Title:
Smart Solar Window with Adaptive Opacity and Integrated Photovoltaic Energy Generation
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a solar energy–harvesting window that simultaneously functions
as a dynamic light and heat regulator. The device integrates a transparent photovoltaic layer
within a smart glass system capable of self-adjusting opacity according to environmental
conditions. By dynamically varying its transparency, the system optimizes daylight, thermal
comfort, and electrical power generation. The invention improves energy efficiency in
residential, commercial, and automotive applications while contributing to sustainable
architecture.
Field of the Invention:
This invention falls under the fields of renewable energy technology, smart materials, and
energy-efficient architecture, specifically integrating solar photovoltaic systems with
electrochromic or thermochromic smart glass.
Background:
Traditional solar panels are opaque and occupy roof or ground space, limiting design flexibility.
Conventional smart windows can control light and heat but do not generate energy.
The growing need for net-zero energy buildings requires windows that can both harvest solar
energy and actively regulate indoor lighting and temperature.
This invention addresses these gaps by combining transparent solar cells and smart opacity
control in a single unit.
Summary of the Invention:
The Smart Solar Window integrates:
A transparent photovoltaic layer (such as perovskite, organic PV, or dye-sensitized solar cells).
A smart glass layer (electrochromic, thermochromic, or photochromic) to vary opacity.
A sensor and control circuit that monitors solar intensity, indoor brightness, and temperature. A
microcontroller that adjusts the window’s transparency to optimize comfort and maximize solar
energy capture.
A power storage or distribution system that stores the generated electricity or feeds it into the
building’s grid.
The system automatically adapts to daylight variations and user preferences.
Detailed Description (Working Principle):
Several prior art patent documents are relevant:
Prior Art (India) — Relevant Indian patent applications listed on Google Patents include
IN2014DN08858A (published 22-May-2015) which relates to electrochromic type devices and
assemblies for glazing and their electrical connection means, and IN2014DE01279A (published
12-Jun-2015) which is in the family of thin/transparent photovoltaic device applications. These
documents disclose technologies for electrochromic glazing, methods for integrating
electrochromic layers and photovoltaic elements, and manufacturing/assembly techniques for
glazing units that can include PV or electrochromic functionality. Neither application, however,
discloses a single-window unit that jointly integrates a semi-transparent photovoltaic layer
(transparent PV optimized for visible + near-IR conversion) with an autonomous sensor-driven
opacity control system (microcontroller + sensors + energy management) configured to
dynamically vary transparency to simultaneously maximize electrical generation and optimize
indoor daylighting/thermal comfort as taught in the present invention. The present invention
therefore departs from these Indian prior filings by combining (a) a transparent PV layer tailored
to harvest visible/NIR while preserving useful daylight, (b) an electrochromic (or equivalent
smart-opacity) layer co-integrated within the same IGU, and (c) control/energy-management
logic that actively balances power generation, user comfort, and battery/GRID interaction. See
Google Patents records for IN2014DN08858A and IN2014DE01279A for details.
US5384653 (Application No. US 7-972,242) discloses a double-pane electrochromic window
powered by PV cells.
US5377037 (App. No. US 7-973,171) describes a tandem PV + electrochromic film to control
optical transmittance.
US4382436A (App. No. US 06/247,011) relates to a “solar window” with selective light reflection
and thermal gain control via air circulation.
US20160268962A1 (App. No. US 15/069,373) involves sunlight harvesting transparent windows
using nanoparticles.
US11611308B2 (App. No. US 16/675,821) involves visibly transparent PV devices in window
inserts.
US11603704B2 (App. No. US 16/414,262) covers control systems for solar-powered smart
windows.
US6055089A (App. No. US 09/257,305) integrates PV powering and control circuitry for
electrochromic windows
Structure:
Outer Glass Layer: Transparent protective layer.
Transparent Solar Cell Layer: Semi-transparent perovskite or organic PV film embedded
between conductive ITO glass sheets.
Smart Glass Layer: Electrochromic or thermochromic layer that changes opacity based on
voltage or temperature.
Sensors: Light intensity sensor, temperature sensor, and occupancy sensor.
Control Unit: Microcontroller with algorithms for real-time control.
Power System: DC-DC converter, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and inverter for AC output.
Operation:
During intense sunlight, the control system darkens the glass to reduce glare and heat while
maximizing power generation.
In low-light or cool conditions, the window becomes more transparent, allowing natural light to
enter.
The system operates autonomously, with optional manual control via smartphone app or
building automation interface.
Electrical Output:
The transparent photovoltaic layer generates electricity from visible and near-infrared light.
Energy is used to power the smart glass operation, charge batteries, or feed back to the
building’s grid.
Diagram (Explained Textually):
(I can generate an actual labeled diagram if you confirm you want one.)
Figure 1: Structure of Smart Solar Window
Layer 1: Outer transparent glass
Layer 2: Transparent conductive coating (ITO)
Layer 3: Semi-transparent photovoltaic film
Layer 4: Electrochromic smart glass layer
Layer 5: Sensor array (light + temperature)
Layer 6: Control module + battery storage
Arrows indicate solar light entering, partial reflection, and electrical output line.
Claims:
A solar window comprising a transparent photovoltaic layer integrated with a variable-opacity
smart glass layer.
The window of claim 1, wherein the opacity is controlled by electrochromic, thermochromic, or
photochromic means.
The window of claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic layer comprises perovskite, organic, or dye-
sensitized solar cells.
The system further comprises sensors and a microcontroller configured to adjust opacity based
on environmental conditions.
The generated electricity powers the control system and supplies surplus energy to the building
grid.
The window optionally includes wireless connectivity for user control and building automation
integration.
The invention minimizes external energy consumption for lighting and air conditioning.
Advantages:
Dual Functionality: Combines energy generation with thermal/light control.
Space Efficient: Integrates into existing windows, reducing need for separate solar panels.
Adaptive Comfort: Automatically adjusts brightness and heat levels indoors.
Aesthetic Integration: Transparent and architecturally appealing.
Energy Independence: Reduces building reliance on external power.
Eco-Friendly: Decreases CO₂ emissions and energy waste.
Benefits to Society:
Promotes green building technologies and sustainable city design.
Reduces electricity demand from non-renewable sources.
Improves indoor air quality and comfort without extra energy cost.
Enables energy-positive buildings and vehicles.
Encourages renewable adoption in dense urban environments where rooftop area is limited.
team members
1. Manasa U - U03AI23S0063
2. Priyanka P - U03AI23S0078
3. sagar B - U03AI23S0082
4. Uday BR - U03AI23S0111
