KR102666567B1 - Apparatus and method for operating electrochromic device having power distribution function - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrochromic device driving device and method, and in particular, when a signal requesting a change in the color change level of the electrochromic device is input, the electric power for driving the electrochromic device is distributed by distributing power between a plurality of electrochromic devices. It relates to an electrochromic device driving device and method that can use energy efficiently. An electrochromic device driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electrochromic device driving device that distributes power between a plurality of electrochromic devices, and includes a sensing unit that senses the voltage state of each electrochromic device, and the electrochromic device. A control unit that controls the power of a first electrochromic element among a plurality of electrochromic elements to be applied to a second electrochromic element in accordance with a request signal for change in the color change level for each, and the first electrochromic element in accordance with a control signal from the control unit. It includes a power distribution unit that switches the device and the second electrochromic device to be connected.

Description

Apparatus and method for driving an electrochromic device having a power distribution function {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE HAVING POWER DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION}

The present invention relates to an electrochromic device driving device and method, and in particular, when a signal requesting a change in the color change level of the electrochromic device is input, the electric power for driving the electrochromic device is distributed by distributing power between a plurality of electrochromic devices. It relates to an electrochromic device driving device and method that can use energy efficiently.

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which color changes reversibly depending on the direction of the electric field when voltage is applied. Devices with this characteristic are called electrochromic devices. An electrochromic device has no color when there is no external electron movement, but becomes colored when electrons are supplied and reduced or oxidized by losing electrons, or, conversely, when there is no external electron supply, it takes on color and then becomes colored when electrons are lost. When supplied and reduced or oxidized by losing electrons, the color disappears.

Electrochromic devices are used to control the light transmittance or reflectivity of architectural window glass or automobile mirrors, and as it has recently become known that they not only change color in the visible light region but also have an infrared blocking effect, their potential application as energy-saving products has increased. It is also receiving great attention.

An electrochromic device consists of an electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, and an electrolyte layer sequentially stacked between transparent substrates at predetermined intervals, and the electrochromic layer changes color when an external power supply is supplied. This electrochromic layer changes color through oxidation and reduction reactions, and color change performance, such as color change response speed and color change range, is limited depending on the color change material used.

Since electrochromic devices consume less power, they can be driven by low-power generation such as ultra-small solar cells in addition to applying an external power source. On the other hand, when multiple electrochromic elements are installed, the supply of external power to some electrochromic elements may be limited, and there are areas where power generation by solar cells cannot generate sufficient power due to the location of the sun and shading of light. As a result, a situation arises in which it is difficult to drive the electrochromic device in the corresponding area.

In addition, when the color change level of a plurality of electrochromic devices is changed, some electrochromic devices are colored and some electrochromic devices are decolorized, so that a constant voltage or reverse voltage is applied to each electrochromic device. , the use of electrical energy is inefficient.

Therefore, there is a need for research and development on ways to efficiently use electrical energy when driving electrochromic devices, such as changing the color detachment level of a plurality of electrochromic devices.

The present invention was created in consideration of the above circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic device driving device and method that can efficiently use electrical energy when the color change level of a plurality of electrochromic devices is changed.

Additionally, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic device driving device and method that can maintain the voltage level and transmittance of the electrochromic devices at an equal level even when a separate power source is not supplied.

An electrochromic device driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electrochromic device driving device that distributes power between a plurality of electrochromic devices, and includes a sensing unit that senses the voltage state of each electrochromic device, and the electrochromic device. A control unit that controls the power of a first electrochromic element among a plurality of electrochromic elements to be applied to a second electrochromic element in accordance with a request signal for change in the color change level for each, and the first electrochromic element in accordance with a control signal from the control unit. It includes a power distribution unit that switches the device and the second electrochromic device to be connected.

In one embodiment, the control unit calculates the charge amount of the first electrochromic device and the charge amount of the second electrochromic device, and transfers the voltage or current from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device during a predetermined time interval. can be controlled to be approved.

In one embodiment, the control unit may control such that a constant current is applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device for a first time interval and then a constant voltage is applied for a second time interval.

In one embodiment, the electrochromic device driving device further includes one or more of an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, and a transmittance sensor for the plurality of electrochromic devices, and the control unit transmits signals from the optical sensor, the temperature sensor, or the transmittance sensor. By reflecting the information, the voltage intensity, current intensity, or time interval applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device can be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the control unit, when the difference between the voltage of the first electrochromic device and the voltage of the second electrochromic device enters a preset error range, controls the first electrochromic device and the second electrochromic device. Additional voltage or current can be controlled to be applied to change the color to the target level.

In one embodiment, the power distribution unit may include a polarity change switch that switches the polarity of power applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device.

In one embodiment, the plurality of electrochromic devices are divided into predetermined sections, and solar cells are installed in each section, and the control unit detects the power generation amount of each solar cell and detects the first electrochromic device by the solar cell. The power can be controlled to be applied to the second electrochromic element.

In one embodiment, the electrochromic device driving device further includes a power storage unit that applies power to the plurality of electrochromic devices according to a control signal from the controller, and the power storage unit stores power between the plurality of electrochromic devices. After the change to the target level of distribution and removal is completed, excess power can be stored.

