US Patent 11092868 Photonic-powered EC devices

Electrochromic window systems and components thereof are disclosed, more particularly systems where electrochromic devices are powered and/or controlled using photonic energy. In some instances, a laser is driven by a driver to deliver photonic power and/or control information into an optical fiber. The optical fiber carries the power and control information to a photovoltaic converter and a controller. The photovoltaic converter and controller may be included within an insulated glass unit (IGU). The photovoltaic converter converts the light energy into electrical energy used to power a transition in an optical state of an electrochromic layer or layers within the IGU. The controller may be used to control the power delivered to the electrochromic layer(s), such that a smooth transition occurs. In some embodiments, control information may be transmitted in an upstream manner to communicate information regarding, for example, the state of an electrochromic device.