Patent Application
20200321908
The invention relates to glazing assemblies and spacer structures for such glazing assemblies, and, in particular, though not exclusively, to a power-generating multi-pane glazing assembly, a window comprising a power-generating glazing assembly, a modular power-generating spacer structure for a multi-pane glazing assembly and a corner connector and an electronic module for such power-generating spacer structure.
Photovoltaics play an important role in transforming buildings into neutral, or net zero, energy consumers. Preferably such building locally produces as much energy as it consumes. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are photovoltaic structures that are used to replace conventional building structures in parts of the building envelope such as the roof, skylights, windows or facades. BIPV structures are increasingly being incorporated into the construction as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power and existing structures may be retrofitted with similar technology. This makes BIPV one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry.
An example of a building-integrated photovoltaic structure is power-generating window structure that can produce sufficient energy for locally powering peripheral functions such as electronically controlled sunshades, climate control, etc. EP1703063 describes power-generating window structures wherein photovoltaic elements are laminated against vertical surface of the hollow window profile, typically an aluminum, plastic and/or fiberglass profile, in which two or more glass panes are mounted. Alternatively, the photovoltaic elements can be laminated against the glass surface within the inter-pane space, i.e. the space between the window panes in a peripheral area of the structure, in particular, an area close to the peripheral spacer structure that keeps the glass panes separated from each other.
Laminating photovoltaic elements against the glass panes in a peripheral area of such window structure does not allow orienting the photovoltaic elements in such as way so that they can be operated in an optimal way. Shading effects in the peripheral area of the window structure and a relatively large inclination angle between the incoming light and the surface of photovoltaic elements bonded to the surface of the glass panes may cause the photovoltaic elements to perform suboptimal. Further, the lamination of the photovoltaic elements may negatively influence the thermal properties of the window structure. Additionally, thermal effects may cause stress in the photovoltaic elements affecting its overall performance. It further requires the need to integrate the bonding process of the photovoltaic elements in the assembly process of the glazing assemblies.
DE202011102438 provides a high-level description of a double pane glazing assembly including a spacer structure around the periphery of the glazing assembly wherein a photovoltaic module is mounted on the spacer structure within the space between the window panes. It is suggested that the photovoltaic module may be mounted to the spacer structure using a hinge so that the photovoltaic module can be folded out.
The above-referenced prior art documents disregard the fact that mass production of modern high performance multi-pane glazing structures that can be used in e.g. zero-energy buildings and smart building solutions require careful specification of each element in production process to accurately control characteristics such as heat gain losses, transparency (glare), shading, thermal comfort, acoustics, color effects, etc. so that high performance of the glazing structure is guaranteed over a long period (e.g. 10 years or longer). For example, the PV modules require electronics and wiring within the space between the window panes and electronic connections to the outside for both power transportation and data communication. Such external connection forms a potential weak spot in the double-glazing structure. Thus, the suggested PV functionalities of the glazing structures are as such not compatible with the high-volume production processes of modern high-performance multi-pane glazing structures.
Hence, there is a need in the art for improved power-generating spacer structures and glazing assemblies comprising such power generating spacer structures. In particular, there is a need in the art for improved power-generating multi-pane glazing assemblies, which can be easily and flexibly optimized with respect to the amount of light it receives, the specifications of high-end glazing structures and the standardized high-volume manufacture processes of high performance multi-pane glazing assemblies.
It is an objective of the invention to reduce or eliminate at least one of the drawbacks known in the prior art.
In an aspect, the invention relates to a glazing assembly comprising: at least a first (inner) glass pane, a second (outer) glass pane and at least one spacer structure for providing a predetermined separation between the first and second glass pane, the spacer structure being positioned at a peripheral area of the first and second glass pane; one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules mounted on and/or in at least part of the spacer structure, the one or more PV modules being positioned in a space defined by the first and second glass panes and the spacer structure (inter-pane space); wherein at least part of the spacer structure comprises one or more mounting members adapted to orient a light receiving surface of PV cells of the PV modules in a tilted position with respect to the plane of the second (outer) glass pane; and, wherein the spacer structure comprises one or more elongated members, each elongated member having a cross-sectional profile, the profile defining a hollow body part and a mounting part, the mounting part comprising one or more fastening members for removably mounting the one or more PV cell modules on at least part of the peripheral spacer structure. Thus, the PV modules may be removably mounted onto part of the spacer structure. For example, a sliding and/or a clamping mechanism may be used to mechanically fixate the PV modules to part of the spacer structure.
