3D Building Window Tint Control for Glare and Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices and windows, despite advancements, have not realized their full commercial potential due to various issues, including inefficient control methods for tinting and energy management.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining tint levels in tintable windows based on glare and reflection models, using a 3D model of a building site to evaluate conditions and adjust tint states dynamically, with a cloud-based platform for generating and managing tint schedules, and integrating sensor data for real-time control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional control methods are used for electrochromic windows, then the system is simple to operate, but energy management efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating clear-sky glare and reflection models for the building site, storing them in a database, and determining optimal tint schedules in advance. This allows the control system to efficiently query pre-computed data rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thereby improving energy management efficiency without requiring excessive computational resources during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database that stores pre-computed clear-sky models and tint schedules. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator between the complex modeling algorithms and the simple window control system, allowing sophisticated energy optimization without burdening the operational control system with computational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If real-time sensor data integration is implemented, then adaptability to environmental conditions improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts window tint levels by integrating real-time sensor data (irradiance, temperature, occupancy) with pre-computed clear-sky models. The control algorithm continuously compares actual environmental conditions against the stored models and adjusts tint schedules accordingly, enabling adaptability to changing environmental conditions while leveraging pre-computed data to manage system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring sensor data from the building environment and using this information to adjust tint levels. The sensor inputs (irradiance sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors) provide feedback loops that allow the system to adapt to actual environmental conditions while referencing the pre-computed clear-sky models for optimal control decisions.
3Manufacturing precision
If cloud-based 3D modeling platform is used, then manufacturing precision of tint schedules improves, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming 3D modeling, glare analysis, and reflection calculations in advance using a cloud-based platform, storing the results in a database. This preliminary action allows for high-precision tint schedule generation without requiring extensive processing time during building operation. The cloud platform handles the computationally intensive tasks offline, and the local system simply queries the pre-computed results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating simplified representations of the complex 3D models and glare/reflection calculations in the form of pre-computed tint schedules stored in a database. Instead of repeatedly performing complex calculations, the system copies the essential control information into accessible schedules that can be quickly retrieved and executed, maintaining precision while reducing processing time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient and adaptive control of tintable windows, optimizing energy usage and user comfort by dynamically adjusting tint levels based on environmental conditions, enhancing the commercial viability of electrochromic technology.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change. The optical property is typically one or more of color, transmittance, absorbance, and reflectance.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
System for controlling tinting of one or more zones of windows in a building based on clear sky models for the building site maintained on a cloud network.