A method of driving an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method of driving an electrochromic device that distributes power between a plurality of electrochromic devices, comprising the steps of (a) sensing the voltage state of each electrochromic device in a sensing unit; , (b) a step in which the control unit controls the power of the first electrochromic device among the plurality of electrochromic devices to be applied to the second electrochromic device according to a request signal for a change in the color change level for each of the electrochromic devices, and (c) ) It includes the step of switching in the power distribution unit so that the first electrochromic element and the second electrochromic element are connected according to a control signal from the control unit.

In one embodiment, in step (b), the control unit calculates the amount of charge of the first electrochromic device and the amount of charge of the second electrochromic device, and moves from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device for a predetermined period of time. It may include controlling voltage or current to be applied during the interval.

In one embodiment, in step (b), the control unit controls such that a constant current is applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device for a first time interval, and then a constant voltage is applied for a second time interval. May include steps.

In one embodiment, in step (b), the control unit reflects information transmitted from an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a transmittance sensor, and the voltage intensity and current applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device. It may include adjusting the intensity or time interval.

In one embodiment, the step (b) is performed when the control unit determines that the difference between the voltage of the first electrochromic device and the voltage of the second electrochromic device is within a preset error range, and the first electrochromic device It may include controlling the application of additional voltage or current to change the color change to the target level for the color change to the second electrochromic element.

The electrochromic device driving device and method according to the present invention can reduce energy usage for driving the electrochromic device by controlling the distribution of power preferentially between a plurality of electrochromic devices to change the color change level of the electrochromic device. This has the effect of reducing electrical damage to the electrochromic device due to voltage application from the outside/inside.

In addition, the electrochromic device driving device and method according to the present invention moves charges by electrically connecting the first electrochromic device and the second electrochromic device, so that even if a separate power supply is not supplied, the voltage between the electrochromic devices There is an effect of maintaining the level and transmittance the same or similar.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrochromic device driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining voltage sensing of the sensing unit of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining power distribution of an electrochromic device driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrochromic device shown in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method of driving an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method of driving an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrochromic device driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining voltage sensing of the sensing unit of FIG. 1.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the electrochromic device driving device 100 of the present invention includes a sensing unit 110, a control unit 120, a power distribution unit 130, and a power storage unit 140.

The sensing unit 110 senses the voltage state of each electrochromic element 10. In FIG. 2, the circuit configuration in the dotted box represents an equivalent model of the electrochromic device 10, and the sensing unit 110 senses the internal voltage Vc(t) of the electrochromic device 10.

The voltage V _dc applied to the electrochromic element 10 is monitored, and when the voltage V _dc is applied and a floating state is created, the external resistance becomes infinite and the internal voltage Vc(t) of the electrochromic element 10 is increased. It can be measured. The sensing unit 110 is electrically connected to both ends of the electrochromic element 10 through a sensing line, thereby detecting the voltage across both ends of each electrochromic element 10, and sending the detected voltage across both ends to the control unit 120. Can be transmitted.

Meanwhile, to measure the current, a resistor R _i is placed at the point where (-) is grounded, and the current value can be derived according to the formula I=V/R.

The control unit 120 adjusts the power of the first electrochromic device 10a among the plurality of electrochromic devices 10 to the second electrochromic device 10b according to the request signal for a change in the color change level for each of the electrochromic devices 10. Control it to be approved.

The electrochromic element 10 may have two or more color change levels, and the light transmittance of the window on which the electrochromic element 10 is installed may change depending on the color change level.

For example, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 10 may be 70% at level 1, 50% at level 2, 30% at level 3, and 10% at level 4. there is. When the electrochromic device 10 is colored, the transmittance may decrease from level 1 to level 4, and when the electrochromic device 10 is discolored, the transmittance may increase from level 4 to level 1.

A constant voltage is applied to color the electrochromic element 10, and the voltage intensity for changing each level from level 1 to level 4 may be configured differently. For example, the constant voltage change to change from level 1 to level 2 may be 0.5V, while the constant voltage change to change from level 2 to level 3 may be 0.7V.

Meanwhile, a reverse voltage is applied to decolorize the electrochromic element 10, and the voltage intensity for changing each level from level 4 to level 1 may be configured differently.

For example, the absolute value of the constant voltage required to change from level 3 to level 4 may be larger than the absolute value of the reverse voltage required to change from level 4 to level 3.

The specific values of the number of color combination levels, transmittance, and voltage magnitude of the electrochromic device described in this specification are illustrative for understanding the present invention, and the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the color desorption level and transmittance of an electrochromic device may mean not only a specific value but also a predetermined value range.

The control unit 120 of the present invention analyzes the color change level change request signal for each electrochromic device 10, and determines the first electrochromic device 10a according to the potential difference or voltage size between the plurality of electrochromic devices 10. Power can be controlled to be applied from to the second electrochromic element 10b.

Here, without using separate power transmitted from the outside or inside to change the color change level of the electrochromic device 10, the control unit 120 preferentially controls the distribution of power among the plurality of electrochromic devices 10. By doing so, the amount of energy used for driving the electrochromic device 10 can be reduced, and electrical damage to the electrochromic device 10 due to additional voltage applied from the outside or inside can be reduced.

The control unit 120 is hardware-wise, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or microprocessors. It can be implemented using microprocessors, etc.

Additionally, the control unit 120 may include memory. The memory stores data, commands, and/or software necessary for the overall operation of the electrochromic device driving device 100, and contains information such as voltage, current, and application time required to change the color change level of each electrochromic device 10. Detailed information may be stored.

Memory is flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SDD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, RAM. Storage media such as random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or programmable read-only memory (PROM). It can be included.

