Self-contained ec igu

Abstract

Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An window comprising:
 a first lite;   an electrochromic device positioned on the first lite; and   a thermoelectric generator positioned on or in the window.   
     
     
         2 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric generator is configured to power the electrochromic device. 
     
     
         3 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric generator is positioned at least partially in a viewable area of the window. 
     
     
         4 . The window of  claim 3 , wherein the thermoelectric generator is positioned wholly within the viewable area of the window. 
     
     
         5 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric generator is positioned at least partially in or on a frame surrounding the window. 
     
     
         6 . The window of  claim 1 , further comprising a second lite, wherein the thermoelectric generator is configured to generate power based on a temperature differential between the first lite and the second lite. 
     
     
         7 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric generator is all solid state. 
     
     
         8 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric generator comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of bismuth telluride, lead telluride, calcium manganese oxide, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric generator comprises a bimetallic junction. 
     
     
         10 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the electrochromic device is inorganic and all solid state. 
     
     
         11 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the electrochromic device comprises (i) an electrochromic layer comprising a tungsten oxide-based material, and (ii) a counter electrode layer comprising a nickel oxide-based material. 
     
     
         12 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric generator is positioned on the first lite such that both the thermoelectric generator and the electrochromic device are positioned on the same lite. 
     
     
         13 . The window of  claim 1 , further comprising a second lite, wherein the first and second lites together form an insulated glass unit. 
     
     
         14 . The window of  claim 13 , wherein the thermoelectric generator is positioned on the second lite such that the thermoelectric generator and the electrochromic device are positioned on different lites. 
     
     
         15 . The window of  claim 13 , further comprising a third lite, wherein the first, second, and third lites together form the insulated glass unit.