JP2015503074A - Solar window and solar wall structure and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame coupled to the first window glass and the second window glass so that a window forms a gap between the first window glass and the second window glass, and between the first window glass, the second window glass and the frame. And have. The window further includes a generator, such as a photovoltaic panel, disposed in the air gap configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity. The window further includes a ventilation system configured to vent heat from the air gap in a direction away from the first pane or the second pane. A window glass having a similar structure is provided. [Selection] Figure 1A

Description

  This patent application was filed on Sep. 18, 2009 in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 563,052, and issued on Nov. 1, 2011 in U.S. Patent No. 8,046,960. "Apparatus and Method" (Inventor is Narinder Singh Kapany), which is a continuation-in-part application, filed on March 10, 2010 under the title "Solar Wall Device and Method" (Inventor is Narinder Singh Kapany) This is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application No. 12 / 720,982. The entire disclosure of all these applications mentioned above is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

  The present invention relates generally to solar building apparatus and methods for windows and solar walls. More particularly, the present invention relates to solar windows and solar walls configured to convert received electromagnetic radiation into electricity or heat.

  Traditional windows for buildings generally have a single pane. These single glass windows have a relatively low level of thermal insulation between the inside of the window and the window. Double glazing and triple glazing windows have been developed because single glass windows have a relatively low level of thermal insulation, which provide a relatively high level of thermal insulation compared to single glass windows. doing. Has been developed. A certain patent document describes a window having two window glasses (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Following the development of double glazing windows, various double glazing windows with photovoltaic cells between the glazings have been developed. The photovoltaic cells in these windows are configured to generate electricity for use away from the window (eg for lamp lighting) so that the field of view is not disturbed by the windows or photovoltaic cells. Has been. One patent document discusses a double glazing window in which a photovoltaic cell is placed for power generation (see, for example, Patent Documents 4 and 5).

  As is well known, the double glazing window has a gap between the respective glazings, in which the heated air is trapped. For example, if the temperature inside the window is lower than the desired temperature, various duplexes such as releasing heated air in the air gap inside the window (eg into the interior of the building) Glass windows have been developed. These double glazed windows are also often configured to emit heated air from the inside of the window (eg, from the building room) to the outside of the window (eg, to the exterior space of the building). Yes. For example, if the inside of the window is warmer than desired, heat may be released from the inside of the window to the outside of the window. One patent document describes a double glazing window configured to transfer heated air into or out of a building (see, for example, Patent Documents 6 and 7).

  While many double glazing windows have been developed that use light for power generation purposes or for the movement of heated air, window designers and manufacturers have received it for power generation, heat transfer, etc. Efforts continue to develop new windows that can use a relatively high percentage of electromagnetic radiation for power generation compared to known windows.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,157 U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,548 US Pat. No. 3,793,961 U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,098 U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,222 US Pat. No. 4,577,619 International Publication No. 2008/095502

  The present invention relates generally to structures and methods for solar windows and solar walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a solar window or solar wall configured to convert received electromagnetic radiation into electricity and heat.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a multiple-pane window includes a first window glass and a second window glass facing each other, and a frame coupled to the first window glass and the second window glass. And a frame that forms a gap between the first window glass, the second window glass, and the frame. The multiple glass window further includes a generator disposed within the gap for converting electromagnetic radiation into electricity. The multiple glazing further includes a ventilation system that selectively vents heat away from the gap from the first glazing or away from the second glazing. The multiple glass window further includes a first reflective film and a second reflective film disposed on each first surface of the first window glass and the second window glass. The first surface faces the gap, and the reflective film is configured to reflect infrared radiation into the gap to generate heated air in the gap.

  The multiple glass window further includes an antireflection film disposed on the second surface of each of the first window glass and the second window glass. The second surface faces outward as viewed from the gap, and the antireflection film is configured to transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the gap. The first reflective film and the second reflective film may be photovoltaic, and the first antireflective film and the second antireflective film may be similarly photovoltaic. In some embodiments, the multiple glass window also includes an anti-reflective coating on the first surface of the window glass facing the air gap or on the reflective coating. Compared to a conventional window, the window according to the present embodiment transmits a relatively high percentage of received electromagnetic radiation (e.g., for example) because the received electromagnetic radiation is optimally transmitted to the air gap and the generator. 15-25%) of electromagnetic radiation is converted into effective energy.

  According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the generator comprises a set of one or more photovoltaic panels, which consist of a single panel substantially parallel to the first window pane and the second window pane. It may be in the form of a plurality of strips installed at an angle to the window glass. The photovoltaic material may include a polymer material. The multiple glass window may further comprise a set of louvers to which the photovoltaic panels are coupled. The louver is configured to rotate to align with the photovoltaic panel for optimal energy generation. The polymer strip is withdrawn from the reservoir in the form of a sheet and cut into louver lengths.

  According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a first opening is formed at the top of the frame with respect to the gap, and a second opening is formed at the bottom of the frame with respect to the gap. The first opening is open to the first side of the first and second glazings and the second side of the first and second glazings, and the first side and The second side portions are configured to be opposite to each other.

  According to another specific embodiment of the invention, the multiple glass window further comprises a first shutter disposed in the first opening. The first shutter is configured to be opened and closed. When the first shutter is opened, the first air channel extending from the air gap to the first side opens. The first air channel is closed by closing the second shutter. The multiple glass window further includes a second shutter disposed in the first opening. The second shutter is configured to be opened and closed. When the second shutter is opened, the second air channel extending from the air gap to the second side opens. The second air channel is closed by closing the second shutter.