The power distribution unit 130 switches the first electrochromic element 10a and the second electrochromic element 10b to be connected according to a control signal from the control unit 120. The power distribution unit 130 includes a plurality of switches so that each electrochromic device 10 can be electrically connected or disconnected to transfer power between the first electrochromic device 10a to the nth electrochromic device 10n. may include.

Additionally, the power distribution unit 130 may include a polarity change switch 132 that switches the polarity of power applied between the plurality of electrochromic elements 10.

The polarity change switch 132 can change the polarity of the current or voltage applied to the electrochromic element 10. The polarity change switch 132 may operate under the control of the control unit 120 and change the direction of the current or voltage applied to the electrochromic element 10.

For example, consider a situation in which the power of the first electrochromic device 10a in a color change level 4 state is applied to the second electrochromic device 10b in a different level state. At this time, when it is desired to change the color change level of the second electrochromic device 10b from 1 to 2, the polarity changeover switch 132 switches from the first electrochromic device 10a to the second electrochromic device 10b. It can operate with constant voltage applied. Meanwhile, when it is desired to change the color change level of the second electrochromic element 10b from 2 to 1, the polarity changeover switch 132 switches from the first electrochromic element 10a to the second electrochromic element 10b. The polarity can be switched so that reverse voltage is applied.

The power distribution unit 130 may include a DC/DC converter (not shown), which converts the voltage or current applied from the first electrochromic element 10a to the second electrochromic element 10b. The intensity can be converted.

In one embodiment, the electrochromic device driving device 100 may further include a power storage unit 140 that applies power to the plurality of electrochromic devices 10 according to a control signal from the controller 120.

When the power storage unit 140 is provided, even if a signal for changing the color change level of the electrochromic element 10 is not input, an amount of power within a predetermined range can be stored in the power storage unit 140 in the future. When a signal for changing the color change level of the electrochromic element 10 is input, power can be supplied on its own.

In addition, the power storage unit 140 may store surplus power after the change to the target level of power distribution and color removal between the plurality of electrochromic elements 10 is completed.

In one embodiment, the electrochromic device 10 may use power generated by a solar cell, and some of the power generated by the solar cell may be stored in the power storage unit 140.

The power storage unit 140 may store power supplied from an external power source. The power storage unit 140 may be composed of a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged multiple times.

The power storage unit 140 may be, for example, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, a lithium ion battery, a molten salt battery, an alkaline battery, etc., but is not limited thereto, taking into account charge/discharge speed, battery capacity, etc. Therefore, various types of batteries can be applied.

The charge amount of the power storage unit 140 may be controlled by the control unit 120 to be maintained within a predetermined range. The control unit 120 may control power to be charged from an external power source when the charging amount of the power storage unit 140 is less than or equal to a preset value.

The value preset as the charge amount of the power storage unit 140 may be the minimum or maximum value required to change the level of the color change of the electrochromic element 10. For example, the amount of power required to change the color change of the electrochromic element 10 from level 1 to level 2 may be the minimum value required for the level change, and the amount of power required to change the color change of the electrochromic element 10 from level 4 to level 1 may be the minimum required for the level change. The amount of power required to change the level may be the maximum value required for the level change.

In one embodiment, when a signal for changing the color change level of the electrochromic device 10 is input, the control unit 120 distributes power among the plurality of electrochromic devices 10 and then controls each electrochromic device 10. ) can be calculated by calculating the amount of additional power required to change the color to the target level, and can be controlled to use the power stored in the power storage unit 140 or to receive power from an external power source.

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 may control the power supply of the external power source to be blocked if the charge amount of the power storage unit 140 is greater than a preset value.

Since it may be advantageous for the management and lifespan of the power storage unit 140 to maintain the charge amount at a certain level rather than filling the power storage unit 140 to 100%, the maximum charge amount of the power storage unit 140 is set in advance. can be set.

For example, the control unit 120 presets the maximum state of charge (SOC) value of the power storage unit 140 to 90% and the minimum value to 30%, and the SOC value of the power storage unit 140 is set to 30%. If it is less than %, it can be controlled to receive power from an external power source. Additionally, if the SOC value of the power storage unit 140 is 90% or more, the control unit 120 may control the power supply of the external power source to be blocked.

In one embodiment, the electrochromic device driving device 100 of the present invention may be configured to apply power from an external power source directly to the electrochromic device 10 under the control of the control unit 120, and in this case, electrochromic device 10. The device driving device 100 may not include the power storage unit 140.

In one embodiment, the electrochromic device driving device 100 of the present invention includes at least one of an optical sensor (not shown), a temperature sensor (not shown), and a transmittance sensor (not shown) for a plurality of electrochromic devices 10. It may further include. The control unit 120 may adjust the voltage intensity, current intensity, or time interval applied between the plurality of electrochromic elements 10 by reflecting the information transmitted from the optical sensor, temperature sensor, or transmittance sensor.

The electrochromic device 10 can be affected by various factors such as the external environment, such as light, heat, humidity, and air current, and the driving and control for changing the color of the electrochromic device 10 also depends on the external environment. Minor differences may occur. The control unit 120 can be controlled by reflecting information transmitted from an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a transmittance sensor to adjust the offset to the external environment in order to precisely change the color change of the electrochromic element 10 to a desired level. .