In an embodiment, the light receiving surface of the one or more PV modules and the surface of the first or second pane define a tilt angle between 10 and 80 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 70 degrees, even more preferably between 30 and 60 degrees.
In an embodiment, the mounting part may be configured to orient the one or more PV modules in a fixed tilted position. In another embodiment, the one or more fastening members of the mounting part may be configured to engage with one or more fastening members of the body part for removably mounting the mounting part comprising the one or more PV modules onto the body part. Thus, the mounting part may be used as a submount to mount the PV modules to the body part of the spacer structure.
In an embodiment the (hollow) body part may have a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section. In another embodiment, the mounting part may have a triangular shaped cross-section. In yet another embodiment, the mounting part having a right triangular shaped cross-section, wherein the side opposite the right angle forming a tiled mounting surface for the one or more PV modules and wherein, optionally, a side adjacent to the right angle forming a mounting area for mounting the mounting part onto the hollow body part.
In an embodiment, the spacer structure may further comprise a first elongated member for fixating one or more first PV modules in a first titled position, a second elongated member for fixating one or more second PV modules in a second titled position and a corner connection for mechanically connecting a first end of the first member to a first end of the second member.
In an embodiment, the corner connector may include a main body connected to a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion comprising at least a first leg which is shaped to engage with a first end of the first member to provide a first mechanical connection, preferably a first sliding connection, and the second end portion comprising at least a second leg which is shaped to engage with a first end of the second member to provide a second mechanical connection, preferably a second sliding connection.
In an embodiment, the corner connection further comprises at least one electrical wiring structure, wherein the at least one electrical wiring structure is arranged to electrically connect one of the one or more first PV modules mounted on the first member to a controller module, preferably a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) module, arranged in and/or mounted on a part of the second member.
In another embodiment, the at least one electrical wiring structure may comprise electrical leads embedded in the main body of the corner connector, a first end of the electrical leads may form a first power connector in the inter-pane cavity of the glazing assembly and a second end of the electrical leads forming a second power connector outside the inter-pane cavity.
In an embodiment, at least one at least one wiring structure may comprise one or more (flexible) printed circuit boards or (flexible) printed wiring boards.
In an embodiment, the spacer structure may comprise a first bonding surface for bonding a first glass pane and a second bonding surface for boding a second glass pane, the spacer structure forming or being part of a seal, preferably a hermetic seal, along the peripheral part of the first and second glass pane, the seal sealing the space between the first and second glass pane (the inter-pane cavity).
In an embodiment, the second glass pane may include a central window area which is transparent for solar light from the visible part of the spectrum and which reflects at least part of the (near) infrared part of the solar spectrum and peripheral area around the central window area, the peripheral area defining a solar cell light entrance area for exposing the PV cells to solar light from the visible and the (near) infrared part of the spectrum, preferably the central window area being covered with one or more (near) infrared reflecting thin-film coatings and the peripheral area not being covered with the one or more (near) infrared reflecting thin-film coatings.
In an embodiment, at least part of the one or more PV modules may comprise an elongated shaped electrical wiring board, preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), comprising a first outer edge and an opposite second outer edge, the electrical wiring board including an electrical wiring structure arranged to electrically connect at least part of the PV cells of the PV module in series.
In an embodiment, the electrical wiring structure may further comprise a first PV contact at the first outer edge and a first PV contact at the second outer edge, wherein the first PV contacts are connected to the anode side of the series connected PV cells and wherein the electrical wiring structure includes a second PV contact at the first outer edge and a second PV contact at the second outer edge, wherein the second PV contact is connected to the cathode side of the series connected PV cells.
In an embodiment, the electrical wiring board of the PV module may further comprise a first electrical bus and second electrical bus, the first electrical bus electrically connecting a third contact at the first outer edge with a third contact at the second outer edge and the second electrical bus electrically connecting a fourth contact at the first outer edge with a fourth contact at the second outer edge.
