Development of Wireless Power Technology for use in Electrochromic Window Retrofit Applications

C58-14a-281507-Abstract Windows play a pivotal role in commercial buildings, serving as both sources of natural light and avenues for ventilation. However, their design and efficiency greatly impact energy consumption within these structures. Inefficient windows can lead to signi?cant heat gain or loss, depending on the season, resulting in increased reliance on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Addressing these issues through innovative window designs, such as Electrochromic (EC) windows present a promising avenue for mitigating energy waste and enhancing overall building sustainability. However, traditional hardwired installations require extensive infrastructure and labor costs for routing power cables, particularly in retro?tting existing structures. This results in a signi?cant impediment to the adoption of such technologies. Wireless Power Technology (WPT) holds the potential to revolutionize the installation process and cost-effectiveness of electrochromic windows in commercial buildings. This streamlined approach not only lowers upfront costs but also offers greater ?exibility in window placement and design, as there's no longer a constraint of proximity to power sources. Thus, integrating wireless power with electrochromic windows presents a promising solution for making energy-efficient building upgrades more accessible and economically viable. GuRu Wireless, Inc. has developed a novel WPT platform that has the potential to remove this cost impediment by eliminating the need for wiring in building walls thus, reducing the installation costs by an estimated 90%. During Phase I, WPT hardware and ?rmware will be developed and customized for a dedicated installation of EC windows in a government laboratory. The objective is to carry out preliminary feasibility studies to characterize the power delivery, functionality and effectiveness of such a system as a cost-effective alternative for powering of EC windows in retro?t applications. The successful completion of Phase I will form the foundation for the full development of a commercial grade wireless power solution for true retro?t EC window applications. This will be followed by the actual development of such a system which is expected to be funded by an SBIR Phase II grant award combined with company contributions. This second phase of the program will include partners in the supply chain for EC windows including EC glass and retro?t frame manufacturers as well as building architects and energy consultants. Summary for Members of Congress: Energy loss from windows in commercial and government buildings reduces the efficiency of these buildings and adds to increased greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels that provide energy for heating and cooling. This project will develop a technology to remove the main barrier to using more efficient windows as a retro?t solution.