US20080000195A1 - Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system - Google Patents
Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080000195A1 US20080000195A1 US11/428,002 US42800206A US2008000195A1 US 20080000195 A1 US20080000195 A1 US 20080000195A1 US 42800206 A US42800206 A US 42800206A US 2008000195 A1 US2008000195 A1 US 2008000195A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- window
- desiccant
- frame
- heat insulation
- glass panes
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000002274 desiccant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 8
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000012431 wafers Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000002313 adhesive film Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000005340 laminated glass Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- QLCJOAMJPCOIDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-(butoxymethoxy)butane Chemical compound CCCCOCOCCCC QLCJOAMJPCOIDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- MARUHZGHZWCEQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-phenyl-2h-tetrazole Chemical compound C1=CC=CC=C1C1=NNN=N1 MARUHZGHZWCEQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JBRZTFJDHDCESZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N AsGa Chemical compound [As]#[Ga] JBRZTFJDHDCESZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910001218 Gallium arsenide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KTSFMFGEAAANTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N [Cu].[Se].[Se].[In] Chemical compound [Cu].[Se].[Se].[In] KTSFMFGEAAANTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021417 amorphous silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- JGIATAMCQXIDNZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium sulfide Chemical compound [Ca]=S JGIATAMCQXIDNZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010924 continuous production Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/26—Building materials integrated with PV modules, e.g. façade elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
- H01L31/048—Encapsulation of modules
- H01L31/0488—Double glass encapsulation, e.g. photovoltaic cells arranged between front and rear glass sheets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
- H02S30/10—Frame structures
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to window structures, and more particularly to window structures comprising photovoltaic panels.
- a basic insulating window that is well-known is constructed from two panes of glass within a rigid frame. The air space between the panes provides heat insulation.
- Photovoltaic units when disposed between the two panes, heat the air entrapped within the insulating glass unit, which causes the seal to fail prematurely.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,098 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing that is cooled by a forced air system.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,181 to Kunert discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing in which excess solar radiation is dissipated outwardly by convection.
- 5,221,363 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing having valves so that excess heat may be removed by convection. However, if the entrapped air is vented, when the window cools and air reenters the unit, condensation may occur which impairs the transparency of the window unit.
- the present invention is directed to a pressure equalized heat insulation window comprising photovoltaic cells. Therefore, in one aspect, the invention comprises a heat insulation window comprising:
- the conduit means comprises a desiccant.
- the frame encloses an interior space and comprises an access means.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat insulation window enclosing photovoltaic cells and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the window of FIG. 1 (photovoltaic cells not shown), showing the interior space enclosed by the window frame and access means; and
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- the present invention provides for an energy efficient, heat insulating window design.
- all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of photovoltaic cells ( 2 ) mounted on the inner surface of outer glass pane ( 12 ) and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections ( 4 ).
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show the heat insulation window with a pressure equalization system as described in co-owned Canadian Patent Application 2,507,108, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
- FIG. 2 shows a view of a window unit comprising dual glass panes ( 10 , 12 ) and a frame ( 14 ).
- FIG. 3 shows cross-sections of the glass panes ( 10 , 12 ) spaced apart by a spacer ( 16 ) and held together by the frame ( 14 ).
- the frame comprises an outer channel member ( 18 ), an inner channel member ( 20 ) and dual intermediate web members ( 22 ) which join the inner and outer channel members.
- the inner channel member may include an installation flange ( 24 ) which projects outwardly and will abut a window jamb (not shown) when installed into a wall frame.
- a removable desiccant concealing member ( 26 ) is attached to the inner channel member ( 20 ) opposite the installation flange ( 24 ) which serves to retain the glass unit but does not serve any other structural function.
- the desiccant concealing member ( 26 ) is tube-shaped defining a single elongate channel ( 28 ). One edge of the channel defines a first lip ( 30 ) while the other edge of the channel defines a second lip ( 32 ).
- the two lips ( 30 , 32 ) mate with corresponding grooves ( 31 , 33 ) formed in the inner channel member ( 20 ).
- the glass planes are positioned and retained by resilient seals ( 34 , 36 , 38 ).
- Seal ( 34 ) is attached to the outer channel member ( 18 ) while seal ( 36 ) is attached to the inner channel member ( 20 ).
- Air seal ( 38 ) is attached to the desiccant concealing member ( 26 ).
- the seals are preferably formed from a material having low thermal conductivity and relatively impervious to moisture, such as neoprene, EPDM or silicone rubber.
- a dual desiccant system is employed.
- the spacer ( 16 ) is a hollow rectangular member which is filled with a suitable desiccant ( 40 ).
- the spacer defines pores which allow air to circulate between the air space between the glass panes ( 10 , 12 ) and the interior volume of the spacer ( 16 ) which contains the desiccant.