In an embodiment, the first PV modules arranged on a first part of the spacer structure along a first edge of a window pane may be electrically connected to each other, the electrically connected first PV modules forming a first PV array; and, wherein second PV modules arranged on a second part of the spacer structure along a second edge of a window pane may be electrically connected to each other, the electrically connected second PV modules forming a second PV array, wherein at least two maximum power point tracking (MPPT) devices may be arranged on the first part of the spacer structure, the first MPPT device being connected to the first PV array and the second MPPT device being connected to the second PV array.
In a further aspect, the invention may relate to a glazing assembly comprising: at least a first (inner) glass pane, a second (outer) glass pane and at least one peripheral spacer structure for providing a predetermined separation between the first and second glass pane; a plurality of elongated photovoltaic (PV) cell modules positioned along one or more edges of the first and second glass pane, the light receiving surface of the PV cells of the plurality of PV cell modules and the plane of the second (outer) glass pane defining a tilt angle, preferably the tilt angle being selected between 10 and 80 degrees, preferably between 20 and 70 degrees, more preferably between 30 and 60; and, wherein PV cell modules positioned along a first edge of the first and second glass pane are connected to a first maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device and PV cell modules positioned along a second edge of the first and second glass pane are connected to a second maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device.
In a further aspect, the invention may relate to a power-generating spacer structure for a power-generating glazing assembly comprising: one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules mounted on and/or in at least part of a spacer structure for a glazing assembly comprising first and second glass panes, the one or more PV modules being positioned in a space defined by the first and second glass panes and the spacer structure (inter-pane space); wherein at least part of the spacer structure comprises one or more mounting members adapted to orient a light receiving surface of PV cells of the PV modules in a tilted position with respect to the plane of the second (outer) glass pane; and, wherein the spacer structure comprises one or more elongated members, each elongated member having a cross-sectional profile, the profile defining a hollow body part and a mounting part, the mounting part comprising one or more fastening members for removably mounting the one or more PV cell modules on at least part of the peripheral spacer structure.
In an embodiment, the light receiving surface of the one or more PV modules and the surface of the first or second pane may define a tilt angle between 10 and 80 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 70 degrees, even more preferably between 30 and 60 degrees.
In an embodiment, the mounting part may be configured to orient the one or more PV modules in a fixed tilted position. In an embodiment, the one or more fastening members of the mounting part may be configured to engage with one or more fastening members of the body part for removably mounting the mounting part comprising the one or more PV modules onto the body part.
In an embodiment, the hollow body part may have a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section and/or wherein the mounting part has a triangular shaped cross-section, preferably the mounting part having a right triangular shaped cross-section, wherein the side opposite the right angle forming a tiled mounting surface for the one or more PV modules and wherein, optionally, a side adjacent to the right angle forming a mounting area for mounting the mounting part onto the hollow body part.
In an embodiment, the spacer structure may further comprise a first elongated member for fixating one or more first PV modules in a first titled position, a second elongated member for fixating one or more second PV modules in a second titled position and a corner connection for mechanically connecting a first end of the first member to a first end of the second member.
In an embodiment, the corner connector may include a main body connected to a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion comprising at least a first leg which is shaped to engage with a first end of the first member to provide a first mechanical connection, preferably a first sliding connection, and the second end portion comprising at least a second leg which is shaped to engage with a first end of the second member to provide a second mechanical connection, preferably a second sliding connection.
In an embodiment, the corner connection may further comprise at least one electrical wiring structure, wherein the at least one electrical wiring structure is arranged to electrically connect one of the one or more first PV modules mounted on the first member to a controller module, preferably a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) module, arranged in and/or mounted on a part of the second member.
In an embodiment, the at least one electrical wiring structure may comprise electrical leads embedded in the main body of the corner connector, a first end of the electrical leads forming a first power connector in the inter-pane cavity of the glazing assembly and a second end of the electrical leads forming a second power connector outside the inter-pane cavity, preferably the at least one at least one wiring structure comprising one or more (flexible) printed circuit boards or (flexible) printed wiring boards.