A correlation equation can be derived in advance based on the output signals of the optical sensor, temperature sensor, or transmittance sensor and information such as voltage intensity, current intensity, or application time regarding the change in color level of the electrochromic elements 10, and the control unit 120 may generate a control signal by inputting output signals from an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a transmittance sensor into a correlation equation. The correlation equation may be processed by the control unit 120 to determine the desired color combination level for the electrochromic device 10 using, for example, a function or a lookup table.

The optical sensor can detect the irradiance of incident light, and the light incident on the optical sensor can be light input directly from a light source, or light reflected from a surface to the optical sensor.

The optical sensor may be installed on the outside or inside of the window to which the electrochromic element 10 is combined. An external light sensor can measure direct or reflected sunlight incident on the light sensor. The light level detected by the external light sensor can vary by day, week, month, year, and even within the day depending on the weather.

For example, on a cloudy day, sunlight is blocked by clouds, and the light level detected by the external light sensor becomes lower than on a clear day. Meanwhile, a plurality of windows combined with electrochromic elements 10 are installed in a building, and some windows that are obscured by clouds or shields may have a lower light level than other windows.

The internal light sensor can measure the ambient light inside the building, that is, inside the window where the electrochromic element is combined. Inside a building, errors in light measurement may also occur due to various environmental factors, so if a temporary decrease in light level due to an object occurs, correction of the measured light level can be made later.

The temperature sensor can measure the temperature inside or outside the window to which the electrochromic element 10 is combined. Since the driving voltage of the electrochromic device 10 can be changed by heat, the control unit 120 can reflect the temperature measurement value of the temperature sensor in the control of the electrochromic device 10. The temperature sensor may consist of a thermocouple, thermistor, or resistance temperature sensor.

The transmittance sensor measures the amount of light transmitted through the electrochromic element 10. The transmittance sensor may be configured, for example, by combining an external light sensor and an internal light sensor, and the light sensor disposed on the outside of the window to which the electrochromic element 10 is coupled is incident on the electrochromic element 10. The light level measured is measured, and the light sensor placed inside the window to which the electrochromic element 10 is combined measures the light level that has passed through the electrochromic element 10, and the light level measured by the external light sensor and the internal light sensor is measured. By calculating the amount of change in light level, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 10 can be determined.

The control unit 120 may generate a control signal necessary to change the color change level of the electrochromic element 10 based on the output signal of the above-described optical sensor, temperature sensor, or transmittance sensor, and output signals of the sensors according to a predetermined period. Feedback control can be achieved by analyzing .

In one embodiment, a main controller (not shown) may be provided to control a plurality of electrochromic device driving devices 100.

The main controller may wirelessly transmit a specific command signal to the control unit 120 of the electrochromic device driving device 100. Here, the specific command signal may include information for changing the level of the color change of the electrochromic element 10, for example, information such as the required amount of power, current or voltage intensity, and current or voltage application time.

The main controller can individually control the control unit 120 of the plurality of electrochromic device driving devices 100. Accordingly, the user can individually control the change in color of the plurality of electrochromic elements 10 through the main controller, thereby improving convenience of use.

The main controller includes an electrochromic device driving device 100 and, for example, NFC (Near Field Communication), Zigbee communication, infrared communication, visible light communication, Bluetooth, WiFi, Z-Wave, Neul, Sigfox, LoRaWaN, UWB (ultra -wideband) or CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) algorithms can be used to communicate, but the communication method is not limited to this.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining power distribution of an electrochromic device driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of electrochromic elements 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are each connected by power lines PL, and power can be distributed through the power lines PL.

The power distribution unit 130 connects or disconnects the electrochromic elements (10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d) through switching so that power can move between the electrochromic elements (10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d) through the power line (PL). do.

For example, the power distribution unit 130 switches the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b so that power moves between the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b. The power lines (PL) between (10b) are connected, and the connection to other power lines (PL) can be switched to be blocked.

Hereinafter, power distribution of the electrochromic device driving device 100 will be described as an example, but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The color change level of the first electrochromic device 10a is 4, the color change level of the second electrochromic device 10b is 1, the color change level of the third electrochromic device 10c is 3, and the color change level of the fourth electrochromic device 10b is 4. The color removal level in (10d) is assumed to be 3.

At this time, when a request signal to change the color change level of the four electrochromic elements 10 to 2 is input to the control unit 120, the control unit 120 switches from the first electrochromic element 10a with a relatively high voltage. A control signal is generated so that a voltage is applied to the second electrochromic device 10b having a relatively low voltage, and the power distribution unit 130 connects the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b. Connect.

Here, the control unit 120 calculates the charge amount of the first electrochromic device 10a and the charge amount of the second electrochromic device 10b, and transfers the charge amount from the first electrochromic device 10a to the second electrochromic device 10b. Voltage or current can be controlled to be applied during a predetermined time interval.

The control unit 120 may calculate a time interval for applying voltage or current based on the difference in voltage or charge between the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b.

The sensing unit 110 can sense the amount of charge moved between the first electrochromic element 10a and the second electrochromic element 10b, and the control unit 120 detects the second electric charge from the first electrochromic element 10a. By allowing a constant current to flow through the color change element 10b for a predetermined time interval, the previously calculated amount of charge can be controlled to move.

The control unit 120 can calculate the amount of charge moved during a predetermined time interval by integrating the constant current with respect to time based on the size of the constant current and an integrator (not shown), and compares it with the amount of charge calculated in advance to determine whether the constant current is applied in real time. can be decided.