  According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the multiple glass window is further coupled to the first shutter and the second shutter, and is configured to open and close the first shutter and the second shutter at a temperature. Equipped with a thermostat. The plurality of glass windows may further comprise a set of filters, in which case each filter is disposed in the gap and / or in the first and second openings and moves through the gap. Is filtered. The multiple glass window further includes a fan disposed adjacent to the first opening to push air out of the first opening. The fan is electrically coupled to a generator for supplying power to the fan.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the solar structural panel includes a window glass and a structural substrate disposed to face each other, a frame that joins the window glass and the structural substrate, and the window glass and the structural substrate. A frame that forms a gap with the frame. A generator is placed in the gap to convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity. The first reflective film and the second reflective film are respectively disposed on the first surface of the window glass and the first surface of the structural substrate. Each said 1st surface faces the said space | gap. Each reflective film is configured to reflect infrared radiation into the gap to generate heated air in the gap. The first reflective film and the second reflective film are respectively disposed on the second surface of the window glass and the first reflective film. The second surface faces outward as viewed from the gap, and the antireflection film is configured to transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the gap. According to a particular embodiment, the solar structure panel further comprises a plurality of glass windows formed integrally with the window glass and the structural substrate.

  According to a particular embodiment, the solar structural panel comprises a water heating device, which device is configured to collect heat into the water in the device. The water heating device is configured to move the heated water out of the solar structure panel. The water heating device may also be configured to move the heated water into a building where the solar structure panel is mounted and used.

  According to a particular embodiment of the solar structure panel, the generator comprises a set of photovoltaic panels. The photovoltaic panel may be a polymer strip. The polymer strip may be drawn from the reservoir in the form of a sheet and cut into louver lengths. The solar structure panel further comprises a set of louvers to which a photovoltaic panel is coupled.

  According to certain embodiments of the solar structure panel, it further comprises a ventilation system configured to selectively vent heat from the air gap in a direction away from the first pane or away from the second pane. The louver is configured to rotate to align with the photovoltaic panel for optimal energy generation. The solar structural panel may further comprise a fan configured to move warm air out of or into the gap.

  The solar structural panel is a window glass and a structural substrate that are arranged to face each other, and a frame that connects the window glass and the structural substrate, and forms a gap between the window glass, the structural substrate, and the frame. And a frame. A generator is arranged in the gap and is configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity. The first antireflection film and the second antireflection film are respectively disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the window glass. The first surface faces outward as viewed from the gap. The second surface faces the gap. The first antireflection film and the second antireflection film are configured to transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the gap. The first reflective film and the second reflective film are disposed on the second antireflection film and the first surface of the structure substrate, respectively. The second surface of the structural substrate faces the gap. Each reflective film is configured to reflect infrared radiation into the gap and to generate heated air in the gap. According to certain embodiments, the solar structural panel further comprises a multiple glass window formed integrally with the window glass and the structural substrate.

  According to a particular embodiment, the solar structural panel further comprises a water heating device, which device is configured to collect heat in the water present in the device. The water heating device is configured to move the heated water out of the solar structure panel. The water heating device may be configured to move the heated water into a building in which the solar structure panel is mounted and used.

  According to a particular embodiment of the solar structural panel, the generator is in the form of a single panel that is substantially parallel to the window glass and the structural substrate, or in the form of multiple strips installed at an angle to the window glass. A set of photovoltaic panels is provided. The photovoltaic panel may include a polymer material. The polymeric material can be withdrawn from the reservoir in the form of a sheet and, in some embodiments, cut into strips. In some embodiments, the solar structure panel further comprises a set of louvers coupled with a photovoltaic panel.

  According to certain embodiments of the solar structure panel, it further comprises a ventilation system configured to selectively vent heat from the air gap in a direction away from the first pane or away from the second pane. For optimal energy generation, the louvers are configured to rotate to orient to the photovoltaic panel. The solar structural panel may further comprise a fan configured to move warm air out of or into the gap.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the building comprises a solar structure panel as described above.

  In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an extrusion apparatus configured to form a photovoltaic element includes a housing having a reservoir disposed therein for receiving a liquid photovoltaic material, and a light In order to form a photovoltaic sheet, an extrusion element is provided that forms an opening through which the liquid photovoltaic material is drawn. The extrusion element may also include a set of cutters that contact the photovoltaic sheet and cut the photovoltaic sheet into a set of photovoltaic strips. The cutters are configured to move relative to each other to set the width of the photovoltaic strip.

  The nature and advantages of the present invention may be further understood by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and drawings, which are illustrative only and not limiting.

1 is a simplified diagram of a multiple glass window according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a simplified diagram of multiple glass windows according to an embodiment of the present invention with photovoltaic material disposed on a single panel. FIG. FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of a louver having a plurality of photovoltaic panels formed therein according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a simplified diagram of an extrusion apparatus used to produce a relatively thin photovoltaic strip, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of one embodiment of an extrusion apparatus for extruding a relatively thin photovoltaic strip, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a multiple glass window to which a set of photovoltaic films is applied. 1 is a simplified diagram of a solar structure panel configured to be placed on a wall such as a building according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a solar structure panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the solar structure panel by another embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a solar structure panel according to an embodiment of the present invention in which no photovoltaic inlet is provided in the photovoltaic material. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a solar structure panel according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the photovoltaic material is not provided with an air intake.

  The present invention generally provides a solar building apparatus and method for solar windows and solar walls. More particularly, the invention relates to solar windows and solar walls configured to convert received electromagnetic radiation into electricity and heat.