In an embodiment, at least part of the one or more PV modules may comprise an elongated shaped electrical wiring board, preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), comprising a first outer edge and an opposite second outer edge, the electrical wiring board including an electrical wiring structure arranged to electrically connect at least part of the PV cells of the PV module in series, preferably the electrical wiring structure further including a first PV contact at the first outer edge and a first PV contact at the second outer edge, wherein the first PV contacts are connected to the anode side of the series connected PV cells and wherein the electrical wiring structure includes a second PV contact at the first outer edge and a second PV contact at the second outer edge, wherein the second PV contact is connected to the cathode side of the series connected PV cells.
In an embodiment, the electrical wiring board of the PV module may further comprise a first electrical bus and second electrical bus, the first electrical bus electrically connecting a third contact at the first outer edge with a third contact at the second outer edge and the second electrical bus electrically connecting a fourth contact at the first outer edge with a fourth contact at the second outer edge.
In an embodiment, first PV modules arranged on a first part of the spacer structure along a first edge of a window pane are electrically connected to each other, the electrically connected first PV modules forming a first PV array; and, second PV modules arranged on a first part of the spacer structure along a second edge of a window pane are electrically connected to each other, the electrically connected second PV modules forming a second PV array, at least two maximum power point tracking (MPPT) devices arranged on the first part of the spacer structure, the first MPPT device being connected to the first PV array and the second MPPT device being connected to the second PV array.
In an aspect, the invention may relate to a corner connection for a spacer structure, preferably a spacer structure according to any of embodiments described in this application: wherein the corner connection comprises a main body connected to a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion comprising at least a first leg which is shaped to engage with a first end of a part of the spacer structure to provide a first mechanical connection, preferably a first sliding connection, with the first part of the spacer structure; and, the second end portion comprising at least a second leg which is shaped to engage with a first end of a second part of the spacer structure to provide a second mechanical connection, preferably a second sliding connection, with the second part of the spacer structure; and, at least one electrical wiring structure, the wiring structure comprising one or more (flexible) printed circuit boards mounted on the main body, preferably a first edge of the printed circuit board including a first electrical connector and a second edge of the printed circuit board including a second electrical connector; and, the wiring structure comprising electrical power leads embedded in the main body of the corner connector, a first end of the electrical leads forming a first power connector in an inter-pane cavity of a glazing assembly and a second end of the electrical leads forming a second power connector outside the inter-pane cavity; wherein electrical path of the one or more (flexible) printed circuit boards or (flexible) printed wiring boards is in electrical contact with the electrical power leads.
In an aspect, the invention may relate to a glazing assembly comprising: at least a first (inner) glass pane, a second (outer) glass pane and at least one peripheral spacer structure for providing a predetermined separation between the first and second glass pane, the peripheral spacer structure being positioned at the peripheral area of the first and second glass pane; one or more photovoltaic (PV) cell modules mounted on and/or in at least part of the peripheral spacer structure, the one or more PV cell modules being positioned in the space defined by the first and second glass panes and the peripheral spacer structure (inter-pane space); wherein at least part of the peripheral spacer structure comprises one or more mounting members adapted to orient a light receiving surface of PV cells of the PV cell modules in a tilted position with respect to the plane of the second (outer) glass pane. Hence, the invention provides a power-generating glazing assemblies wherein PV cell modules are mounted in a tilted position on the peripheral spacer structure. The tilted position orients the light receiving faces of the PV cells of the PV cell modules towards the outer glass pane of the glazing assembly. This way, the PV cell modules can be optimally oriented with respect to the sun without affecting the thermal properties of the glazing assembly. As the PV cell modules are mounted on the spacer structure, the spacer structure and the mounted PV cell modules can be manufactured separately.
In an embodiment, the light receiving surface of each of the one or more PV cell modules and the surface of the first or second plane may define a tilt angle between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably between 10 and 80 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 70 degrees, even more preferably between 30 and 60. Hence, PV cell modules may be oriented according to tilt angle. Depending on the geographical orientation where the glazing window is used and/or depending on the place of the glazing window in a building different tilt angles may be used. Moreover, PV cell modules oriented along a first edge of the glazing assembly, e.g. the left vertical edge, may have a different tilt angle when compared to PV cell modules oriented along a second edge of the glazing assembly, e.g. the lower horizontal edge.