- a small conduit ( 42 ) connects the interior space of the spacer to a sealed tube ( 44 ) within the desiccant concealing member ( 26 ) which is filled with desiccant ( 40 ).
- the sealed tube ( 40 ) has a cap ( 46 ) which receives the conduit ( 42 ) thereby providing gas communication between the spacer interior volume and the desiccant tube ( 44 ).
- the desiccant concealing member ( 26 ) may be removed from the frame ( 14 ) by disengaging the lips ( 30 , 32 ) from the inner channel member ( 20 ), thereby exposing the desiccant tube ( 44 ).
- the desiccant tube ( 44 ) can then be easily disconnected from the conduit ( 44 ) and replaced with a fresh desiccant tube if necessary.
- the desiccant in the desiccant tube may be different from the desiccant contained in the spacer and has a higher affinity for water than the desiccant in the spacer.
- air which is drawn into the air space must pass through the replaceable desiccant tube, thereby preserving the dry atmosphere within the window unit.
- Desiccant tubes ( 44 ) may be placed in one, two, three or all four desiccant concealing ( 20 ) members ( 26 ) in any orientation.
- the outer, intermediate and inner channel members which comprise the frame ( 14 ) may be formed from a thermoplastic material having low thermal conductivity such as polyvinylchloride or polyamide.
- the inner and outer channel members may be metallic members such as aluminum while the intermediate member is non-metallic, thereby avoiding a thermal bridge between the two.
- the desiccant concealing members may be any suitable material such as a metal or a plastic, and is preferably resilient to facilitate its installation and removal from the inner channel member.
- a solar cell, or photovoltaic cell ( 2 ) is a semiconductor device consisting of a large-area p-n junction diode, which, in the presence of sunlight is capable of generating usable electrical energy.
- Any suitable type photovoltaic cell ( 2 ) can be used in the window described herein.
- silicon, calcium sulfide, gallium arsenide and other types of cells are suitable.
- the cells can be of any desired configuration such as square, circular.
- the photovoltaic cells may be any suitable cell, such as crystalline wafers, or thin film cells.
- photovoltaic laminated glass can also be produced using thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.
- PV thin-film solar photovoltaic
- the fabrication of a thin-film solar cell involves depositing very thin, consecutive layers of atoms, molecules, or ions of semiconductor material (such as amorphous silicon, copper indium diselenide, or cadmium telluride) on a low-cost substrate, such as glass, metal, or plastic.
- Thin-film cells have certain advantages over crystalline solar cell wafer technologies.
- Thin-film cells are also usually amenable to large-area fabrication (more than 1 m 2 ) and are suitable for automated, continuous production, arraying, and packaging. They can also be deposited on flexible substrate materials.
- the photovoltaic cells ( 2 ) are disposed between the two glass panes of glass ( 10 , 12 ) as a photovoltaic laminate, with the photovoltaic cells laminated between two glass panels.
- a sheet of glass is bonded to a layer of polymer adhesive film, and a further sheet or layer of material is bonded to the other side of the adhesive film layer, so that the adhesive film is sandwiched between two outer layers.
- a number of methods for producing such laminates are known, for example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,268,049; 5,118,371; 4,724,023; 4,234,533; and 4,125,669.
- Laminated glass has been generally manufactured by a process wherein a stack of at least two sheets of glass having a plastic film called an intermediate film or laminating film, typically a plasticized polyvinyl butylal (PVB) film, is sandwiched between each pair of adjacent sheets of glass which is subjected to evacuation, pressing and heating.
- an intermediate film or laminating film typically a plasticized polyvinyl butylal (PVB) film
- the photovoltaic cells ( 2 ) are usually electrically connected ( 4 ) together in a series circuit to achieve desired voltage, and a plurality of series circuits of photovoltaic cells can then be connected in parallel, as desired.
- the electrical energy can then be fed by electric lines ( 4 ) from + and ⁇ terminals to a power control or other suitable distribution device ( 6 ).
- Such conventional electrical circuitry would preferably include an isolator, to a main power bus.
- an inverter would be used to produce alternating current (AC) from direct current (DC) produced by the photovoltaic cells.
- a plurality of photovoltaic cells are grouped in parallel to raise the voltage and each group is provided with a three pole disconnect DC switch and an inverter, the AC current then passing to a 208 volt distribution panel.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to window structures, and more particularly to window structures comprising photovoltaic panels.
- Windows or glass areas are a significant weakness in the heat insulation schemes for buildings in hot or cold climates. A basic insulating window that is well-known is constructed from two panes of glass within a rigid frame. The air space between the panes provides heat insulation.
