Cloud Detector with Infrared and Photosensor Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting cloud cover and weather conditions in robotic observatories rely on expensive imaging devices that require visible light measurements, making it difficult to detect clouds in time to adjust window tint states in energy-efficient buildings, especially since optically switchable windows take time to transition and may cause frequent tint changes.
Innovation Solution
A cloud detector system comprising multiple detector modules with infrared radiation detectors and photosensors, arranged in a honeycomb configuration or on a two-axis gimbal, that measure weather conditions from specific regions of the sky, allowing for early detection of cloud cover and prediction of cloud travel direction by analyzing changes in energy over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging devices are used for cloud detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sky is divided into multiple regions (first region closer to building, second region farther from building) detected by separate detector modules. Each module measures infrared radiation and sunlight intensity independently, allowing simplified individual detectors to achieve overall high detection accuracy through coordinated regional measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Each detector module serves multiple functions: detecting cloud cover, measuring sunlight intensity, and providing data for cloud travel direction prediction. The same hardware configuration (infrared detector + photosensor in a tube) performs all these functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If visible light measurements are used for cloud detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to window transition delays
Solution Approach 1:
The detector modules continuously monitor infrared radiation and sunlight intensity in advance, detecting cloud cover before it reaches the building. By measuring conditions in both near and far sky regions, the system predicts cloud arrival and triggers window tinting transitions beforehand, eliminating delays caused by reactive responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces visible light-based imaging devices with infrared radiation detectors that operate independently of visible light conditions. This substitution allows continuous cloud detection regardless of sunlight availability, eliminating response delays associated with visible light measurement limitations and window transition timing.
3Device complexity
If single detector configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detector modules, each with a tube enclosing infrared and visible light sensors. This segmentation allows each module to independently measure specific sky regions while collectively providing comprehensive cloud detection coverage, maintaining simplicity at the module level while achieving high precision through multiple measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detector modules are merged into a coordinated system where each module contributes measurements from its specific sky region. The combination of infrared radiation data and sunlight intensity data from multiple modules provides comprehensive cloud detection accuracy without requiring each individual module to be overly complex.
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 timely and efficient adjustment of window tint states and other building systems by accurately detecting cloud cover and predicting weather changes, reducing the need for expensive equipment and minimizing frequent tint fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more sensing elements of each of the detector modules comprises an infrared radiation detector (e.g., thermopile) for measuring infrared radiation intensity
Implementation Method 2
a photosensor element for measuring sunlight intensity
Implementation Method 3
the thermopile is configured to measure an intensity of infrared radiation with wavelengths in a range between 8 μm and 14 μm
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects pertain to a cloud detector comprising a first detector module directed to a first region of the sky and a second detector module directed to a second region of the sky. Each detector module has a tube enclosing one or more sensing elements. The one or more sensing elements of the first detector module are configured to take weather condition readings from the first region of the sky. The one or more sensing elements of the second detector module are configured to take weather condition readings from the second region of the sky. In one aspect, the cloud detector is configured to detect cloud cover based on these weather condition readings. In some cases, the one or more sensing elements comprise an infrared radiation detector (e.g., thermopile) for measuring infrared radiation intensity and a photosensor element for measuring sunlight intensity.