When the amount of charge transferred between the first electrochromic element 10a and the second electrochromic element 10b satisfies the target charge amount, the control unit 120 controls the application of voltage or current to be blocked. In one embodiment, even if the amount of charge moved between the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b does not meet the target charge amount, the first electrochromic device 10a measured by the sensing unit 110 Alternatively, when the second electrochromic element 10b reaches the target color removal level, the application of voltage or current can be controlled to be blocked.

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 controls such that a constant current is applied from the first electrochromic element 10a to the second electrochromic element 10b for a first time interval, and then a constant voltage is applied for a second time interval. You can.

The control unit 120 applies a constant current corresponding to the maximum output that can be applied from the first electrochromic device 10a to the second electrochromic device 10b to the second electrochromic device 10b for a first time interval. , When the constant voltage application condition is satisfied, the constant voltage can be controlled to be applied to the second electrochromic element 10b for a second time interval.

While a constant current is applied during the first time interval, when the voltage measured for the color change level of the second electrochromic element 10b sensed by the sensing unit 110 is above a certain voltage, the control unit 120 controls the first electric color change element 10b. A constant voltage is applied from the color change element 10a to the second electrochromic element 10b for a second time interval, gradually reducing the magnitude of the applied current, and the voltage of the second electrochromic element 10b decreases to the previously calculated voltage. It can be controlled as much as possible.

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 determines the polarity of the voltage or current applied between the electrochromic elements 10 based on the voltage or charge amount of the electrochromic element 10 sensed by the sensing unit 110, The polarity conversion switch 132 can be controlled.

For example, consider the process of changing the color change level of the four electrochromic elements 10 of FIG. 3 to 2. When applying a current or voltage from the first electrochromic element 10a, which is at a color changeable level of 4, to the second electrochromic element 10b, which is a color changeable level 1, the color changeable level of the second electrochromic element 10b is set to 1. Since it is desired to change from to 2, the control unit 120 can drive the polarity change switch 132 so that a constant voltage is applied. On the other hand, when applying a current or voltage from the first electrochromic element 10a at color change level 4 to the third electrochromic element 10c at color desorption level 3, the color change level of the third electrochromic element 10c Since it is desired to change from 3 to 2, the control unit 120 may drive the polarity changeover switch 132 to apply a reverse voltage.

In one embodiment, in order to achieve the target level of color change for the electrochromic devices 10, the control unit 120 changes the color changeable device from the first electrochromic device 10a with color change level 4 to the second color change device 10 with color change level 1. 2 After applying power to the electrochromic device (10b), the power of the third electrochromic device (10c) or the fourth electrochromic device (10d) having a color change level 3 is sequentially transferred to the second electrochromic device (10b). It can be controlled to be approved.

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 applies power from the first electrochromic element 10a to the second electrochromic element 10b, while measuring the value of the first electrochromic element 10a measured by the sensing unit 110. When the difference between the voltage and the voltage of the second electrochromic element 10b falls within the preset error range, the first electrochromic element 10a and the second electrochromic element 10b are changed to the target level for decolorization. It can be controlled so that additional voltage or current is applied. Additional voltage or current may be supplied from the power storage unit 140 or an external power source according to a control signal from the control unit 120. The preset error may be set to a specific value, such as less than 0.1V or less than 0.05V, or may be set as a percentage, such as ±10% or ±5%.

For example, with the color combination of the first electrochromic element 10a being 3 and the color removal level of the second electrochromic element 10b being 1, the color combination of the two electrochromic elements 10a and 10b may occur. A signal that changes the level to 2 is input to the control unit 120. Accordingly, the control unit 120 connects the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b so that the voltage difference between the two electrochromic devices 10a and 10b falls within a preset error range. , when the color combination level becomes approximately 2 and enters a medium transmittance state, additional voltage or current can be applied to each electrochromic element (10a, 10b) to control the level to be 2, which is the target level.

The additional voltage or current applied to each electrochromic element 10 may vary depending on the thickness, size, area, etc. of the electrochromic elements 10a and 10b. In addition, the supply voltage signal from an external power source can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage signal, and the oscillation frequency of the supply voltage signal is the leakage current of the electrochromic element 10, the sheet resistance of the conductive layer, It can be optimized by considering various factors such as the target level of color combination.

In one embodiment, the plurality of electrochromic devices 10 are divided into predetermined sections, and solar cells (not shown) may be installed in each section, and the solar cells provide the power required to drive the electrochromic devices 10. supplies.

In FIG. 3, a predetermined partition for the plurality of electrochromic elements 10 may be an area that separates each electrochromic element 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and each electrochromic element 10 is used to supply power. Solar cells connected to (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) can be installed individually. In addition, various modifications are possible, such as bundling two electrochromic elements 10 and dividing them into one compartment, or bundling more electrochromic elements 10 and dividing them into one compartment to install a solar cell.

When a signal requesting a change in the color change level of the electrochromic element 10 is input, the control unit 120 detects the power generation amount of each solar cell, and the power of the first electrochromic element 10a by the solar cell is 2 It can be controlled to be applied to the electrochromic element 10b.

For example, it is assumed that solar cells are connected to each of the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b to supply power, and that the maximum power generation of the solar cells is 100%.

