaic cell disposed between said glass panes; and (d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprises a conduit means for providing gas communication through the frame to the air space.
(a) a pair of glass panes defining an interior air space therebetween;
(b) a spacing member disposed between said glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship;
(c) at least one photovoltaic cell disposed between said glass panes; and (d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprises a conduit means for providing gas communication through the frame to the air space.
2. The heat insulation window of claim 1 wherein said conduit means comprises a desiccant.
3. The heat insulation window of claims 1 or 2 wherein said at least one photovoltaic cell is laminated to one of said glass panes.
4. The heat insulation window of claims 1-3 wherein said frame encloses an interior space and comprises an access means through said frame to said interior space.
5. The heat insulation window of claim 1 or 2 wherein the spacing member defines an internal volume in gas communication with the air space between the glass panes, and further comprising a dessicant disposed within the internal volume.
6. The heat insulation window of claim 5 wherein said at least one photovoltaic cell is electrically connected to a three pole disconnect direct current switch and an inverter.
7. A heat insulation window comprising:
(a) a pair of glass panes defining an air space therebetween and having a photovoltaic cell disposed within the airspace;
(b) a spacing member disposed between the glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship, the spacing member being hollow and defining openings permitting gas communication between the air space and the interior volume of the spacing member;
(c) a desiccant material contained within the spacing member; and (d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprises:
(i) at least one desiccant concealing member which is hollow and detachable from the frame;
ii) a desiccant cartridge removably disposed within the desiccant concealing member and (iii) conduit means for providing gas communication between the air space and the desiccant cartridge.
(a) a pair of glass panes defining an air space therebetween and having a photovoltaic cell disposed within the airspace;
(b) a spacing member disposed between the glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship, the spacing member being hollow and defining openings permitting gas communication between the air space and the interior volume of the spacing member;
(c) a desiccant material contained within the spacing member; and (d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprises:
(i) at least one desiccant concealing member which is hollow and detachable from the frame;
ii) a desiccant cartridge removably disposed within the desiccant concealing member and (iii) conduit means for providing gas communication between the air space and the desiccant cartridge.
8. The window of claim 7 wherein the conduit means provides gas communication between the interior volume of the spacing member and the desiccant cartridge.
9. The window of claim 7 wherein the desiccant cartridge comprises an elongated cylindrical tube.
10. The window of claim 7 wherein the desiccant concealing member is elongated and has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile.
11. The window of claim 10 wherein the cross-sectional profile comprises two linear segments joining at a substantially right angle.
12. The window of claim 7 wherein the frame comprises an outer channel member, an inner channel member, a web member disposed between the outer and inner channel members, wherein the desiccant concealing member is detachably connected to the inner channel member.
13. The window of claim 10 wherein the desiccant concealing member is comprised of a resilient material and comprises a first lip and a second lip which each engage an undercut groove in the inner channel member.
Priority Applications (15)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA 2551356 CA2551356A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
JP2009516842A JP2009541622A (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Insulated window with photovoltaic cell and pressure equalization system |
EA200900012A EA200900012A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | THERMAL INSULATING WINDOW, INCLUDING PHOTOGALVANIC ELEMENTS AND A PRESSURE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM |
CNA2007800249455A CN101484655A (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
KR20097001856A KR20090035553A (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
PCT/CA2007/001163 WO2008000084A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
AP2009004743A AP2009004743A0 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cellsand a pressure equalization system |
MX2009000293A MX2009000293A (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system. |
EP07763830A EP2035643A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
AU2007264366A AU2007264366A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
IL196204A IL196204A0 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2008-12-25 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
NO20090397A NO20090397L (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2009-01-27 | Insulation window with photoelectric cell and a pressure equalization system |
CR10588A CR10588A (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2009-01-29 | INSULATING WINDOW THAT INCLUDES PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND A PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM |
CO09008788A CO6160250A2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2009-01-30 | INSULATING WINDOW THAT INCLUDES PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND A PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM |
ECSP099101 ECSP099101A (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2009-01-30 | INSULATING WINDOW THAT INCLUDES PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND A PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA 2551356 CA2551356A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2551356A1 true CA2551356A1 (en) | 2007-12-30 |
Family
ID=38845082