In an embodiment, the peripheral spacer structure may comprise a first bonding surface bonded against the first glass pane and a second bonding surface bonded against the second glass pane, the peripheral spacer structure forming or being part of a seal, preferably a hermetic seal, along the peripheral part of the first and second glass pane, the seal sealing the space between the first and second glass pane. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the spacer structure may be used to bond or glue the glass panes. This way, a bonding structure along the peripheral area of the glass panes may be formed which may server a seal for sealing the space (the inter-pane space), i.e. the space between the glass panes and the spacer.
In an embodiment, the peripheral spacer structures may be shaped as an elongated tube having a predetermined cross-sectional profile. In an embodiment, the profile may define a body part, preferably a hollow body part, and a mounting part comprising one or more fastening members for removably mounting the one or more PV cell modules on at least part of the peripheral spacer structure. Hence, the spacer structure may include a metal (extruded) elongated tube, non-metal, e.g. elongated tube, or elongate tube structure which is made of both metal and non-metal materials.
In an embodiment, the one or more fastening members may include at least two clamping members for clamping a PV cell module in position. In an embodiment, the one or more fastening members may include at least two sliding members which are configured to engage with the edge of a support substrate of the PV cell module. Hence, the PV cell modules may be mounted on the spacer structure using a mechanical mechanism, e.g. clamping or sliding. Such mounting structures allow sufficient thermal expansion of the different materials so that deteriorating effects due to thermal stress can be minimized.
In an embodiment, the second glass pane may include a window area which is transparent for solar light from the visible part of the spectrum and which reflects at least part of the (near) infrared part of the solar spectrum. In an embodiment, the second glass pane may include a peripheral area around the central area, wherein the peripheral area may define a solar cell light entrance area for exposing the PV cells to solar light from the visible and the (near) infrared part of the spectrum. In an embodiment, the window area may be covered with one or more (near) infrared reflecting thin-film coatings and wherein the peripheral area is not covered with the one or more (near) infrared reflecting thin-film coatings. Conventional glass panes often include infrared reflection coatings. In this embodiment, the peripheral areas in the glass pane do not comprise such infrared reflection coating. This way the PV cells may be exposed to a substantial part (including the infrared part) of the solar spectrum.
In an embodiment, the one or more photovoltaic (PV) cell modules may be oriented to receive visible and (near) infrared light via the peripheral area. Hence, in that case PV modules are directly exposed to solar light that enters the windows via the peripheral area. In another embodiment, visible light that has entered the glazing assembly via the window area may be trapped within the area between the glass panes by total internal reflection and towards the one or more photovoltaic (PV) cell modules. Hence, in this embodiment, at least part of the light of the solar spectrum, including UV, visible and (near) infrared, that enters the window area of the glazing assembly may be captured via total internal reflection and indirectly expose the PV cell modules. Hence, in this embodiment, the multi-pane glazing assembly is used as a light guide to guide light from the window area towards PV cell modules in the peripheral area.
In an embodiment, a photovoltaic (PV) cell module may comprise an elongated shaped support substrate, preferably a printed circuit board (PCB) including an array of electrically connected photovoltaic cells mounted thereon.
In an embodiment, a PV cell module may include or may be connected to an inverter.
In an embodiment, PV cell modules arranged along an edge of a window pane may be electrical connected to each other, wherein the electrically connected PV cell modules may form an PV array. In an embodiment, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device may be connected to the PV array, the MPPT device being configured to optimize the power transfer efficiency of the PV array. In an embodiment, each PV array may be connected to a separate MPPT device. Hence, in these embodiments, each PV array may be controlled by a separate MPPT device.
In a further aspect, the invention may relate to a glazing assembly comprising: at least a first (inner) glass pane, a second (outer) glass pane and at least one peripheral spacer structure for providing a predetermined separation between the first and second glass pane; a plurality of elongated photovoltaic (PV) cell modules positioned along one or more edges of the first and second glass pane, the light receiving surface of the PV cells of the plurality of PV cell modules and the plane of the second (outer) glass pane defining a tilt angle
In an embodiment, the tilt angle may be selected between 10 and 80 degrees, preferably between 20 and 70 degrees, more preferably between 30 and 60.
