WO2008000084A1 - Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system - Google Patents

Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008000084A1
WO2008000084A1 PCT/CA2007/001163 CA2007001163W WO2008000084A1 WO 2008000084 A1 WO2008000084 A1 WO 2008000084A1 CA 2007001163 W CA2007001163 W CA 2007001163W WO 2008000084 A1 WO2008000084 A1 WO 2008000084A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
window
desiccant
frame
heat insulation
glass panes
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2007/001163
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gregory L. Clarahan
Original Assignee
Visionwall Corporation
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Visionwall Corporation filed Critical Visionwall Corporation
Priority to MX2009000293A priority Critical patent/MX2009000293A/en
Priority to AU2007264366A priority patent/AU2007264366A1/en
Priority to EA200900012A priority patent/EA200900012A1/en
Priority to EP07763830A priority patent/EP2035643A1/en
Priority to JP2009516842A priority patent/JP2009541622A/en
Priority to AP2009004743A priority patent/AP2009004743A0/en
Publication of WO2008000084A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008000084A1/en
Priority to IL196204A priority patent/IL196204A0/en
Priority to NO20090397A priority patent/NO20090397L/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
    • E06B3/67—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B7/00—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
    • E06B7/28—Other arrangements on doors or windows, e.g. door-plates, windows adapted to carry plants, hooks for window cleaners
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
    • H01L31/048—Encapsulation of modules
    • H01L31/0488—Double glass encapsulation, e.g. photovoltaic cells arranged between front and rear glass sheets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/26—Building materials integrated with PV modules, e.g. façade elements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

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. Patent 4,137,098 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing that is cooled by a forced air system.
  • U.S. Patent 5,128,181 to Kunert discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing in which excess solar radiation is dissipated outwardly by convection.
  • U.S. Patent 5,221,363 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing having valves so that excess heat may be removed by convection. However, if the entrapped air is vented, when the window cools and air reenters the unit, condensation may occur which impairs the transparency of the window unit.
  • 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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the present invention provides for an energy efficient, heat insulating window design.
  • all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of photovoltaic cells (2) mounted on the inner surface of outer glass pane (12) and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections (4).
  • 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.
  • Figure 2 shows a view of a window unit comprising dual glass panes (10, 12) and a frame (14).
  • Figure 3 shows cross-sections of the glass panes (10, 12) spaced apart by a spacer (16) and held together by the frame (14).
  • the frame comprises an outer channel member (18), an inner channel member (20) and dual intermediate web members (22) which join the inner and outer channel members.
  • the inner channel member may include an installation flange (24) which projects outwardly and will abut a window jamb (not shown) when installed into a wall frame.
  • a removable desiccant concealing member (26) is attached to the inner channel member (20) opposite the installation flange (24) which serves to retain the glass unit but does not serve any other structural function.
  • the desiccant concealing member (26) is tube-shaped defining a single elongate channel (28). One edge of the channel defines a first lip (30) while the other edge of the channel defines a second lip (32).
  • the two lips (30, 32) mate with corresponding grooves (31, 33) formed in the inner channel member (20).
  • the glass planes are positioned and retained by resilient seals (34, 36, 38).
  • Seal (34) is attached to the outer channel member (18) while seal (36) is attached to the inner channel member (20).
  • Air seal (38) is attached to the desiccant concealing member (26).
  • the seals are preferably formed 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 ) 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. Patent Nos: 5,268,049; 5,118,371; 4,724,023; 4,234,533; and 4,125,669.
  • Laminated glass has been generally manufactured by a process wherein a stack of at least two sheets of glass having a plastic film called an intermediate film or laminating film, typically a plasticized polyvinyl butylal (PVB) film, is sandwiched between each pair of adjacent sheets of glass which is subjected to evacuation, pressing and heating.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • AC alternating current
  • DC direct current
  • 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

A heat insulating window comprises a pair of outer glass panes, held apart by a spacing member and surrounded by a frame enclosing at least one photovoltaic cell. In a preferred embodiment a conduit system providing gas communication to the air space between the glass panes includes a desiccant.

