Multi-channel control system for controlling a plurality of smart windows

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-channel control system for controlling smart windows, and more particularly to a multi-channel control system for controlling a plurality of smart windows using multiple channels. Therefore, the unit control module for controlling the discoloration of at least two smart windows of the present invention includes: communication means for receiving control data for controlling the discoloration of the smart windows from a wireless router or a main control module communicatively connected to an external control server; at least two communication channel means respectively connected to the smart windows for which discoloration control is requested, the communication channel means providing information regarding a voltage application time point for applying a voltage to control the discoloration of the smart windows, a voltage application end point for interrupting the voltage application, and a time point for measuring the voltage of the smart windows; and control means for controlling to provide the information provided to the at least two communication channel means at different timings from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-channel control system for controlling smart windows, and more particularly, to a multi-channel control system for controlling the discoloration of a plurality of smart windows using multiple channels.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, the recent glass industry attempts to change the characteristics of existing glass to produce better-quality materials based on energy-saving effects and the use of environmentally friendly materials. In addition, the need for glass production that can artificially adjust the transmittance to visible light has emerged, and a new material glass called a smart window has attracted attention.

[0003] A smart window is a glass window that changes the light transmittance according to the magnitude of the voltage. That is, when the outdoor temperature rises, the transmittance of the glass window is lowered to block the radiant heat due to solar radiation, and when the outdoor temperature drops, the transmittance of the glass window is increased to allow solar radiation to enter the room and raise the indoor temperature by the solar radiant heat.

[0004] Smart windows are environmentally friendly, reduce cooling and heating loads, and enable efficient energy use. In addition, they build a safe and comfortable living and urban environment and improve the quality of life of users. In addition, smart windows are a functional alternative that can be applied in various fields such as not only buildings but also industries (information display boards, product displays) and transportation (sunroofs).

[0005] In developed countries such as the United States, Japan, and Europe, smart windows have come to attract attention as next-generation high-functional and high-added-value products, and product development research using smart materials is active for use in energy-saving intelligent buildings, windows for various means of transportation, large display elements, etc. Products have been developed in fields such as interior partitions using liquid crystal substances and automotive mirrors using electrochromic glass. Also, in South Korea, among various materials, basic research on films using liquid crystals has been conducted, and research is being carried out at institutions including research institutes.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a multi-channel control system for controlling the discoloration of a plurality of smart windows. Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a multi-channel control system for controlling the discoloration of a plurality of smart windows using wireless communication. Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a multi-channel control system for controlling the discoloration of a plurality of smart windows using time-division communication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Therefore, the unit control module for controlling the discoloration of at least two smart windows of the present invention includes: communication means for receiving control data for controlling the discoloration of the smart window from a wireless router communicatively connected to an external control server or a main control module; at least two communication channel means respectively connected to a smart window for which discoloration control is requested and which provides information regarding the voltage application time point for applying a voltage to control the discoloration of the smart window, the voltage application end point for interrupting the voltage application, and the time point for measuring the voltage of the smart window; and control means for controlling to provide the information provided to the at least two communication channel means at different timings from each other.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] The multi-channel control system for controlling a plurality of smart windows according to the present invention controls the color change of a plurality of smart windows using one unit, and in particular, realizes ease of installation by controlling the smart windows using radio.

[0009] Further, since the present invention controls the color change of a plurality of smart windows using time-division communication, there is an advantage that smart windows to be color-change controlled can be easily added by adjusting the divided time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The foregoing and additional aspects of the present invention will become more apparent by the preferred embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, these embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and reproduce them.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] According to FIG. 1, a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window includes a control server, a main control module, unit control modules, and sensors. Of course, in addition to the above-described configuration, other configurations can be included in the multi-channel control system for the smart window proposed by the present invention.

[0014] According to FIG. 1, a unit control module 110 is formed for each smart window, and a plurality of unit control modules 110 located in a specific direction are connected to the main control module 120. The main control module 120 is connected to an internal illuminance sensor, an external illuminance sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an external temperature sensor, and receives the illuminance and temperature measured by each sensor.

[0015] The unit control module 110 controls the magnitude of the current supplied to each smart window based on the control data of the main control module 120. The unit control module 110 supplies voltages (currents) of different magnitudes to each smart window according to the characteristics of each smart window provided from the main control module 120, and the smart window changes color according to the supplied voltage.