In an embodiment, one or more first PV cell modules positioned along a first edge of the first and second glass pane and oriented in a first tilted position may be connected to a first maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device and one or more second PV cell modules positioned along a second edge of the first and second glass pane and oriented in a second tilted position may be connected to a second maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device. Alternatively, the one or more first and second PV cell modules positioned along a first and second edge may be connected to a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device which is configured to executed a first maximum power point tracking process for optimizing the power point of the one or more first PV cell modules and a second maximum power point tracking process for optimizing the power point of the one or more second PV cell modules. Hence, PV modules positioned along the left-vertical, bottom-horizontal and right-vertical edge, oriented at three different angles, may be individually optimized using a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) device.
In an embodiment, the peripheral spacer structure for a power-generating glazing assembly may comprise: an peripheral spacer profile, preferably an extruded elongated spacer profile, the profile comprising a body part, preferably a hollow body part, and a mounting part, the body part including a first bonding surface for receiving a first glass pane and a second bonding surface for receiving a second glass pane; and, the mounting part including one or more fastening members for removably mounting one or more PV cell modules on the spacer profile, the one or more fastening members being adapted to orient a light receiving surface of a PV cell module in a tilted position with respect to the plane of the second (outer) glass pane.
In an embodiment, the one or more fastening members include at least two clamping members for clamping a PV cell module in position and/or wherein the one or more mounting members include at least two sliding members which are configured to engage with the edge of a support substrate of the PV cell module.
In an embodiment, a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cell modules are mounted on the spacer profile. In an embodiment, a PV cell module may comprise an elongated shaped support substrate, preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), including an array of electrically connected photovoltaic cells mounted thereon.
In a further aspect, the invention relates to a window comprising a glazing assembly according to any of the embodiments described above.
The invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.
In this disclosure, improved power-generating glazing assemblies, in particular multi-pane glazing assemblies are described wherein PV cell modules are positioned and oriented within the cavity that is formed by two glass panes and a peripheral spacer structure, i.e. a spacer structure that is positioned in the peripheral area of the glass panes in order to keep the glass panes at a predetermined distance from each other. The PV cells are mounted onto the peripheral spacer structures such that the orientation of the light receiving surfaces of the PV cell modules are tilted towards the glass pane that functions as the outer glass pane. By mounting the PV cells directly on the peripheral spacer structure and orienting the PV cell modules in a tilted manner along the peripheral areas of the glass panes, the performance of the PV cells can be optimized without affecting the thermal properties of the glazing assembly. The glazing assemblies according to the invention thus include a peripheral spacer structure which fixates the distance between glass panes while at the same time positions the PV cell modules in a tilted position towards the outer glass plane. Hereunder, the advantages of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the figures.
The peripheral spacer structure may form an elongated peripheral spacer structure formed along the peripheral areas of all sides of the window panes in order to fixate the two glass panes at a predetermined distance from each other. The peripheral spacer structure includes mounting members for positioning multiple PV cell modules in a tilted manner along the peripheral areas of the multi-pane glazing assembly. The PV cells modules are mounted such that the light receiving areas of the PV cells are tilted towards the outer glass pane.
Different materials may be used to form the peripheral spacer structure. For example, in an embodiment, the spacer structure may be a hollow metal spacer structure. Suitable materials include e.g. aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel. A metal spacer may have high thermal conductivity, which may reduce the energy-saving benefits of multiple panes, gas fills, and insulating frames. In another embodiment, a non-metal spacer structure may be used. Such non-metal spacer structure may provide improved thermal performance. Suitable materials for such non-metal spacer structure include a composite, a structural foam (e.g. EPDM or silicone foam) or a thermoplastic material. In further embodiments, the spacer structure may include both metal and non-metal materials.
