Cloud Control Architecture for Remote Electrochromic Window Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for managing networks of switchable optical devices, such as electrochromic windows, lack effective remote management capabilities, making it difficult to efficiently control and monitor these devices across multiple sites.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system is implemented, which includes a network of electrochromic windows and window controllers, allowing for communication between local data buses and remote master controllers via internet protocols. This system receives data from network controllers, sends control messages, and provides a human operator interface for managing multiple sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If local network control is used for switchable optical devices, then device control capability is maintained, but remote management capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based intermediary platform that mediates between local window controllers and remote users. The cloud platform receives control messages via internet protocol, translates them into local network commands, and relays them to the appropriate devices. This intermediary architecture enables remote management without requiring direct complex connections between all devices, resolving the contradiction by adding a mediating layer that simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the control system into segmented layers: local window controllers handling device-level operations, network controllers managing local networks, and a cloud-based master controller providing remote management. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, enabling remote management capability while keeping individual component complexities manageable.
2Loss of information
If multiple sites are managed locally, then on-site control is effective, but centralized monitoring and management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based master controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects data from all remote sites, provides centralized monitoring, enables remote control, and maintains a database of device information. This universal platform handles diverse management tasks through a single system, achieving centralized data collection and improved management efficiency without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where window controllers continuously report device status, operational data, and diagnostic information to the cloud-based master controller. This feedback loop enables automated monitoring, alerting, and data analysis, allowing centralized management to respond to site conditions in real-time and improving overall management productivity through informed decision-making.
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
Enables centralized remote management of switchable optical devices, improving energy efficiency and operational control across multiple sites by allowing real-time monitoring and control of electrochromic windows, reducing the need for on-site maintenance and enhancing energy-saving capabilities.
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.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media relating to management of sites having various devices (e.g., switchable optical devices) are disclosed, including remote management of sites that include local network(s).