[0016] The control server 130 is connected to the main control module 120 and sets the voltage supplied to the smart window. That is, the smart window changes color according to the magnitude of the voltage supplied to it. In relation to the present invention, the control server 130 is set to supply the voltage supplied to the smart window at a voltage corresponding to the set mode, while the unit control module 110 finely adjusts and supplies the voltage set by the control server 130 according to the characteristics of each smart window supplied from the main control module. That is, the unit control module 110 controls to provide the finely adjusted voltage to the smart window. To explain in detail, the unit control module 110 controls to supply the voltage supplied to each smart window in a finely adjusted state so that there is no color difference due to the unique characteristics of each smart window.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0018] According to Figure 2, the multi-channel control system for the smart window includes a control server 130, a wireless router 210, a unit control module 110, and a sensor (not shown). Of course, in addition to the above-described configuration, other configurations can be included in the multi-channel control system for the smart window proposed by the present invention.

[0019] In particular, Figure 2 shows the case of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data in a specific section. According to Figure 2, the multi-channel control system proposes a wireless router 210, and uses the wireless router 210 to transmit the control data provided from the control server 130 to the unit control module 110. In particular, it can be seen from Figure 2 that, unlike Figure 1, the main control unit is excluded.

[0020] The unit control module 110 supplies voltages (currents) of different magnitudes to each smart window according to the characteristics of each provided smart window. Although FIG. 2 shows that wireless communication is performed between the wireless router 210 and the unit control module 110, it is not limited thereto. The wireless router 210 and the unit control module 110 can also transmit and receive control data through wired communication.

[0021] The sensors include an internal illuminance sensor, an external illuminance sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an external temperature sensor, and the information collected by the sensors is provided to the unit control module or the main control module.

[0022] In addition to this, the control system can include an SMPS and a terminal. That is, the terminal is connected to the unit control module, and the SMPS controls the voltage supplied to the unit control module via the terminal. Of course, the unit control module controls one smart window.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a multi-channel control system for controlling a smart window according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0024] According to FIG. 3, a multi-channel control system for a smart window includes a control server, a wireless router, a unit control module, and a sensor (not shown). Of course, in addition to the above-described configuration, other configurations can be included in the multi-channel control system for a smart window proposed by the present invention.

[0025] In particular, FIG. 3 shows a case where control data is transmitted or received wirelessly in a specific section. According to FIG. 3, the multi-channel control system proposes a wireless router 210, and the wireless router 210 is used to transmit the control data provided by the control server 130 to the unit control module. In particular, different from FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows that the main control unit is excluded, and it can be seen that one unit control module 110 controls the color change of a plurality of smart windows.

[0026] The unit control module 110 supplies voltages (currents) of different magnitudes to each smart window according to the characteristics of each provided smart window. Although FIG. 3 shows that wireless communication is performed between the wireless router and the unit control module, it is not limited thereto. The wireless router and the unit control module can also transmit and receive control data through wired communication.

[0027] The sensors include an internal illuminance sensor, an external illuminance sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an external temperature sensor, and the information collected by the sensors is provided to the unit control module or the main control module.

[0028] In addition, the control system can include an SMPS and a terminal. That is, the terminal is connected to the unit control module, and the SMPS controls the voltage supplied to the unit control module via the terminal.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a unit control module for controlling a smart window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a unit control module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0030] In particular, FIG. 4 shows a configuration in which a unit control module controls the color change of a plurality of smart windows, and the unit control module controls the color change of the smart windows using a plurality of channels.

[0031] According to FIG. 4, the unit control module includes communication means 110a, control means 110b, and a plurality of communication channel means 110c. The communication means 110a includes wireless communication means or wired communication means and receives control data for smart window discoloration from the outside. The communication means provides the received control data to the control means.

[0032] Based on the received control data, the control means 110b controls the discoloration of the smart window using the communication channel means 110c that communicates with the smart window. Further, in the present invention, communication channel means 110c is formed for each smart window, and the control means 110b controls the discoloration of the smart window using a time-division communication method. For example, during the first hour, the discoloration of the first smart window is controlled using the first communication channel means, during the second hour, the discoloration of the second smart window is controlled using the second communication channel means, during the third hour, the discoloration of the third smart window is controlled using the third communication channel means, and during the fourth hour, the discoloration of the fourth smart window is controlled using the fourth communication channel means. As described above, the unit control module communicates with a plurality of smart windows in a time-division manner to control the discoloration of the smart windows.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by the unit control module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operations performed by the unit control module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows that the unit control module communicates with four smart windows in particular, and thus communicates with a plurality of smart windows using four channels respectively. That is, the unit control module manages four channels by time-division communication using a plurality of communication channel means. Hereinafter, the operations performed by the control means of the unit control module will be described.