The peripheral spacer structure may be configured to provide a spacing between at least two glass panes, a first (inner) glass pane 104 and a (second) outer glass pane 106. The spacer structure may include bonding surfaces, a first bonding surface 1051 for bonding an inner glass plane and a second bonding surface 1052 for bonding an outer glass pane using a suitable bonding agent. The peripheral spacer structure may bond the glass panes at the peripheral area, e.g. the edges, of the (typically rectangular) glass panes. In an embodiment, the peripheral spacer structure may form or may be part of a sealing structure for sealing, preferably hermetically sealing, the inter-pane space, i.e. the space between the glass panes. In some embodiments, the space between the glass panes may be filled with a certain gas, e.g. Argon or Krypton, in order to increase the thermal and/or acoustic insulation.
The spacer structure 102 may be structured as an (extruded) tube having a predetermined cross-sectional profile as shown
As shown in
While the glazing assemblies of
In this particular embodiment, the glass panes may include one or more optical thin-film layers 314,316 provided over a substantial part of the surface the glass pane, in particular the inner surface of the glass panes, i.e. the surfaces that are located within the space between the glass panes. At least one of the optical layers may comprise a (near) infrared reflector. Such infrared reflector may be configured as a dielectric mirror, a dichroic filter, which reflects (near) infrared light, while allowing visible light to pass. The thin-film (near) infrared radiation reflection coating may be arranged over the window part of the glass panes. Preferably, the inner surface 322 of the outer glass pane 308 may be provided with a thin-film (near) infrared radiation reflection coating 316.
As shown in
In an embodiment, the surface of the outer glass pane may include a central (window) part and a peripheral part 318 arranged around the central part. The central (window) part may be provided with a reflective infrared coating so that it is transparent for visible light but reflective for (near) infrared light. In contrast, the peripheral part is not covered by a reflective infrared coating. Hence, the peripheral part of the glass pane, provides a window that is transparent for both visible and (near) infrared light so that the PV cells are exposed to the whole solar spectrum.
Typically, glass panes include one or more optical coatings that include a reflective infrared coating. Hence, in an embodiment, during the assembly of a glazing assembly according to the invention, the reflective infrared coating in the peripheral part of the glass pane, typically a strip of approximately 40-80 mm, may be removed using a suitable process, e.g. an etching process and/or a grinding/polishing process. Alternatively, during the production of the glass panes a masking technique may be used to prevent application of a reflective infrared coating in the peripheral parts of the window panes.
Thus, in this embodiment, the base part and mounting part are separate elements which may assembled into a spacer structure on which PV modules can be mounted and fixated in a tilted position with respect to the surface of the outer window pane using simple sliding and/or clamping mechanisms. This embodiment provides the advantage that the base part and the mounting part can be separately fabricated and optimized for its functions before assembling the individual parts in a spacer structure.
Different variations of the spacer structure according to
The elongated PV cell modules 510,512 are mounted onto the mounting part of the spacer structure so that the light receiving faces of the PV cells along a peripheral part of the glass pane are oriented under a tilt angle with the plane of the outer glass pane. Further, a central part 414 of the inner surface of the outer window pane is provided with a (near) infrared reflection coating, so that infrared radiation is reflected. In contract, a peripheral part 416 of the outer glass pane is not provided with a (near) infrared reflection layers so that the tilted PV cells are both exposed to visible and (near) infrared solar radiation.
As shown in the figure, one or more protrusion 5181,2 may be shaped such that a protrusion matches (part of) the shape of the profile of the hollow body part of the spacer structure (e.g. hollow body part 212 as depicted in
A first part 6031 of the first leg and a first part 6032 of the second leg may be shaped to fit a part of the profile of the hollow tubular spacer structure, in particular the base part of the hollow tubular spacer structures (e.g. tubular spacer structures having a profile as described with reference to
In an embodiment, the shape of the first and second leg and the corresponding shape of the profile of the hollow tubular spacer structure may form a sliding and/or clamping connection for mechanically connecting the tubes.
In an embodiment, the main body of the corner connector may further include first and second electrical (power) leads 6081,2 providing an electrical connection between the PV module in the inter-pane cavity and the outside world, e.g. the mains or the like. Preferably, the electrical leads may be embedded in the main base 602 of the corner connector during the manufacturing process, e.g. a molding process, so that a moisture and vacuum tight connection between the first end of the electrical leads inside the inter-pane cavity and the second end of the electrical leads outside inter-pane cavity may be established.