Description

INSULATING WINDOW INCORPORATING PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND A PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to window structures, and more particularly to window structures comprising photovoltaic panels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Windows or glass areas are a significant weakness in the heat insulation schemes for buildings in hot or cold climates. A basic insulating window that is well-known is constructed from two panes of glass within a rigid frame. The air space between the panes provides heat insulation.
Photovoltaic units, when disposed between the two panes, heat the air entrapped within the insulating glass unit, which causes the seal to fail prematurely. U.S. Patent 4,137,098 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing that is cooled by a forced air system. U.S. Patent 5,128,181 to Kunert discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing in which excess solar radiation is dissipated outwardly by convection. U.S. Patent 5,221,363 to Gillard discloses photovoltaic cells enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing having valves so that excess heat may be removed by convection. However, if the entrapped air is vented, when the window cools and air reenters the unit, condensation may occur which impairs the transparency of the window unit.
Therefore there is a need in the art for an insulating glass unit window structure, which includes a photovoltaic cell and mitigates the difficulties posed by the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a pressure equalized heat insulation window comprising photovoltaic cells. Therefore, in one aspect, the invention comprises a heat insulation window comprising:
(a) a pair of glass panes defining an air space therebetween;
(b) a spacing member disposed between said glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship; (c) at least one photovoltaic cell disposed between said glass panes; and
(d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprising a conduit means for providing gas communication through the frame to the air space.
In one embodiment the conduit means comprises a desiccant.
In other embodiments the frame encloses an interior space and comprises an access means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat insulation window enclosing photovoltaic cells and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the window of Fig. 1 (photovoltaic cells not shown), showing the interior space enclosed by the window frame and access means; and
FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an energy efficient, heat insulating window design. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings.
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of photovoltaic cells (2) mounted on the inner surface of outer glass pane (12) and a diagrammatic representation of electrical connections (4).
Figures 2 and 3 show the heat insulation window with a pressure equalization system as described in co-owned Canadian Patent Application 2,507,108, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
Figure 2 shows a view of a window unit comprising dual glass panes (10, 12) and a frame (14).
Figure 3 shows cross-sections of the glass panes (10, 12) spaced apart by a spacer (16) and held together by the frame (14).
The frame comprises an outer channel member (18), an inner channel member (20) and dual intermediate web members (22) which join the inner and outer channel members. The inner channel member may include an installation flange (24) which projects outwardly and will abut a window jamb (not shown) when installed into a wall frame. A removable desiccant concealing member (26) is attached to the inner channel member (20) opposite the installation flange (24) which serves to retain the glass unit but does not serve any other structural function. The desiccant concealing member (26) is tube-shaped defining a single elongate channel (28). One edge of the channel defines a first lip (30) while the other edge of the channel defines a second lip (32). The two lips (30, 32) mate with corresponding grooves (31, 33) formed in the inner channel member (20). The glass planes are positioned and retained by resilient seals (34, 36, 38). Seal (34) is attached to the outer channel member (18) while seal (36) is attached to the inner channel member (20). Air seal (38) is attached to the desiccant concealing member (26). The seals are preferably formed 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 m ) and are suitable for automated, continuous production, arraying, and packaging. They can also be deposited on flexible substrate materials.
In one embodiment, the photovoltaic cells (2) are disposed between the two glass panes of glass (10, 12) as a photovoltaic laminate, with the photovoltaic cells laminated between two glass panels. In conventional laminated glass products a sheet of glass is bonded to a layer of polymer adhesive film, and a further sheet or layer of material is bonded to the other side of the adhesive film layer, so that the adhesive film is sandwiched between two outer layers. A number of methods for producing such laminates are known, for example, see U.S. Patent Nos: 5,268,049; 5,118,371; 4,724,023; 4,234,533; and 4,125,669. Laminated glass has been generally manufactured by a process wherein a stack of at least two sheets of glass having a plastic film called an intermediate film or laminating film, typically a plasticized polyvinyl butylal (PVB) film, is sandwiched between each pair of adjacent sheets of glass which is subjected to evacuation, pressing and heating.
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