  As is well known, windows provide a functional barrier between the inside of a building and the outside of the building. The windows allow light to brighten the room. The window also allows, for example, people to see the outside world through the window. The window further provides thermal insulation between the inside of the building and the outside of the building. Window designers and manufacturers continue to strive to develop new windows that offer various functions in addition to light transmission, visibility and thermal insulation. For example, window designers and manufacturers have developed windows that generate electricity from energy received in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to further improve the windows, where the windows are configured to use the collected electromagnetic radiation for power generation, and heat for room heating, room cooling, etc. Is configured to collect.

  FIG. 1A is a simplified diagram of a multiple glass window 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The multiple glass windows referred to in the specification of the present application include two or more window glasses. According to the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the multiple glass window 100 includes a first window glass 105 and a second window glass 110. The window glass may be glass, plastic or the like. The first window glass and the second window glass can be joined by a frame 115. The frame 115 can be made of various materials such as wood, plastic, vinyl, glass, composite material, and other materials. These 1st window glass, 2nd window glass, and a frame may be arrange | positioned so that the space | gap 120 may be formed between both window glass and a flame | frame.

  According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, both the outer surface 105a of the first window glass 105 and the outer surface 110a of the second window glass 110 are coated with an antireflection film 125a. The antireflection film 125 may be configured to transmit a relatively wide electromagnetic radiation spectrum, such as infrared radiation (IR), visible light, and ultraviolet light (UV).

  According to a further embodiment, the inner side surface 105b of the first window glass 105 and the inner side surface 110b of the second window glass 110 are covered with an antireflection film 125b. The antireflection film 125b similar to the antireflection film 125a may be configured to transmit a relatively wide electromagnetic radiation spectrum such as infrared radiation (IR), visible light, and ultraviolet light (UV).

  According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the reflective film 130 is disposed on the anti-reflective film 125b on both the panes 105,110. As an alternative, the reflective film 130 may be disposed on the surfaces 105b and 110b, and the antireflection film 125b may be disposed on the reflective film. The reflective film 130 may be configured to reflect one or more selected bandwidths of electromagnetic radiation. For example, the reflective film 130 may be configured to reflect IR radiation. While allowing the transmission of electromagnetic radiation (ie, antireflection) at the surfaces 105a, 105b, 110a, and 110b and the reflection of IR radiation at the surfaces 105b, 110b, the first and second glazings have a heat gap 120 In that it can be recovered and maintained relatively efficiently. The antireflective films 125a, 125b and the reflective film 130 include conventional dielectric layers, or are relatively thin and photovoltaic, for example, to provide transparency or desired antireflective or reflective properties. Other materials such as possible polymer (eg silicone) rubber pieces or sheets may also be included. The antireflection films 125a and 125b, the reflection film 130, and other elements of the plurality of glass windows 100 are not drawn to scale for convenience.

  The multiple glass window 100 may include a set of photovoltaic panels 140 that are disposed within the gap 120. A “set” referred to in this specification includes one or more elements. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the “one set” includes a plurality of strip panels. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic panel may be a relatively thin panel. For example, the photovoltaic panel may be about 200 micrometers or less in thickness from the front to the back (eg, from A-A). The photovoltaic panel may be configured to convert electromagnetic radiation striking the panel into electricity. Electricity may be configured to be directed to various electrical components inside the multiple glass window and / or outside the multiple glass window for external applications (eg, lamp lighting, etc.).

  The photovoltaic panel can be coupled to a set of louvers 145. The coupling may be one-to-one or one-to-multiple. That is, one photovoltaic panel may be coupled to one louver, and a plurality of photovoltaic panels may be coupled to one louver. The louver can be formed of, for example, plastic, wood, glass, composite material, and various other materials. The photovoltaic panel may be mechanically bonded to the louver, or may be bonded to the louver in a chemical form (eg, adhesion, epoxy resin adhesion, etc.) or other forms. The photovoltaic panel may be coupled to the louver at a fixed position or may be configured to be rotatable relative to the louver. Those skilled in the art will know how to couple the photovoltaic panel to the louver so that the photovoltaic panel can rotate relative to the louver. Due to the presence of the anti-reflective coatings 125a, 125b, a relatively high percentage of received electromagnetic radiation (compared to known windows) is transmitted through the window glass to the photovoltaic panel, resulting in a relatively high power generation rate. .

  FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram of a multiple glass window 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a set of photovoltaic elements comprises a single element extending over a substantial area of the window, or more There are a small number of elements on substantially the same plane.

  FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of a louver 145a that forms a plurality of photovoltaic panels 140a therein, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Although the illustrated louver 145 includes a plurality of photovoltaic panels therein, the louver may alternatively include a single photovoltaic panel. According to one embodiment, each photovoltaic panel 147 is backed by an absorbent layer. The absorbing layer is configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation that passes through the photovoltaic panel and convert the absorbed electromagnetic radiation into in-gap heating.

  According to one embodiment, the louvers may be configured to be rotated to provide optimal photovoltaic panel exposure to electromagnetic radiation striking these photovoltaic panels. The optimal exposure includes a position such that the photovoltaic panel generates a substantially maximum power output relative to the electromagnetic radiation it receives. For example, the position where the louvers are oriented for optical exposure to electromagnetic radiation is often 90 degrees. That is, incident electromagnetic radiation strikes the photovoltaic panel at 90 degrees. The louver may be manually rotated by the user or automatically rotated by one or more motors or the like (not shown). The multiple glass windows determine whether the photovoltaic panel is optimally positioned with respect to electromagnetic radiation and adjust the louver angle until the photovoltaic panel is optimally oriented. A detection circuit configured to control the motor may be provided.

  According to one embodiment, a first opening 150 is formed at the bottom of the multiple glass window 100 and a second opening 155 is formed at the top. The first opening 150 may be located between the gap 120 and the inside of the window. That is, the first opening may be directed toward a room in the building. The second opening 155 is between the gap 120 and the inside of the window and / or the outside of the window. That is, the second opening may be directed toward a room in the building and / or toward the outside of the building.