In an embodiment, an electrical connection may be provided between different PV modules, one or more controller modules, sensor modules, and/or electrical leads 6081,2 of the spacer structure. In that case, an electrical wiring board 6101-3 may be connected to the main body of the connector module as depicted in
The wiring pattern of the electrical wiring board of the corner connector and, optionally the PV modules, may be used to electrically connect PV modules that are positioned at different parts of the spacer structure to a controller module, which is configured to control the power delivery of the PV module and/or sensor modules that are located within the inter-pane cavity. Moreover, the wiring pattern of the electrical wiring board of the corner connector may also be used to connect the output (or in case of data communication the input) of the controller module to the electrical leads that provide a connection to the outside of the inter-pane cavity.
The right corner connector 810 may include first and second legs for providing mechanical (sliding) connection with the first and second elongated hollow tubular structures, electrical leads for providing an electrical power connection between PV modules in the inter-pane space via a power plug to mains and an electrical wiring board 812 (e.g. a (partly) flexible PCB) for connecting the electrical leads to the controller 822 and the PV modules 8161,2. To that end, the electrical wiring board may include side connectors 8141,2, wherein each edge connector of the electrical wiring structure is configured to engage with a side connector 8202 of the controller and/or a side connector 8182 of a PV module. The side connectors for electrically connecting PV modules to other PV module, to a controller module and/or an electrical wiring board of a corner connection are not limited to the type of connectors depicted in the figures. It will be understood that any type of electrical connector that allows electrical connection of different modules may be used.
In an embodiment, instead of the controller module being mounted together with PV modules on the tilted surface, the controller module may also be located within the hollow space of the spacer structure and/or on or in the main body of a corner connector.
In an embodiment, the processor of the controller module may receive data from the sensor modules and/or the MPPT modules, (partially) process the data, and forward the data to a powerline communication (PLC) module. The PLC module may subsequently transmit the data via the power line output to another PCL module somewhere in outside power-generating window assembly, which is configured to receive the data and forward the data to a central data processing unit, e.g. a computer or a server in the network.
As shown in
As shown in
The first and second electrical busses on the electrical wiring board of a first PV module may provide a wiring connection to further PV modules and/or to (power) leads of a corner connection that is configured to provide an electrical connection between the PV modules and/or the controller module within the inter-pane cavity and an electrical connector that is configured to provide an electrical power connection to the outside of the glazing assembly. For example, the mains output 1226 of the controller module 1204 may be connected via the wiring of a first corner connection 12062 and via the first and second electrical busses of PV module 12022 to the wiring of a second corner connection 12062 (the upper right corner connection), which comprises electrical leads 1210 for providing an electrical power connection to the outside of the glazing assembly. In a similar way, the first and second electrical busses of PV module 12022 and the electrical wiring board of corner connection 12061 may prove an electrical connection between the PV cells of PV module 12021 and MPPT 12232.
As shown in this picture, the standardized wiring board of the PV modules and the wiring boards of the corner connections provide a very flexible wiring scheme for a power-generating spacer structure as described in the embodiments of this application.
The flexibility provided by the wiring boards of the PV modules and the corner connections is further illustrated in
The power-generating spacer structure is similar to the one depicted in spacer structure includes PV modules 13021-3 arranged at different edges of the window, a controller module 1304 similar to the controller module as described with reference to
Thus, as illustrated by
In an embodiment, each PV array that is arranged along an edge of the glazing assembly may be controlled using a separate multi-point power tracking (MPPT) module. In an embodiment, a MPPT module may be provided as a separate electronic element arranged on the spacer structure or may be provided as an electronic component of a controller module that is configured to control the PV modules. Alternatively, the MPPT may be provided as an electronic component on one or more PV modules. The use of separate MPPT modules for each PV array may provide a substantial advantage in terms of conversion performance.
This is schematically illustrated in
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2017/077696 | Oct 2017 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2018/079605 | 10/29/2018 | WO | 00 |
