Automated Shade Control with Graduated Shading Algorithms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated shade control systems are limited in effectively managing solar load and interior light levels, as they do not consider graduated shading and brightness variations, leading to inefficient energy use and discomfort due to excessive heat gain and glare.
Innovation Solution
An automated shade control system that incorporates proactive and reactive algorithms, using shadow and reflectance information to control window coverings, optimizing daylighting and reducing solar heat gain through motorized window coverings with real-time adjustments based on solar radiation, brightness, and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If photo sensors and temperature sensors are used to control window coverings, then automation capability is improved, but the system cannot effectively manage graduated shading and brightness variations within the interior
Solution Approach 1:
The window covering is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones, allowing different shading levels across different areas. This enables graduated shading where each segment can be positioned independently to create brightness gradients throughout the interior space, resolving the limitation of uniform shading in traditional automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the window covering are assigned different control characteristics and shading parameters based on local requirements. Each zone can have customized brightness targets, response thresholds, and positioning algorithms, allowing the system to provide localized brightness control and graduated shading effects rather than applying a single uniform control strategy.
2Loss of energy
If clear or high visible light transmitting glazing is used to maximize natural daylight, then energy efficiency is improved, but solar heat gain and glare increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window covering system dynamically adjusts its position and opacity in real-time based on changing solar conditions, interior brightness levels, and thermal requirements. The system transitions between fully transparent, partially shaded, and fully opaque states, optimizing the balance between daylight transmission and solar heat gain reduction throughout the day and across different weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including shade position, opacity level, and control thresholds based on environmental conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maximizes daylight utilization while minimizing solar heat gain and glare, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and harmful solar effects.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types and control criteria are employed to define shading parameters, then control precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single integrated control system performs multiple functions by processing data from various sensor types (photo sensors, temperature sensors, brightness sensors) and applying multiple control criteria simultaneously. The system universally handles daylighting optimization, thermal comfort control, glare prevention, and energy management through a unified algorithmic framework, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-loop feedback control where sensor measurements continuously inform adjustments to window covering positions. Brightness sensors provide feedback on interior light levels, temperature sensors feedback on thermal conditions, and the control system adjusts shading parameters in response to these feedback signals, achieving precise control through continuous adaptation rather than complex open-loop configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention generally relates to automated shade systems. An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; reflectance information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.