In a state in which the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b have the same removable color level, the same removable color level change request signal for the electrochromic devices 10a and 10b is input to the control unit 120. If the power generation amount of the solar cell of the first electrochromic element 10a is 100% and the power generation amount of the solar cell of the second electrochromic element 10b is less than 50% and individual driving is difficult, the control unit 120 1 By connecting the electrochromic device (10a) and the second electrochromic device (10b) and controlling the power of the first electrochromic device (10a) from the solar cell to be applied to the second electrochromic device (10b), 2 The color combination levels of the electrochromic elements 10a and 10b can be changed equally.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrochromic device shown in Figure 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electrochromic device 10 includes transparent substrates 20 and 80, electrode layers 30 and 70, a first electrochromic layer 40, a second electrochromic side 60, and an electrolyte layer 50. ) includes.

The transparent substrates 20 and 80 may be made of transparent plastic or glass with a light transmittance of 95% or more to allow sunlight to pass through. Transparent plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), and triacetylcellulose (TAC). The transparent substrates 20 and 80 may be formed to have a thickness of 10 μm to 5 mm.

The electrode layers 30 and 70 are formed on the surfaces of the upper and lower transparent substrates 20 and 80, respectively, and are made of a transparent conductive material that allows electricity to flow without interfering with the transmission of light.

The electrode layers 30 and 70 may be made of metal oxides such as ITO, ATO, FTO, IZO, ZnO, copper oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide. The electrode layers 30 and 70 may be formed in the form of a thin film on the transparent substrates 20 and 80 through a known coating process such as sputtering, and may preferably be formed to a thickness of 300 nm to 1,000 nm.

The electrochromic layers 40 and 60 are formed on the electrode layers 30 and 70 and change color due to the movement of charges or electrolyte ions injected by the supplied power, and the first electrochromic layer 40 is reduced and It is a layer that changes color, and the second electrochromic layer 60 is a layer that changes color by oxidation. The first electrochromic layer 40 and the second electrochromic layer 60 include an electrochromic material that changes color according to an electrical signal, and may be an organic or inorganic electrochromic material. Organic electrochromic materials may be composed of viologen, anthraquinone, polyaniline, polypinol, or polythiophene, and may include Ti, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Rh, and one or more oxides of Ir may be included as an inorganic discoloring material. WO ₃ , TiO ₂ , MoO ₃ , viologen, PEDOT, etc. can be used as reductive discoloring materials, and NiO, Ir(OH) ₂ , CoO ₂ , ITO, etc. can be used as oxidizing discoloring materials.

In this specification, the color-changing material may be a material with electrochromic properties in which light absorption changes through electrochemical oxidation and reduction reactions, and the electrochemical properties of the electrochromic material are reversible depending on whether voltage is applied and the intensity of the voltage. Oxidation and reduction phenomena occur, which can reversibly change the transparency and absorbance of the discoloring material.

The formation of the first electrochromic layer 40 or the second electrochromic layer 60 involves coating the area to be laminated with either a reducing material or an oxidizing material, followed by drying and firing at a high temperature. An electrolyte layer 50 may be inserted between (40) and the second electrochromic layer (60).

The first electrochromic layer 40, the second electrochromic layer 60, and the electrolyte layer 50 use the electrochromic principle of changing color when voltage is applied, and reversibly change color or change transmittance by applying voltage from the outside. This includes changing elements.

The total thickness of the first electrochromic layer 40, the second electrochromic layer 60, and the electrolyte layer 50 may be 10 to 500 μm, preferably 20 to 300 μm, and more preferably 50 to 200 μm. there is. When the total thickness of the first electrochromic layer 40, the second electrochromic layer 60, and the electrolyte layer 50 is less than 10㎛, the first electrode layer 30 and the second electrode layer 70 can be in contact with each other. , there is a possibility of short circuit, and if the total thickness of the first electrochromic layer 40, the second electrochromic layer 60, and the electrolyte layer 50 exceeds 500㎛, the electrical conductivity decreases and the reaction rate decreases. It can be slow.

The electrolyte layer 50 is a layer that provides an environment for the movement of hydrogen ions or lithium ions for discoloration or decolorization of the electrochromic layers 40 and 60, and a liquid polymer electrolyte that can be hardened by ultraviolet ray irradiation can be used. . Ultraviolet curing resin can be composed by mixing PEG-based or urethane-based oligomers, low-molecular-weight PEGDMe, PEGDA, and light or thermal initiators, and a liquid electrolyte is formed by dissolving electrolyte salt in a solvent.

At this time, the solvent may be used singly or in combination of EC, PC, DMC, DEC, EMC, etc., and the electrolyte salt may be a compound containing H ⁺ , Li ⁺ , Na ⁺ , K ⁺ , Rb ⁺ , Cs ⁺ For example, lithium salt compounds such as LiClO ₄ , LiBF ₄ , LiAsF ₆ , or LiPF ₆ may be used singly or in combination. The electrolyte layer 50 composed in this way is formed in a layered form by gap coating between the first electrochromic layer 40 and the second electrochromic layer 60 with uniform intervals, preferably 100㎛ to 500㎛. It can be formed as

The method of forming the electrode layers 30 and 70, the electrochromic layers 40 and 60, and the electrolyte layer 50 is not particularly limited, and known methods can be used. For example, any one of deposition, spin coating, dip coating, screen printing, gravure coating, sol-gel method, or slot die coating. Each floor can be prepared by .

The electrochromic device driving device 100 of the present invention applies an activation voltage or current to attach or decolorize the electrochromic device 10. The activation voltage or current is applied through the electrode layers 30 and 70, and when a request signal for a change in the color change level for the electrochromic device 10 is input, the control unit 120 generates a first electrochromic device with a relatively high voltage. Power can be controlled to be applied from (10a) to the second electrochromic element (10b) having a relatively low voltage.