  According to one embodiment, the multiple glass window 100 may include a first shutter 160 a and / or a second shutter 160 b that may be located in the opening 155. The first shutter 160a may be disposed toward the outside of the plurality of glass windows in order to adjust the air flow toward the outside of the building through the opening 155. The second shutter 160b may be disposed toward the inside of the plurality of glass windows in order to adjust the air flow toward the inside of the building through the opening 155. Each shutter may be configured to be manually opened and closed by the user, and / or may be configured to be opened and closed by a thermostat 165. The thermostat may be a mechanical device (such as a bimetal spring), an electronic device, an electromechanical device, or the like. The thermostat may be set to a predetermined temperature at which one or both of the first shutter and the second shutter can be opened and closed at that temperature. The thermostat may be configured to open the first shutter 160a and close the second shutter 160b if the room temperature is about 75 ° C. or higher. When the first shutter is opened and the second shutter is closed, warm air flows upward from the room through the first opening 150 and can flow out of the room through the second opening 155. This limits the heat collected in the gap from flowing into the room. With this thermostat and shutter operation example, if the room becomes warmer than a desired value (for example, about 75 degrees or more), heat can be exhausted from the interior of the building to the outside of the building by the multiple glass windows. Further, when the room temperature is lower than a desired value, the first shutter 160a is closed by the thermostat and the second shutter 160b is opened, so that warm air accumulated in the air gap can flow into the room. . That is, the cool air from the room can flow through the first opening 150, and the warm air in the gap can be discharged into the room through the second opening 155.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, a set of fans 170 are disposed in the air gap and / or adjacent to one or both of each opening, and air in the air gap is routed through the second opening 155. And push it indoors or outdoors. The one set of fans may be operated in conjunction with the first shutter and the second shutter in order to move the air into the room or move it out of the room. A set of fans 170 may be electrically coupled to a set of photovoltaic panels and draw electricity therefrom for operation. Alternatively, the fan may be coupled to an external power source. A set of fans may be turned on and off under the control of a thermostat. The multiple glass windows may be inside the gap and / or in one or both of the first and second openings to filter air flowing into and / or out of the gap. One or more filters 175 may be arranged. The filter can be configured to keep the inner surface of the glazing clean by removing particulate matter from the air moving through the air gap 120.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multiple glass window 100 includes a generator 180 configured to convert heat in the air gap into electrical energy. The generator 180 may be a mechanical generator, a thermoelectric generator, or the like. The electricity generated by the generator 180 may be directed out of multiple glass windows for external use, or may be directed internally to operate a thermostat or a set of fans and / or the like. . The multiple glass window can be equipped with two power generation systems, namely a photovoltaic panel and a generator, so that the multiple glass window is supplied to the window from electromagnetic radiation compared to other known energy generation windows. Configured to use a relatively large amount of energy.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the multiple glass window comprises a water heating device 190. A water heating device may be placed in the gap to collect the heat in it and heat the water. Water may be supplied to the water heating device 190 from the outside of the multiple glass window and distributed from the multiple glass window for external use. In order to provide a relatively optimal exposure of water to the heat inside the air gap, the water heating unit may comprise a set of tubes or the like through which water moves.

  In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and method are provided for producing relatively thin photovoltaic sheets and relatively thin photovoltaic strips. A relatively thin photovoltaic sheet and / or a relatively thin photovoltaic strip may be produced for placement on multiple glass windows, such as on the window glass or louvers of multiple glass windows 100, for example. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an extrusion apparatus 300 used to produce a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet 305 and / or a relatively thin photovoltaic strip 310. The extrusion apparatus 300 can include a reservoir 312 in which the polymeric material 315 can be stored. The polymeric material may be a substantially liquid photovoltaic material in the reservoir. For the polymer material, a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet and / or a relatively thin photovoltaic strip may be drawn. The polymer material 315 may be a silicone material or the like. According to one embodiment, the extrusion apparatus 300 includes an extrusion element 325. The extrusion element can include an aperture 330, a roller (not shown) formed therein, etc., from which a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet 305 can be drawn. According to one embodiment, the extrusion apparatus can include a cutter element 335 that cuts a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet to a desired length. The cutter element may be configured to move along the length of the extrusion element to cut a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet.

  According to another embodiment, the extrusion apparatus 300 includes a set of cutters 340 that cut a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet 305 into a set of relatively thin photovoltaic strips 310. In order to form a relatively thin photovoltaic strip, each of the set of cutters may include a knife blade, a roller cutter, or the like that punches a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet. According to a further embodiment, each of the cutters 340 in the set may be configured to be moved relative to each other so that the width of the relatively thin photovoltaic strip can be set as required. . Arrow 345 indicates the direction in which movement is possible when setting the cutting width of a relatively thin photovoltaic strip. In an alternative embodiment, the extrusion element 325 may comprise a set of apertures, a set of rollers, etc. from which a relatively thin photovoltaic strip 310 can be drawn.

  FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram of an embodiment of an extrusion apparatus 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Various parts of the extrusion apparatus that are not visible in the perspective view of FIG. 4 are shown in phantom lines. The extrusion apparatus can include a reservoir 405 in which a polymeric material 315 can be placed. The polymeric material can be a photovoltaic material that is substantially liquid in the reservoir. A relatively thin photovoltaic sheet 305 and / or a relatively thin photovoltaic strip 310 can be drawn from the polymeric material. The extrusion apparatus has an aperture 410 formed therein from which a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet 305 can be drawn. The extrusion apparatus may include other forming apparatuses such as a roller 420, for example. The extrusion apparatus may comprise a set of cutters (not shown), such as the cutter 340 described above in connection with the extrusion apparatus 300, for example. The cutter may be configured to cut a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet into relatively thin photovoltaic strips. According to one embodiment, the relatively thin photovoltaic strip may be relatively long. For example, a relatively thin photovoltaic strip may be long enough to extend from one end of the louver in the window to the opposite end of the louver. The relatively thin photovoltaic strip may be cut to a desired length while the strip is being drawn. For example, relatively thin photovoltaic strips can be 5 centimeters (2 inches) to 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) or several centimeters (several inches) long (for example, 25 centimeters (10 inches), 102 centimeters ( 40 inches), 254 centimeters (100 inches), etc.). The relatively thin photovoltaic strip can be bonded to the louver by various techniques, such as mechanical bonding or chemical bonding. The relatively thin photovoltaic strip may be substantially transparent to the visible spectrum of light that is not converted to electricity by the thin photovoltaic strip. The louver to which the relatively thin photovoltaic strip is bonded may be plastic or metal. According to another embodiment, the relatively thin photovoltaic strip may alternatively be plastic-based and may be bonded to a multiple glass window louver or window glass. A relatively thin photovoltaic strip and / or a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet may be coated on the window glass to provide the transmissive / reflective film described above.

  According to one embodiment, the aperture 410 is oriented downward so that gravity assists in drawing the polymer from the aperture. The roller 420 is configured to be rotated by a motor or the like so as to apply tension on the polymer when pulled out of the reservoir to form a photovoltaic sheet and / or strip of the desired thickness. Also good.

  FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a plurality of glass windows with a set of photovoltaic films 500 formed thereon. The first photovoltaic film 500 a can be bonded to the outer surface 105 a of the first window glass 105, and the second photovoltaic film 500 b can be bonded to the inner surface 105 b of the first window glass 105. The third photovoltaic film 500 c may be bonded to the outer surface 110 d of the second window glass 110, and the fourth photovoltaic film 500 d may be bonded to the inner surface 1105 of the second window glass 110. The films 500a, 500b, 500c and 500d can be antireflection films and have a relatively high transmission coefficient (for example, a transmittance of 95% or more) in the sunlight spectrum. According to further embodiments, the photovoltaic films 500e, 500f are respectively disposed on the photovoltaic films 500d, 500b. Alternatively, the photovoltaic films 500e and 500f are coupled to the surfaces 105b and 110b, respectively, and the photovoltaic films 500b and 500d are disposed on the photovoltaic films 500b and 500d, respectively. Also good. The photovoltaic films 500e, 500f can be antireflective films in the infrared spectrum so that heat can be captured by these coatings in the gap 120. The photovoltaic film may be a single piece of plastic photovoltaic material or a plurality of pieces of plastic photovoltaic material. The photovoltaic film may be a relatively thin photovoltaic sheet 305 and / or a relatively thin photovoltaic strip 310 of multiple pieces. The multiple glass window shown in FIG. 5 includes each element of the multiple glass window 100 described above, for example, a set of louvers having a photovoltaic strip, a generator that converts heat in the window into electricity, a fan, a filter, and the like. Can be provided. These elements described above with respect to the multiple glass window 100 are not shown in FIG. 5 for convenience.

  FIG. 6A is a simplified diagram of a solar structure panel 600 configured to be coupled to a building wall to form part of the building wall, etc., according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a solar structure panel 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional view is from the side (mark “A”) of the solar structure panel shown in FIG. 6A. The same sign scheme employed earlier with respect to the description of the multiple glass window 100 is used for elements that are the same as or substantially similar to the solar structure panel 600.

  The solar structural panel 600 is configured to be disposed on one or more exterior walls of a building to collect solar radiation for conversion of solar radiation into electricity, fluid heating, and the like. The power generated by the solar structure panel may be used to supply power to the various electrical equipment of the solar structure panel, and may be used in various buildings and other buildings where the solar structure panel is installed. You may supply electric power to an electric equipment, use it for charge of a battery, and may use it for the electric power supply to the various electric equipment etc. which are outside the building to which a solar structure panel is attached. Note that the fluid mentioned in the specification of the present application may include a liquid or a gas.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solar structural panel is formed integrally with the multiple glass window 100 (described above). In an alternative embodiment, the solar structure panel does not have a window inside, but has an opening for receiving or receiving an existing window in the building. The window attached to the opening may be the multiple glass window 100 or another window. The solar structure panel may be configured to cover an existing wall of the building and “renovated” so that the building includes the solar structure panel. Solar structural panels may be configured for use in new building structures. Solar structural panels are configured to fit over existing building materials such as stucco, wood, bricks, siding (eg, aluminum, vinyl, wood, etc.), prestressed concrete, lightweight concrete blocks, etc. Also good. The structural panel may be configured to be coupled to a building wooden stud, a metal stud or the like. Solar structural panels are configured to be bonded to building walls using any of a number of techniques such as nailing, screwing, bonding, mechanical bonding, welding, combinations of these, etc. May be.

  According to one embodiment, the solar structural panel 600 includes a window glass 105 and a structural substrate 610. The window glass here may be glass, plastic or the like. According to one embodiment of the solar structure panel comprising the multiple glass windows 100 that are integrally formed, the window glass 105 may be the first window glass of the multiple glass window 100. The structural substrate may be glass, plastic, wood, concrete, metal, composite material, combinations of these materials, or other materials. According to an embodiment of a solar structure panel comprising a plurality of integrally formed glass windows 100, the structural substrate may consist of a combination of elements. For example, the structural substrate portion on which the plurality of glass windows are placed includes the window glass 110, whereas the structural substrate portion that is not the position of the plurality of glass windows may be formed from different materials. The specific embodiment can also be regarded as a structural substrate including an opening formed at the position of a plurality of glass windows and a window glass 110 positioned in the opening or the opening.

