Multipurpose Electrochromic Window Controller for Adaptive IGU Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrochromic (EC) window controllers require factory calibration for specific insulated glass unit (IGU) sizes and wire lengths, are hard-wired to building management systems (BMS), and limited in data collection and feedback, leading to installation issues and reduced functionality.

Innovation Solution

Multipurpose EC window controllers with integrated sensors and wireless communication capabilities that can determine transmittance, size, temperature, and damage, and perform wireless communication, charge storage, and defect repair, enhancing integration with BMS for improved environmental control and energy savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional EC window controllers use factory calibration for specific IGU sizes and wire lengths, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefactory calibration precisionVSAvoidcontroller adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically detects and adapts to different IGU sizes and wire lengths by measuring electrical parameters (resistance, capacitance) during installation, eliminating the need for factory calibration while maintaining precise control across varying configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed as a universal device that can work with multiple IGU sizes and wire lengths through automatic parameter detection and adaptive control algorithms, making a single controller model suitable for all installation scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional EC window controllers are hard-wired to BMS, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into wireless communication modules that allow the controller to communicate with BMS and user interfaces wirelessly, separating the control function from physical wiring requirements while maintaining system reliability through multiple communication paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Wireless communication protocols serve as intermediaries between the controller and BMS, enabling data exchange and control commands without direct physical connections, thus simplifying installation while maintaining reliable system operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional EC window controllers have limited data collection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller complexityVSAvoidenvironmental parameter measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing functions (temperature, humidity, light, transmittance) are merged into a single integrated controller unit, allowing comprehensive environmental monitoring without requiring separate measurement devices, thus improving precision while managing complexity through integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The controllers provide easier installation, enhanced user interfaces, and improved performance under varying conditions, offering granular environmental control and energy savings by integrating with BMS, and reducing maintenance needs.

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. One well known electrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO3). Tungsten oxide is a cathodic electrochromic material in which a coloration transition, transparent to blue, occurs by electrochemical reduction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

storing and transmitting data relating to an EC window via an RFID tag that is actively or passively powered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID electromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

storing charge resulting from a transition of an EC device of the EC window and/or direct such charge to a power grid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical charge storage: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

A small voltage applied to an electrochromic device (EC) of the window will cause them to darken; reversing the voltage causes them to lighten.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical voltage application: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS12436438B2Multipurpose controller for multistate windows

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

“Smart” controllers for windows having controllable optical transitions are described. Controllers with multiple features can sense and adapt to local environmental conditions. Controllers described herein can be integrated with a building management system (BMS) to greatly enhance the BMS's effectiveness at managing local environments in a building. The controllers may have one, two, three or more functions such as powering a smart window, determining the percent transmittance, size, and/or temperature of a smart window, providing wireless communication between the controller and a separate communication node, etc.