- Photovoltaic units, when disposed between the two panes, heat the air entrapped within the insulating glass unit, which causes the seal to fail prematurely. U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,098 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing that is cooled by a forced air system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,181 to Kunert discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing in which excess solar radiation is dissipated outwardly by convection. U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,363 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing having valves so that excess heat may be removed by convection. However, if the entrapped air is vented, when the window cools and air reenters the unit, condensation may occur which impairs the transparency of the window unit.
- Therefore there is a need in the art for an insulating glass unit window structure, which includes a photovoltaic cell and mitigates the difficulties posed by the prior art.
- The present invention is directed to a pressure equalized heat insulation window comprising photovoltaic cells. Therefore, in one aspect, the invention comprises a heat insulation window comprising:
-
- (a) a pair of glass panes defining an air space therebetween;
- (b) a spacing member disposed between said glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship;
- (c) at least one photovoltaic cell disposed between said glass panes; and
- (d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprising a conduit means for providing gas communication through the frame to the air space.
- In one embodiment the conduit means comprises a desiccant.
- In other embodiments the frame encloses an interior space and comprises an access means.
- The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat insulation window enclosing photovoltaic cells and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the window ofFIG. 1 (photovoltaic cells not shown), showing the interior space enclosed by the window frame and access means; and -
FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . - The present invention provides for an energy efficient, heat insulating window design. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of photovoltaic cells (2) mounted on the inner surface of outer glass pane (12) and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections (4). -
FIGS. 2 and 3 show the heat insulation window with a pressure equalization system as described in co-owned Canadian Patent Application 2,507,108, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. -
FIG. 2 shows a view of a window unit comprising dual glass panes (10, 12) and a frame (14). -
FIG. 3 shows cross-sections of the glass panes (10, 12) spaced apart by a spacer (16) and held together by the frame (14). - The frame comprises an outer channel member (18), an inner channel member (20) and dual intermediate web members (22) which join the inner and outer channel members. The inner channel member may include an installation flange (24) which projects outwardly and will abut a window jamb (not shown) when installed into a wall frame. A removable desiccant concealing member (26) is attached to the inner channel member (20) opposite the installation flange (24) which serves to retain the glass unit but does not serve any other structural function. The desiccant concealing member (26) is tube-shaped defining a single elongate channel (28). One edge of the channel defines a first lip (30) while the other edge of the channel defines a second lip (32). The two lips (30, 32) mate with corresponding grooves (31, 33) formed in the inner channel member (20). The glass planes are positioned and retained by resilient seals (34, 36, 38). Seal (34) is attached to the outer channel member (18) while seal (36) is attached to the inner channel member (20). Air seal (38) is attached to the desiccant concealing member (26). The seals are preferably formed from a material having low thermal conductivity and relatively impervious to moisture, such as neoprene, EPDM or silicone rubber.
- In a preferred embodiment, a dual desiccant system is employed. The spacer (16) is a hollow rectangular member which is filled with a suitable desiccant (40). The spacer defines pores which allow air to circulate between the air space between the glass panes (10, 12) and the interior volume of the spacer (16) which contains the desiccant. As well, a small conduit (42) connects the interior space of the spacer to a sealed tube (44) within the desiccant concealing member (26) which is filled with desiccant (40). The sealed tube (40) has a cap (46) which receives the conduit (42) thereby providing gas communication between the spacer interior volume and the desiccant tube (44).
- As is apparent, the desiccant concealing member (26) may be removed from the frame (14) by disengaging the lips (30, 32) from the inner channel member (20), thereby exposing the desiccant tube (44). The desiccant tube (44) can then be easily disconnected from the conduit (44) and replaced with a fresh desiccant tube if necessary. In one alternative embodiment, the desiccant in the desiccant tube may be different from the desiccant contained in the spacer and has a higher affinity for water than the desiccant in the spacer. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, air which is drawn into the air space must pass through the replaceable desiccant tube, thereby preserving the dry atmosphere within the window unit.
- Desiccant tubes (44) may be placed in one, two, three or all four desiccant concealing (20) members (26) in any orientation.
- The outer, intermediate and inner channel members which comprise the frame (14) may be formed from a thermoplastic material having low thermal conductivity such as polyvinylchloride or polyamide. Alternatively, the inner and outer channel members may be metallic members such as aluminum while the intermediate member is non-metallic, thereby avoiding a thermal bridge between the two. The desiccant concealing members may be any suitable material such as a metal or a plastic, and is preferably resilient to facilitate its installation and removal from the inner channel member.
- A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell (2), is a semiconductor device consisting of a large-area p-n junction diode, which, in the presence of sunlight is capable of generating usable electrical energy. Any suitable type photovoltaic cell (2) can be used in the window described herein. For example, silicon, calcium sulfide, gallium arsenide and other types of cells are suitable. The cells can be of any desired configuration such as square, circular.