  According to one embodiment, the glazing 105 and the structural substrate 610 can be joined by a frame 115. The frame may be composed of one or more of a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, vinyl, glass, composite material, metal, and the like. The window glass, the structural substrate, and the frame may be arranged to form an air gap 120 between the window glass, the structural substrate, and the frame. According to one embodiment of the solar structure panel with integrally formed multiple glass windows 100, the window glass 105 may be the first window glass in the multiple glass window 100. In addition, according to the embodiment of the solar structure panel having the plurality of glass windows 100 integrally formed with the solar structure panel, the portion of the solar structure panel in which the plurality of glass windows are arranged is a plurality of glass windows. The second frame 116 may be provided to form the outline of the second frame 116. Instead of this, in the solar structure panel including the plurality of glass windows 100 integrally formed with the solar structure panel, the portion of the solar structure panel in which the plurality of glass windows are arranged does not include the second frame 116. The air gap 120 may be substantially continuous across the solar structure panel.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer side surface 105a and the inner side surface 105b of the window glass 105 are coated with the antireflection films 125a and 125b, respectively. The antireflection films 125a and 125b may be configured to transmit relatively broad spectrum electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared (IR) radiation, visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and the like. By providing the antireflection film, a substantially maximum amount of sunlight radiation is transmitted into the gap 120 through the window glass 105.

  According to another embodiment, the reflective film 130 a is disposed on the antireflection film 125. Alternatively, the reflective film 130a may be disposed on the surface 105b, and the antireflection film 125b may be disposed on the reflective film. It is also possible to dispose the reflective film 130b on the surface 610a of the structural substrate 610. The reflective films 130a, 130b may be configured to reflect one or more selected bandwidths of electromagnetic radiation. For example, the reflective films 130a, 130b may be configured to reflect IR radiation. By transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the surfaces 105a and 105b (that is, preventing reflection) and reflecting IR radiation at the surfaces 105b and 610a, heat is recovered relatively efficiently by the window glass and the structural substrate, and the space 120 is filled. Can be held.

  The solar structure panel 600 may be provided with a set of photovoltaic panels 140 arranged in the gap 120. The photovoltaic panel 140 has been described in detail above. The photovoltaic panel may be placed on an opaque substrate such as the louver described above. The electricity generated by the photovoltaic panels may be used to drive the appliances in the building. According to another embodiment, the solar structure panel also includes a water heating device (eg, the water heating device 190 described above). The water heating device can include a set of tubes and pipes configured to collect heat from the air gap as water runs through them. The heated water can be used for various purposes, such as warming a building, personal use (drinking, cooking, bathing, etc.). The solar structure panel is equipped with one or more of various electrical connectors for connecting the photovoltaic panel of the solar structure panel to a house power supply device house or a set of batteries, etc. Also good.

  The set of photovoltaic panels may be coupled to a set of louvers (as described above) or to a structural substrate 610 as shown in FIG. 6C. Photovoltaic panels may be coupled to the louvers in a one-to-one or one-to-multiple manner. That is, one photovoltaic panel may be coupled to one louver, or a plurality of photovoltaic panels may be coupled to one louver. The louvers can be formed from a variety of materials such as plastic, wood, glass, and composite materials. The set of photovoltaic panels may be mechanically bonded to the louver, or may be bonded to the louver in a chemical (eg, adhesive or epoxy resin bonding) or similar form. The photovoltaic panel may be coupled to the louver at a fixed position, or may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the louver. Those skilled in the art will know how to couple the photovoltaic panel to the louver so that the photovoltaic panel can rotate relative to the louver. By providing anti-reflective coatings 125a, 125b, a relatively high percentage of the received electromagnetic radiation (compared to known windows) is delivered to the photovoltaic panel through the window glass and compared. A high power generation rate is provided. Although the photovoltaic panel 140 shown in FIGS. 6A-6C is disposed at a non-zero angle with respect to the surface of the structural substrate, in some embodiments, the photovoltaic panel is the surface of the structural substrate. It may be arranged substantially parallel to.

  The solar panel may include a set of fans (eg, fan 170 described above) that move warm air into and out of the building. The solar structure panel can include various shutters (such as those described above), openings, passages, etc. for moving heated air into and out of the building.

  The solar structural panels may have a variety of effective sizes and shapes to suit various building sizes and shapes. For example, the solar structure panel may be relatively large and may be configured to cover an outer wall of a house or a building. The solar structure panel may include various openings for accommodating windows, outlets, air vents, ducts and the like.

  FIGS. 6D and 6E show an embodiment of the present invention in which the louver is not a photovoltaic material, but is arranged as a single panel with the photovoltaic material extending over a substantial area of the panel. It is sectional drawing of the solar structure panel by. The photovoltaic material can be disposed approximately in the center of the interior volume between the windowpane 105 and the structural substrate 610, or can be disposed adjacent to or on the structural substrate. It should be understood that the features of this non-louvered embodiment can be combined with the features of the louvered embodiment of FIG. 6A. For example, the photovoltaic material of the window may be placed on the louver without the wall portion being a photovoltaic material, and vice versa.