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA 2551356 Abandoned CA2551356A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
Country Status (15)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2035643A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2009541622A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20090035553A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101484655A (en) |
AP (1) | AP2009004743A0 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2007264366A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2551356A1 (en) |
CO (1) | CO6160250A2 (en) |
CR (1) | CR10588A (en) |
EA (1) | EA200900012A1 (en) |
EC (1) | ECSP099101A (en) |
IL (1) | IL196204A0 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2009000293A (en) |
NO (1) | NO20090397L (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008000084A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015006862A1 (en) | 2013-07-19 | 2015-01-22 | Litezone Technologies Inc. | Pressure compensated glass unit |
US10125537B2 (en) | 2014-07-18 | 2018-11-13 | Litezone Technologies Inc. | Pressure compensated glass unit |
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ES2304871B2 (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2010-01-29 | Universidad Politecnica De Madrid | TRANSPARENT CLOSURES OR ACTIVE TRANSLUCED WITH A CAPACITY OF ENERGY GE STION. |
US8230649B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2012-07-31 | Solarpath, Inc. | Solar wall apparatus and method |
US8046960B1 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2011-11-01 | Narinder Singh Kapany | Solar window apparatus and method |
CN101881070B (en) * | 2010-07-12 | 2013-03-20 | 沈阳金都铝业装饰工程有限公司 | Endothermic solar photovoltaic hollow glass |
CN101881123B (en) * | 2010-07-12 | 2013-03-27 | 沈阳金都铝业装饰工程有限公司 | Solar photovoltaic high heat insulating window |
DE202010014775U1 (en) * | 2010-10-29 | 2011-02-10 | Sma Solar Technology Ag | Window or door of a building with integrated electronics |
KR101224357B1 (en) * | 2010-11-03 | 2013-01-28 | 현대알루미늄(주) | window structure for removably attachable of solar cell module of artificial intelligence system |
DE102012208406A1 (en) * | 2012-05-21 | 2013-11-21 | P.R. Agentur für transparente Kommunikation GmbH | Device for heating and / or cooling a room |
FR3016001B1 (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2016-01-01 | Somfy Sas | WINDOW FOR BUILDING |
KR20170026489A (en) | 2014-07-03 | 2017-03-08 | 모멘티브 퍼포먼스 머티리얼즈 인크. | Uv-active chromophore functionalized polysiloxanes and copolymers made therefrom |
FR3061604B1 (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2019-05-31 | Sunpartner Technologies | OPTICAL COMMUNICATION PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE |
KR101898593B1 (en) * | 2017-04-06 | 2018-09-13 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Solar cell module |
CN109750946A (en) * | 2019-03-14 | 2019-05-14 | 浙江晶科能源有限公司 | A kind of photovoltaic window |
IT201900011268A1 (en) * | 2019-07-10 | 2021-01-10 | Piavevetro Srl | STRUCTURE FOR THERMOELECTRIC AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL |
CN113982423B (en) * | 2021-10-27 | 2023-03-24 | 山东卓越精工集团有限公司 | Combined special-shaped aluminum profile structure and corresponding aluminum profile installation construction method |
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US4137098A (en) * | 1977-10-20 | 1979-01-30 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Solar energy window |
DE3903521C2 (en) * | 1989-02-07 | 1993-11-25 | Kunert Heinz | Transparent element for use as a window, wall, roof or parapet element |
US5221363A (en) * | 1991-02-28 | 1993-06-22 | Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc. | Solar cell window fitting |
US5384653A (en) * | 1992-11-06 | 1995-01-24 | Midwest Research Institute | Stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) powered electrochromic window |
US5460660A (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 1995-10-24 | Photon Energy, Inc. | Apparatus for encapsulating a photovoltaic module |
WO2004044363A1 (en) * | 2002-11-13 | 2004-05-27 | Visionwall Corporation | Energy efficient window |
-
2006
- 2006-06-30 CA CA 2551356 patent/CA2551356A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-06-29 WO PCT/CA2007/001163 patent/WO2008000084A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-06-29 AU AU2007264366A patent/AU2007264366A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-06-29 AP AP2009004743A patent/AP2009004743A0/en unknown
- 2007-06-29 JP JP2009516842A patent/JP2009541622A/en active Pending
- 2007-06-29 MX MX2009000293A patent/MX2009000293A/en unknown
- 2007-06-29 EA EA200900012A patent/EA200900012A1/en unknown
- 2007-06-29 KR KR20097001856A patent/KR20090035553A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-06-29 CN CNA2007800249455A patent/CN101484655A/en active Pending
- 2007-06-29 EP EP07763830A patent/EP2035643A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2008
- 2008-12-25 IL IL196204A patent/IL196204A0/en unknown
-
2009
- 2009-01-27 NO NO20090397A patent/NO20090397L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2009-01-29 CR CR10588A patent/CR10588A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2009-01-30 CO CO09008788A patent/CO6160250A2/en unknown
- 2009-01-30 EC ECSP099101 patent/ECSP099101A/en unknown
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015006862A1 (en) | 2013-07-19 | 2015-01-22 | Litezone Technologies Inc. | Pressure compensated glass unit |
US9822581B2 (en) | 2013-07-19 | 2017-11-21 | Litezone Technologies Inc. | Pressure compensated glass unit |
US10125537B2 (en) | 2014-07-18 | 2018-11-13 | Litezone Technologies Inc. | Pressure compensated glass unit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CR10588A (en) | 2009-04-24 |
MX2009000293A (en) | 2009-01-26 |
ECSP099101A (en) | 2009-02-27 |
JP2009541622A (en) | 2009-11-26 |
EA200900012A1 (en) | 2009-06-30 |
IL196204A0 (en) | 2009-09-22 |
WO2008000084A1 (en) | 2008-01-03 |
KR20090035553A (en) | 2009-04-09 |
CO6160250A2 (en) | 2010-05-20 |
EP2035643A1 (en) | 2009-03-18 |
AU2007264366A1 (en) | 2008-01-03 |
NO20090397L (en) | 2009-03-27 |
CN101484655A (en) | 2009-07-15 |
AP2009004743A0 (en) | 2007-06-29 |
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