- The photovoltaic cells may be any suitable cell, such as crystalline wafers, or thin film cells. As an alternative to using crystalline photovoltaic cell wafers, photovoltaic laminated glass can also be produced using thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. The fabrication of a thin-film solar cell involves depositing very thin, consecutive layers of atoms, molecules, or ions of semiconductor material (such as amorphous silicon, copper indium diselenide, or cadmium telluride) on a low-cost substrate, such as glass, metal, or plastic. Thin-film cells have certain advantages over crystalline solar cell wafer technologies. They use less material and the cell's active area is usually only 1 to 10 microns thick, whereas conventional wafers are as much as 200 to 400 microns thick. Thin-film cells are also usually amenable to large-area fabrication (more than 1 m2) and are suitable for automated, continuous production, arraying, and packaging. They can also be deposited on flexible substrate materials.
- In one embodiment, the photovoltaic cells (2) are disposed between the two glass panes of glass (10, 12) as a photovoltaic laminate, with the photovoltaic cells laminated between two glass panels. In conventional laminated glass products a sheet of glass is bonded to a layer of polymer adhesive film, and a further sheet or layer of material is bonded to the other side of the adhesive film layer, so that the adhesive film is sandwiched between two outer layers. A number of methods for producing such laminates are known, for example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,268,049; 5,118,371; 4,724,023; 4,234,533; and 4,125,669. Laminated glass has been generally manufactured by a process wherein a stack of at least two sheets of glass having a plastic film called an intermediate film or laminating film, typically a plasticized polyvinyl butylal (PVB) film, is sandwiched between each pair of adjacent sheets of glass which is subjected to evacuation, pressing and heating.
- The photovoltaic cells (2) are usually electrically connected (4) together in a series circuit to achieve desired voltage, and a plurality of series circuits of photovoltaic cells can then be connected in parallel, as desired. The electrical energy can then be fed by electric lines (4) from + and − terminals to a power control or other suitable distribution device (6). Such conventional electrical circuitry, would preferably include an isolator, to a main power bus. As well known in the art, an inverter would be used to produce alternating current (AC) from direct current (DC) produced by the photovoltaic cells. Preferably, a plurality of photovoltaic cells are grouped in parallel to raise the voltage and each group is provided with a three pole disconnect DC switch and an inverter, the AC current then passing to a 208 volt distribution panel.
- As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein. The various features and elements of the described invention may be combined in a manner different from the combinations described or claimed herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (13)
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/428,002 US20080000195A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
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US11/428,002 US20080000195A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
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US20080000195A1 true US20080000195A1 (en) | 2008-01-03 |
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US11/428,002 Abandoned US20080000195A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system |
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Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20090255570A1 (en) * | 2008-04-10 | 2009-10-15 | Cardinal Solar Technologies Company | Glazing assemblies that incorporate photovoltaic elements and related methods of manufacture |
US20100206374A1 (en) * | 2007-10-05 | 2010-08-19 | Kuraray Europe Gmbh | Plasticized films based on polyvinyl acetal having an increased glass transition temperatuare and improved flow properties |
US20100237453A1 (en) * | 2009-03-23 | 2010-09-23 | Bonekamp Jeffrey E | Optoelectronic device |
US20110041897A1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2011-02-24 | Kuraray Europe Gmbh | Photovoltaic modules containing plasticized intermediate layer films with high alkali titre |
US8101039B2 (en) | 2008-04-10 | 2012-01-24 | Cardinal Ig Company | Manufacturing of photovoltaic subassemblies |
US20120017524A1 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2012-01-26 | Advanced Glazing Technologies Ltd. (Agtl) | System for pressure equalizing and drying sealed translucent glass glazing units |
US20140360576A1 (en) * | 2012-01-25 | 2014-12-11 | Lucintech, Inc. | Intrinsically Semitransparent Solar Cell And Method Of Controlling Transmitted Color Spectrum |
WO2014207141A1 (en) * | 2013-06-26 | 2014-12-31 | Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives | Solar module with simplified humidity level regulation |
JP2015086635A (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2015-05-07 | 三菱化学株式会社 | Solar cell-integrated member |
US9308803B2 (en) * | 2013-05-30 | 2016-04-12 | Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V. | Open roof construction for a vehicle, and panel for use therein |
CN105577085A (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2016-05-11 | 苏州奥莱鑫建材有限公司 | Solar light-operated tile |
WO2017186592A1 (en) * | 2016-04-29 | 2017-11-02 | Agc Glass Europe | Assembly |
US10292208B2 (en) * | 2011-07-12 | 2019-05-14 | Montgomery W. Childs | Solar panel |
US11205733B2 (en) * | 2019-07-11 | 2021-12-21 | Ricardo Garcia | Semi-transparent solar panel apparatus |
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