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A heat insulation window comprising: (a) a pair of glass panes defining an interior air space therebetween;
(b) a spacing member disposed between said glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship;
(c) at least one photovoltaic cell disposed between said glass panes; and
(d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprises a conduit means for providing gas communication through the frame to the air space.
2. The heat insulation window of claim 1 wherein said conduit means comprises a desiccant.
3. The heat insulation window of claims 1 or 2 wherein said at least one photovoltaic cell is laminated to one of said glass panes.
4. The heat insulation window of claims 1-3 wherein said frame encloses an interior space and comprises an access means through said frame to said interior space.
5. The heat insulation window of claim 1 or 2 wherein the spacing member defines an internal volume in gas communication with the air space between the glass panes, and further comprising a dessicant disposed within the internal volume.
6. The heat insulation window of claim 5 wherein said at least one photovoltaic cell is electrically connected to a three pole disconnect direct current switch and an inverter.
7. A heat insulation window comprising: (a) a pair of glass panes defining an air space therebetween and having a photovoltaic cell disposed within the airspace;
(b) a spacing member disposed between the glass panes which maintain the panes in a spaced-apart relationship, the spacing member being hollow and defining openings permitting gas communication between the air space and the interior volume of the spacing member;
(c) a desiccant material contained within the spacing member; and
(d) a frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, wherein the frame comprises:
(i) at least one desiccant concealing member which is hollow and detachable from the frame; ii) a desiccant cartridge removably disposed within the desiccant concealing member and
(iii) conduit means for providing gas communication between the air space and the desiccant cartridge.
8. The window of claim 7 wherein the conduit means provides gas communication between the interior volume of the spacing member and the desiccant cartridge.
9. The window of claim 7 wherein the desiccant cartridge comprises an elongated cylindrical tube.
10. The window of claim 7 wherein the desiccant concealing member is elongated and has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile.
11. The window of claim 10 wherein the cross-sectional profile comprises two linear segments joining at a substantially right angle.
12. The window of claim 7 wherein the frame comprises an outer channel member, an inner channel member, a web member disposed between the outer and inner channel members, wherein the desiccant concealing member is detachably connected to the inner channel member.
13. The window of claim 10 wherein the desiccant concealing member is comprised of a resilient material and comprises a first lip and a second lip which each engage an undercut groove in the inner channel member.
PCT/CA2007/001163 2006-06-30 2007-06-29 Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system WO2008000084A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MX2009000293A MX2009000293A (en) 2006-06-30 2007-06-29 Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system.
AU2007264366A AU2007264366A1 (en) 2006-06-30 2007-06-29 Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system
EA200900012A EA200900012A1 (en) 2006-06-30 2007-06-29 THERMAL INSULATING WINDOW, INCLUDING PHOTOGALVANIC ELEMENTS AND A PRESSURE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM
EP07763830A EP2035643A1 (en) 2006-06-30 2007-06-29 Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system
JP2009516842A JP2009541622A (en) 2006-06-30 2007-06-29 Insulated window with photovoltaic cell and pressure equalization system
AP2009004743A AP2009004743A0 (en) 2006-06-30 2007-06-29 Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cellsand a pressure equalization system
IL196204A IL196204A0 (en) 2006-06-30 2008-12-25 Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system
NO20090397A NO20090397L (en) 2006-06-30 2009-01-27 Insulation window with photoelectric cell and a pressure equalization system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2,551,356 2006-06-30
CA 2551356 CA2551356A1 (en) 2006-06-30 2006-06-30 Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008000084A1 true WO2008000084A1 (en) 2008-01-03

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PCT/CA2007/001163 WO2008000084A1 (en) 2006-06-30 2007-06-29 Insulating window incorporating photovoltaic cells and a pressure equalization system