  It should be noted that the examples and embodiments described above are only for illustrative purposes, and various changes and modifications will be suggested by those skilled in the art from the viewpoint of the invention. It is to be understood that the spirit and scope of the specification and the appended claims are intended to be included. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (65)

In multiple glass windows,
A first window glass and a second window glass facing each other;
A frame coupled to the first window glass and the second window glass, and forming a gap between the first window glass, the second window glass, and the frame;
A generator disposed within the gap and configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity;
A ventilation system configured to selectively vent heat away from the first glazing or away from the second glazing from the gap;
A first reflective film and a second reflective film disposed on the first surfaces of the first window glass and the second window glass, respectively, wherein the first surface faces the gap, and the first reflective film And the second reflective film is configured to reflect infrared radiation into the air gap to generate heated air in the air gap, and the first window glass and the first reflective glass. A first reflection film and a second antireflection film respectively disposed on each second surface of the two-window glass, wherein the second surface faces outward as viewed from the gap, and emits visible light and infrared radiation A plurality of glass windows having a first antireflection film and a second antireflection film configured to transmit light into a gap.   And a third antireflection film and a fourth antireflection film which are respectively disposed on the first reflection film and the second reflection film and configured to transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the gap. The multiple glass window according to claim 1.   The multiple glass window of claim 1, wherein the generator comprises a set of photovoltaic panels comprising one or more sheets.   The multiple glass window of claim 3, wherein the photovoltaic panel is a polymer strip.   The multiple glass window of claim 4, further comprising a set of louvers to which the photovoltaic panels are coupled.   6. The multiple glass window of claim 5, wherein the polymer strip is drawn from the reservoir in the form of a sheet and cut to the length of the louver.   6. The multiple glass window of claim 5, wherein the louver is configured to rotate to align with the photovoltaic panel for optimal energy generation.   The multiple glass window according to claim 1, wherein a first opening is formed at an upper portion of the frame with respect to the gap, and a second opening is formed at a bottom of the frame with respect to the gap. .   The first opening is configured to open to a first side of the first window glass and the second window glass, and a second side of the first window glass and the second window glass, and The multiple glass window according to claim 8, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are opposite to each other. A first shutter disposed in the first opening, wherein the first shutter opens to open a first air channel extending from the gap to the first side, and closing to close the first air channel A second shutter disposed in the first opening, the second shutter extending to the second side from the gap when the second shutter is opened The multiple glass window according to claim 9, further comprising a second shutter configured to open and close the second air channel by opening the channel.   The multiple glass window according to claim 10, further comprising a thermostat coupled to the first shutter and the second shutter and opening and closing the first shutter and the second shutter at a certain temperature.   The filter further comprises a set of filters, wherein the filter is disposed in the gap and / or in the first opening and the second opening, and filters air moving through the gap. Item 9. A multiple glass window according to Item 8.   The multiple glass window according to claim 8, further comprising a fan disposed adjacent to the first opening to push air out of the first opening.   The multiple glass window of claim 13, wherein the fan is electrically coupled to a generator for supplying power to the fan.   The multiple glass window of claim 1, wherein the first reflective film and the second reflective film are photovoltaic, and the first and second antireflective films are photovoltaic. . In multiple glass windows,
A first window glass and a second window glass facing each other;
A frame coupled to the first window glass and the second window glass, and forming a gap between the first window glass, the second window glass, and the frame;
A generator arranged in the gap to convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity;
A ventilation system configured to selectively vent heat away from the first glazing or away from the second glazing from the gap;
A first antireflection film and a second antireflection film disposed on the first surfaces of the first window glass and the second window glass, respectively, wherein the first surface faces the gap. A film and a second antireflection film, and a third antireflection film and a fourth antireflection film respectively disposed on the second surfaces of the first window glass and the second window glass, wherein the second surface is The third anti-reflection film and the fourth anti-reflection film are configured to transmit outward visible light and infrared radiation into the gap, facing outward from the gap. A plurality of glass windows having a prevention film.   17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a first reflection film and a second reflection film that are respectively disposed on the third antireflection film and the fourth antireflection film and reflect infrared radiation into the gap. Multiple glass windows as described.   The multiple glass window of claim 16, wherein the generator comprises a set of photovoltaic panels.   The multiple glass window of claim 18, wherein the photovoltaic panel is a polymer strip.   The multiple glass window of claim 19, further comprising a set of louvers to which the photovoltaic panels are coupled.   21. The multiple glass window of claim 20, wherein the polymer strip is withdrawn from the reservoir in the form of a sheet and cut to the length of a louver.   21. The multiple glazing window of claim 20, wherein the louver is configured to rotate to align with the photovoltaic panel for optimal energy generation.   The multi-glass window according to claim 16, wherein a first opening is formed at an upper portion of the frame with respect to the gap, and a second opening is formed at a bottom of the frame with respect to the gap. .   The first opening is configured to open to a first side of the first window glass and the second window glass, and a second side of the first window glass and the second window glass, and 24. The multiple glass window of claim 23, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite to each other. A first shutter disposed in the first opening, the first shutter configured to open to open a first air channel extending from the gap to the first side, and the first shutter A second shutter disposed in the opening, the second shutter configured to open to open a second air channel extending from the gap to the second side portion; The multiple glass window according to claim 24.   26. The multiple glass of claim 25, further comprising a thermostat coupled to the first shutter and the second shutter and configured to open and close the first shutter and the second shutter at a temperature. window.   The filter according to claim 8, further comprising a set of filters, wherein the filters are arranged in the gap and / or in the first opening to filter air moving through the gap. Multiple glass windows.   The multiple glass window of claim 23, further comprising a fan disposed adjacent to the first opening and configured to push air out of the first opening.   29. The multiple glass window of claim 28, wherein the fan is electrically coupled to a generator for supplying power to the fan.   17. The plurality of claim 16, wherein the first reflective film and the second reflective film are photovoltaic, and the first antireflective film and the second antireflective film are photovoltaic. Glass window. In solar structure panels,