The electrochromic device driving device 100 of the present invention preferentially transfers power between a plurality of electrochromic devices 10 to change the color change level of the electrochromic device 10, and then transfers power to the power storage unit 140 or an external device. Since additional power can be supplied from the power source, electrical energy can be used efficiently.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method of driving an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the electrochromic device driving method of the present invention is a method of driving an electrochromic device that distributes power between a plurality of electrochromic devices 10. First, the voltage state of each electrochromic device 10 is sensed. Sensing is performed in unit 110 (S110). The voltage values of each electrochromic element 10 measured by the sensing unit 110 may be transmitted to the control unit 120.

Subsequently, when a request signal to change the color change level for each electrochromic element 10 is input to the control unit 120, the control unit 120 determines the power of the first electrochromic element 10a among the plurality of electrochromic elements 10. Control is applied to the second electrochromic element 10b (S120).

Here, the first electrochromic device 10a may have a relatively high voltage (absolute value), and the second electrochromic device 10b may have a relatively low voltage (absolute value).

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 calculates the charge amount of the first electrochromic device 10a and the charge amount of the second electrochromic device 10b, and calculates the charge amount of the first electrochromic device 10a to the second electrochromic device ( 10b), the voltage or current can be controlled to be applied for a predetermined time interval.

The amount of charge of the electrochromic device 10 may be calculated according to a correlation equation calculated in advance in the form of a function or look-up table, based on the voltage value sensed by the sensing unit 110. In addition, data on the amount of charge accumulated after a predetermined time depending on the intensity of the applied voltage or current is established in advance through experiments, etc., and the control unit 120 controls the second electrochromic element (10a) from the first electrochromic element 10a. 10b), a control signal for the applied voltage or current intensity, a predetermined time interval, etc. can be generated.

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 controls such that a constant current is applied from the first electrochromic element 10a to the second electrochromic element 10b for a first time interval, and then a constant voltage is applied for a second time interval. You can. The control unit 120 may integrate the constant current with respect to time to calculate the amount of charge moving from the first electrochromic element 10a to the second electrochromic element 10b, and the attachment and detachment of the second electrochromic element 10b. In order to set the color to a desired target level, a constant voltage can be applied after applying a constant current to change the voltage to a voltage corresponding to the target level of color removal.

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 reflects information transmitted from an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, or a transmittance sensor, and the voltage intensity and current applied from the first electrochromic device 10a to the second electrochromic device 10b. You can adjust the intensity or time interval. Since the change in color level of the electrochromic element 10 may be affected by external environmental factors such as heat and light, the control unit 120 analyzes the output signal of the light sensor, temperature sensor, or transmittance sensor to adjust the offset. Thus, a control signal can be generated.

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 applies the power of the first electrochromic device 10a to the second electrochromic device 10b, while adjusting the voltage of the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device ( When the difference in voltage between 10b) falls within the preset error range, additional voltage or current is applied to change the color change to the target level for the first electrochromic element 10a and the second electrochromic element 10b. You can control it.

Until the voltage values of the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b sensed by the sensing unit 110 become similar, the power of the first electrochromic device 10a is transferred to the second electrochromic device ( When 10b) is sufficiently applied, the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b have similar transmittances. At this time, when the power required to change the color of the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b to the target level is insufficient, the control unit 120 controls the first electrochromic device 10a and the second electrochromic device 10b. 2 It is possible to control the application of additional voltage or current to the electrochromic element 10b. Additional voltage or current may be supplied from the power storage unit 140 or an external power source.

In one embodiment, the control unit 120 analyzes the request for a change in the level of color change for each electrochromic device 10, and controls the power applied from the first electrochromic device 10a to the second electrochromic device 10b. The polarity can be controlled to be switched. The change in the color change level of the second electrochromic element 10b may proceed in the direction in which a constant voltage or reverse voltage is applied, and the control unit 120 changes the polarity of the power transmitted from the first electrochromic element 10a to 2 It can be applied to the electrochromic element 10b.

When the control unit 120 generates a control signal to apply the power of the first electrochromic element 10a to the second electrochromic element 10b, the power distribution unit 130 controls the first electrochromic element 10a and the second electrochromic element 10b. 2 The electrochromic element 10b can be switched to be connected (S130). In FIG. 3, the power distribution unit 130 connects some of the electrochromic elements 10 to the power line PL and connects other electrochromic elements 10 to distribute power between the plurality of electrochromic elements 10. It can be switched to turn it off.

Subsequently, the power storage unit 140 may store surplus power after the change to the target level of power distribution and color removal between the plurality of electrochromic elements 10 is completed (S140). The power of the power storage unit 140 may be used to drive the electrochromic element 10 to change the color combination level. In addition, the power storage unit 140 can store and reuse surplus power, thereby increasing the efficiency of using electric energy when driving the electrochromic device 10.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method of driving an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, as a method of driving an electrochromic device that distributes power between a plurality of electrochromic devices, the plurality of electrochromic devices 10 are divided into predetermined sections, solar cells are installed in each section, and solar cells supplies the power necessary to drive the electrochromic element 10 (S210).

Next, the sensing unit 110 senses the voltage state of each electrochromic element 10 (S220). The voltage values of the electrochromic elements 10 measured by the sensing unit 110 may be transmitted to the control unit 120, and the sensing of the sensing unit 110 operates at all times, operates at a predetermined period, or operates when the electrochromic elements ( 10) may be operated when a request signal for a change in color level is input, or may be operated when a control signal related to sensing is input from the control unit 120.