Country Status (15)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2035643A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2009541622A (en)
KR (1) KR20090035553A (en)
CN (1) CN101484655A (en)
AP (1) AP2009004743A0 (en)
AU (1) AU2007264366A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2551356A1 (en)
CO (1) CO6160250A2 (en)
CR (1) CR10588A (en)
EA (1) EA200900012A1 (en)
EC (1) ECSP099101A (en)
IL (1) IL196204A0 (en)
MX (1) MX2009000293A (en)
NO (1) NO20090397L (en)
WO (1) WO2008000084A1 (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US8046960B1 (en) 2009-09-18 2011-11-01 Narinder Singh Kapany Solar window apparatus and method
US8230649B2 (en) 2009-09-18 2012-07-31 Solarpath, Inc. Solar wall apparatus and method
WO2012055976A3 (en) * 2010-10-29 2013-05-02 Sma Solar Technology Ag Window or door having a photovoltaic module
DE102012208406A1 (en) * 2012-05-21 2013-11-21 P.R. Agentur für transparente Kommunikation GmbH Device for heating and / or cooling a room
FR3016001A1 (en) * 2013-12-31 2015-07-03 Somfy Sas WINDOW FOR BUILDING
US9562159B2 (en) 2014-07-03 2017-02-07 Momentive Performance Material Inc. UV-active chromophore functionalized polysiloxanes and copolymers made therefrom
FR3061604A1 (en) * 2016-12-29 2018-07-06 Sunpartner Technologies OPTICAL COMMUNICATION PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE
EP3607589A4 (en) * 2017-04-06 2020-10-21 LG Electronics Inc. -1- Photovoltaic module
IT201900011268A1 (en) * 2019-07-10 2021-01-10 Piavevetro Srl STRUCTURE FOR THERMOELECTRIC AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL
CN113982423A (en) * 2021-10-27 2022-01-28 山东卓越精工集团有限公司 Combined special-shaped aluminum profile structure and corresponding aluminum profile installation construction method

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Cited By (15)

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US20100044006A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2010-02-25 Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Active transparent or translucent enclosures with energy control capacity
US8341894B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2013-01-01 Universidad Politecnica De Madrid Active transparent or translucent enclosures with energy control capacity
US8046960B1 (en) 2009-09-18 2011-11-01 Narinder Singh Kapany Solar window apparatus and method
US8230649B2 (en) 2009-09-18 2012-07-31 Solarpath, Inc. Solar wall apparatus and method
WO2012055976A3 (en) * 2010-10-29 2013-05-02 Sma Solar Technology Ag Window or door having a photovoltaic module
US9951978B2 (en) 2012-05-21 2018-04-24 Pr Germany Gmbh Device for heating and/or cooling a chamber
DE102012208406A1 (en) * 2012-05-21 2013-11-21 P.R. Agentur für transparente Kommunikation GmbH Device for heating and / or cooling a room
FR3016001A1 (en) * 2013-12-31 2015-07-03 Somfy Sas WINDOW FOR BUILDING
WO2015101613A1 (en) * 2013-12-31 2015-07-09 Somfy Sas Window for a building
US9562159B2 (en) 2014-07-03 2017-02-07 Momentive Performance Material Inc. UV-active chromophore functionalized polysiloxanes and copolymers made therefrom
FR3061604A1 (en) * 2016-12-29 2018-07-06 Sunpartner Technologies OPTICAL COMMUNICATION PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE
EP3607589A4 (en) * 2017-04-06 2020-10-21 LG Electronics Inc. -1- Photovoltaic module
IT201900011268A1 (en) * 2019-07-10 2021-01-10 Piavevetro Srl STRUCTURE FOR THERMOELECTRIC AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL
CN113982423A (en) * 2021-10-27 2022-01-28 山东卓越精工集团有限公司 Combined special-shaped aluminum profile structure and corresponding aluminum profile installation construction method
CN113982423B (en) * 2021-10-27 2023-03-24 山东卓越精工集团有限公司 Combined special-shaped aluminum profile structure and corresponding aluminum profile installation construction method

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CO6160250A2 (en) 2010-05-20
AP2009004743A0 (en) 2007-06-29
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