Window glass and structural substrate placed opposite each other,
A frame for joining the window glass and the structural substrate, and forming a gap between the window glass, the structural substrate and the frame;
A generator arranged in the gap to convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity;
Each of the first reflective film and the second reflective film disposed on the first surface of the window glass and the first surface of the structural substrate,
Each of the first surfaces faces the gap, and each of the reflective films is configured to reflect infrared radiation into the gap to generate heated air in the gap; and A second reflection film, and a first antireflection film and a second antireflection film disposed on the second surface of the window glass and the first reflection film, respectively, wherein the second surface is viewed from the gap. The first antireflection film and the second antireflection film have a first antireflection film and a second antireflection film that transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the gap. A featured solar structure panel.   32. The solar structure panel of claim 31, further comprising a plurality of glass windows.   The solar panel according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of glass windows are integrally formed on the window glass and the structural substrate.   32. The solar structure panel of claim 31, wherein the generator comprises a set of photovoltaic panels.   35. The solar panel of claim 34, wherein the photovoltaic panel is a polymer strip.   36. The solar structure panel of claim 35, further comprising a set of louvers to which the photovoltaic panels are coupled.   32. Solar light according to claim 31, comprising a ventilation system configured to selectively vent heat from the gap away from the first pane or away from the second pane. Structural panel.   37. The solar structure panel of claim 36, wherein the polymer strip is drawn from the reservoir in the form of a sheet and cut to the length of a louver.   38. The multiple glass window of claim 36, wherein the louver is configured to rotate to align with the photovoltaic panel for optimal energy generation.   32. The solar structure panel of claim 31, further comprising a fan configured to move warm air out of or into the gap.   32. The solar structure panel of claim 31, further comprising a water heating device, wherein the water heating device is configured to collect heat into the water in the water heating device.   42. The solar structure panel of claim 41, wherein the water heating device is configured to move the heated water out of the solar structure panel.   42. The solar structure panel of claim 41, wherein the water heating device is configured to move heated water into a building in which the solar structure panel is mounted and used. . In solar structure panels,
Window glass and structural substrate placed opposite each other,
A frame for joining the window glass and the structural substrate, and forming a gap between the window glass, the structural substrate and the frame;
A generator arranged in the gap to convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity;
Each of the first antireflection film and the second antireflection film disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the window glass,
The first surface faces outward as viewed from the gap,
The second surface faces the gap, and further includes a first antireflection film and a second antireflection film configured to transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the gap, and the second antireflection film; A first reflective film and a second reflective film respectively disposed on the first surface of the structural substrate,
The first surface of the structural substrate faces the air gap, and each of the reflective films is configured to reflect infrared radiation into the air gap to generate air heated in the air gap. A solar structure panel comprising a reflective film and a second reflective film.   45. The solar structure panel of claim 44, further comprising a plurality of glass windows.   46. The solar panel according to claim 45, wherein the plurality of glass windows are integrally formed on the window glass and the structural substrate.   45. The solar structure panel of claim 44, wherein the generator comprises a set of one or more photovoltaic panels.   48. The solar structure panel of claim 47, wherein the photovoltaic panel is a polymer strip.   49. The solar structure panel of claim 48, further comprising a set of louvers to which the photovoltaic panels are coupled.   45. The sun of claim 44, further comprising a ventilation system configured to selectively vent heat from the air gap in a direction away from the first pane or away from the second pane. Light structure panel.   51. The solar structure panel of claim 50, wherein the polymer strip is drawn from the reservoir in the form of a sheet and cut to the length of a louver.   51. The solar structure panel of claim 50, wherein the louver is configured to rotate to align with the photovoltaic panel for optimal energy generation.   45. The solar structure panel of claim 44, further comprising a fan configured to move away from the air gap or move warm air into the air gap.   45. The solar structure panel of claim 44, further comprising a water heating device configured to collect heat in the water within the water heating device.   55. The solar structure panel of claim 54, wherein the water heating device is configured to move heated water out of the solar structure panel.   55. The solar structure panel of claim 54, wherein the water heating device is configured to move heated water into a building in which the solar structure panel is mounted and used. .   A building comprising the solar structural panel according to claim 31.   44. A building having a solar structure panel according to claim 43. In an extrusion apparatus for forming a photovoltaic element,
To accommodate the liquid photovoltaic material, the housing within which the reservoir is disposed, and through which the liquid photovoltaic material will be drawn to form a photovoltaic sheet An extrusion apparatus comprising: an extrusion element that forms an opening.   60. The method according to claim 59, further comprising a set of cutters configured to contact the photovoltaic sheet and cut the photovoltaic sheet into a set of photovoltaic strips. The extrusion molding apparatus as described.   60. The extrusion apparatus of claim 59, further comprising a set of forming apparatus configured to form the photovoltaic sheet.   62. The extrusion apparatus of claim 61, wherein the set of forming devices comprises a set of rollers or a set of knife blades.   61. The extrusion apparatus of claim 60, wherein each cutter of the set of cutters is configured to be moved relative to each other to set the width of the photovoltaic strip. In an extrusion apparatus for forming a photovoltaic element,
Housing means for disposing reservoir means therein for containing liquid photovoltaic material;
An extrusion means for forming an opening through which the liquid photovoltaic material is drawn to form a photovoltaic sheet, and the light contacting the photovoltaic sheet; An extrusion apparatus comprising a set of cutter means configured to cut an electromotive sheet into a set of photovoltaic strips.   The extrusion apparatus according to claim 64, further comprising a set of forming means configured to form the photovoltaic sheet.

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