Next, when a request signal for a change in the color change level for each electrochromic element 10 is input to the control unit 120, the control unit 120 detects the power generation amount of each solar cell and determines the first electrochromic element generated by the solar cell. The power of (10a) is controlled to be applied to the second electrochromic element (10b) (S230).

The various embodiments described above may be applied to the control method of the control unit 120.

Next, the power distribution unit 130 switches the first electrochromic element 10a and the second electrochromic element 10b to be connected according to a control signal from the control unit 120 (S240). When the first electrochromic device (10a) and the second electrochromic device (10b) are connected, the charge accumulated in the first electrochromic device (10a) can move to the second electrochromic device (10b), and the first electrochromic device (10a) can move to the second electrochromic device (10b). Power generated from a solar cell connected to the color change element 10a may move to the second electrochromic element 10b.

Subsequently, the power storage unit 140 may store surplus power after the change to the target level of power distribution and color removal between the plurality of electrochromic elements 10 is completed (S250). The power storage unit 140 may store power generated by solar cells.

The embodiments described above may be implemented with hardware components, software components, and/or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may include, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, and a field programmable gate (FPGA). It may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as an array, programmable logic unit (PLU), microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. A processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications that run on the operating system. Additionally, a processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of software. For ease of understanding, a single processing device may be described as being used; however, those skilled in the art will understand that a processing device includes multiple processing elements and/or multiple types of processing elements. It can be seen that it may include. For example, a processing device may include multiple processors or one processor and one controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are possible.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments so far, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the technical field to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the following claims. Anyone skilled in the art will recognize that the technical idea of the present invention extends to the extent that various changes or modifications can be made.

10: Electrochromic device 20, 80: Transparent substrate
30, 70: electrode layer 40: first electrochromic layer
50: electrolyte layer 60: second electrochromic layer
100: electrochromic device driving device 110: sensing unit
120: control unit 130: power distribution unit
132: polarity changeover switch 140: power storage unit

Claims (13)

An electrochromic device driving device that distributes power between a plurality of electrochromic devices,
A sensing unit that senses the internal voltage of each electrochromic element;
a control unit that controls power from a first electrochromic device among a plurality of electrochromic devices to be applied to a second electrochromic device in response to a request signal for a change in the color change level for each of the electrochromic devices; and
A power distribution unit that switches the first electrochromic element and the second electrochromic element to be connected according to a control signal from the control unit. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
Electrochromism, which calculates the amount of charge of the first electrochromic element and the amount of charge of the second electrochromic element and controls voltage or current to be applied from the first electrochromic element to the second electrochromic element for a predetermined time interval. Element driving device. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
An electrochromic device driving device that controls such that a constant current is applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device for a first time interval and then a constant voltage is applied for a second time interval. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes one or more of an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, and a transmittance sensor for the plurality of electrochromic elements, and the control unit reflects information transmitted from the optical sensor, temperature sensor, or transmittance sensor to detect the first electrochromic element. An electrochromic device driving device that adjusts the voltage intensity, current intensity, or time interval applied to the second electrochromic device. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
When the difference between the voltage of the first electrochromic element and the voltage of the second electrochromic element falls within a preset error range, the color change for the first electrochromic element and the second electrochromic element changes to the target level of color removal. An electrochromic device driving device that controls the application of additional voltage or current to According to paragraph 1,
The power distribution unit,
A polarity change switch that switches the polarity of power applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device. According to paragraph 1,
The plurality of electrochromic devices are divided into predetermined sections, and solar cells are installed in each section. The control unit detects the power generation amount of each solar cell, and the power of the first electrochromic device by the solar cell is adjusted to the above. An electrochromic device driving device that controls application to a second electrochromic device. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes a power storage unit that applies power to the plurality of electrochromic elements according to a control signal from the controller, wherein the power storage unit completes the change to the target level for power distribution and color removal between the plurality of electrochromic elements. , Electrochromic device driving device that stores surplus power. A method of driving an electrochromic device that distributes power between a plurality of electrochromic devices, comprising:
(a) sensing the internal voltage of each electrochromic element in a sensing unit;
(b) controlling the control unit to apply power from a first electrochromic device among a plurality of electrochromic devices to a second electrochromic device in response to a request signal to change the color change level for each of the electrochromic devices; and
(c) switching in a power distribution unit to connect the first electrochromic device and the second electrochromic device according to a control signal from the control unit. According to clause 9,
In step (b),
The control unit calculates the charge amount of the first electrochromic element and the charge amount of the second electrochromic element, and controls the voltage or current to be applied from the first electrochromic element to the second electrochromic element for a predetermined time interval. A method of driving an electrochromic device, including; According to clause 9,
In step (b),
A method of driving an electrochromic device comprising; controlling the control unit to apply a constant voltage for a second time interval after a constant current is applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device for a first time interval. . According to clause 9,
In step (b),
It includes the step of the control unit adjusting the voltage intensity, current intensity, or time interval applied from the first electrochromic device to the second electrochromic device by reflecting information transmitted from the light sensor, temperature sensor, or transmittance sensor. How to drive an electrochromic device. According to clause 9,
In step (b),
When the difference between the voltage of the first electrochromic element and the voltage of the second electrochromic element falls within a preset error range, the control unit determines the color combination for the first electrochromic element and the second electrochromic element. A method of driving an electrochromic device comprising: controlling an additional voltage or current to be applied to change it to a target level.