[0035] The control means communicates with the smart window using the first to fourth communication channel means. Hereinafter, the process of controlling the discoloration of the first smart window using the first communication channel means will be described. In step S500, the control means enters the discoloration mode of the smart window. In step S502, the control means sets the voltage to be applied to the first smart window for controlling the discoloration of the first smart window. In step S504, the control means controls the first communication channel means to apply the set applied voltage. In step S506, when the voltage application time is reached, the control means interrupts the voltage application in step S508. In step S510, the control means controls to measure the voltage applied for the discoloration of the smart window.

[0036] In step S512, the control means compares the voltage measured in step S510 with the voltage set in step S502. If the measured voltage is the same as or within the set range of the set voltage, after entering the maintenance mode, it waits for a certain period of time. Of course, after waiting for a certain period of time, the control means measures the voltage applied for the discoloration of the smart window.

[0037] If the measured voltage is lower than the set range of the set voltage, the control means proceeds to step S504 to increase the voltage to the set voltage for the discoloration of the set smart window.

[0038] In this way, the control means controls the discoloration of the first smart window using the first communication channel means, and also controls the discoloration of the second to fourth smart windows using the second to fourth communication channel means.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows a configuration for measuring the voltage of a smart window by control means according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the configuration for measuring the voltage of the smart window will be described.

[0040] According to FIG. 6, the configuration for measuring the voltage of the smart window includes a plurality of relays and an operational amplifier (OP Amp). The first relay and the second relay are connected in series, and the third relay and the fourth relay are also connected in series. The first relay and the second relay, in a series-connected state, are connected in parallel with the third relay and the fourth relay connected in series.

[0041] Voltage application supplies voltage to the first relay and the third relay, supplies voltage from the connection point between the first relay and the second relay to one side of the smart window, and supplies voltage from the connection point between the third relay and the fourth relay to the other side of the smart window.

[0042] When charging the voltage of the smart window, turn on the first relay and the fourth relay, and turn off the second relay and the third relay. When discharging the voltage of the smart window, turn on the second relay and the third relay, and turn off the first relay and the fourth relay.

[0043] When attempting to measure the voltage of the smart window, measure the voltage using operational amplifier differential amplification with the first relay to the fourth relay turned off.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows a procedure for communicating with a plurality of smart windows in a time-division manner using communication channel means in control means according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the procedure for communicating with a plurality of smart windows in a time-division manner using communication channel means in control means according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0045] As described above, the application time for applying voltage and the input voltage differ for each channel, and the time required to reach the set voltage set according to the characteristics of the smart window also differs.

[0046] According to FIG. 7, the first to fourth channels adjust the voltage application request time, voltage interruption request time, and voltage measurement time by a time division method. Further, in the present invention, if the measured voltage is the same as the set voltage, it enters a constant time maintenance mode to maintain the discoloration of the smart window.

[0047] In relation to the present invention, the interval between the voltage application request time and the voltage interruption request time varies depending on the characteristics of the smart window. The interval between the voltage application request time and the voltage interruption request time varies depending on the size of the smart window, the amount and components of the electrolyte injected into the smart window film, the characteristics of the process in which the smart window is produced, high-speed discoloration or low-speed discoloration, etc.

[0048] In addition to this, when it is necessary to relatively shorten the interval between the voltage application request time and the voltage interruption request time, when the electrolyte components are aged due to long-term use, when there are many discoloration steps (to prevent the voltage levels for each step from interfering with each other), when the illuminance is strong, when the change in transmittance is large, or when a relatively high voltage is applied (to protect the discoloration film), etc.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows a network for controlling a smart window using multiple channels according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of controlling a smart window using multiple channels will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0050] According to FIG. 8, the network for controlling the smart window includes a control server and a wireless router. Of course, in addition to the above-described configuration, other configurations can be included in the network for controlling the smart window proposed in the present invention.

[0051] The control server is connected to the wireless router via a router. The control server and the wireless router are connected by wire, and the wireless router is wirelessly connected to the unit control module.

[0052] The wireless router is wirelessly connected to a plurality of unit control modules. In FIG. 8, one wireless router is wirelessly connected to the first unit control module IP_1 to the nth unit control module IP-n. The unit control module controls the color change of four smart windows using channels 1 to 4. Of course, the number of smart windows whose color change is controlled also changes according to the number of channels of the unit control module.

[0053] The path for instructing the color change control of the smart window in the control server includes the unique identification information and channel identification information of the wireless router, such as "Send(Group_A+IP_1, Protocol_Ch2)".

[0054] The present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the drawings, which is merely exemplary, and those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible hereinafter.

Industrial Applicability

[0055] The present invention relates to a multi-channel control system for controlling smart windows, and more particularly to a multi-channel control system for controlling the color change of a plurality of smart windows using multiple channels.

[0056] The multi-channel control system for controlling a plurality of smart windows according to the present invention can control the color change of a plurality of smart windows using one unit, and particularly can realize the ease of installation by controlling the smart windows wirelessly.

[0057] In addition, since the present invention controls the discoloration of a plurality of smart windows using time-division communication, there is an advantage that a smart window whose discoloration is controlled can be easily added by adjusting the divided time.

Explanation of Signs

[0058] 110 Unit control module 110a Communication means 110b Control means 110c Communication channel means 120 Main control module 130 Control server 210 Wireless router

Claims

1. A unit control module for controlling the discoloration of at least two smart windows, comprising: communication means for receiving control data for controlling the discoloration of the smart window from a wireless router communicatively connected to an external control server or a main control module; at least two communication channel means respectively connected to smart windows for which discoloration control is requested, the smart windows providing information regarding a voltage application time point for applying a voltage to control the discoloration of the smart window, a voltage application end point for interrupting the voltage application, and a time point for measuring the voltage of the smart window; control means for controlling to provide information to the at least two communication channel means at different timings from each other. The unit control module is characterized by including the above.

2. The control means: when receiving, via the communication means, the provision of a set voltage which is control data for the discoloration of the smart window, sequentially provides the voltage application time point and the voltage application end point to the communication channel means, and after providing the voltage application end point, requests to measure and provide the voltage of the smart window. The unit control module according to Claim 1 is characterized by the above.

3. The control means: when the measured voltage of the smart window provided from the communication channel means is lower than the set voltage, sequentially provides the voltage application time point and the voltage application end point to the communication channel means. The unit control module according to Claim 2 is characterized by the above.

4. The voltage of the smart window is measured using: a first relay and a third relay formed on one side of the smart window; a second relay and a fourth relay formed on the other side of the smart window; and an operational amplifier to which one side and the other side of the smart window are connected as inputs. The unit control module according to Claim 2 is characterized by the above.

5. When charging the smart window with a voltage, turn on the first relay and the fourth relay, and turn off the second relay and the third relay. When discharging the smart window with a voltage, turn off the first relay and the fourth relay, and turn on the second relay and the third relay. When measuring the voltage of the smart window, turn off the first relay to the fourth relay. The unit control module according to Claim 4 is characterized by the above.

6. The control means is configured such that: when the electrolyte component of the smart window is aged, when the discoloration steps are relatively numerous, when the illuminance is strong, when the change in the transmittance of the smart window is relatively large, or when a relatively high voltage is applied, the time between the voltage application start point and the voltage application end point is made relatively short. The unit control module according to claim 2.

7. A multi-channel smart window discoloration system, comprising: the unit control module according to any one of claims 1 to 6; at least two smart windows connected to at least two communication channel means of the unit control module; and a control server for transmitting control data for discoloration of the smart window to the unit control module.

8. The multi-channel smart window discoloration system according to claim 7, further comprising an internal illuminance sensor, an external illuminance sensor, an internal temperature sensor, and an external temperature sensor, wherein the illuminance and temperature measured by each sensor are provided to the unit control module.

9. The internal illuminance sensor measures the internal illuminance of the smart window. The external illuminance sensor measures the external illuminance of the smart window. The internal temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the smart window. The external temperature sensor measures the external temperature of the smart window. The multi-channel smart window discoloration system according to claim 8.

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