Cloud Window Controller Hierarchy for Remote Facility Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for managing sites with switchable optical devices, such as electrochromic windows, lack effective remote management capabilities, particularly in integrating local networks with cloud-based systems for centralized control and data exchange.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system is implemented, comprising computational and data storage resources that communicate with local networks of switchable optical devices through internet protocols, allowing for remote monitoring and control via a master network controller, which can send and receive data and control messages to window controllers, enabling centralized management of multiple sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If local networks of switchable optical devices are managed without cloud-based remote management systems, then on-site infrastructure and manual management are required, but remote monitoring and centralized control capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based master network controller serves as an intermediary between local window controllers and remote management systems. The master network controller receives control messages from the cloud via internet protocols and translates them into local control signals, enabling remote management without requiring direct complex integration between cloud systems and local devices
Solution Approach 2:
The management system is segmented into three independent layers: local window controllers that manage individual devices, a master network controller that handles cloud communication and coordination, and cloud-based computational resources for centralized management. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently while maintaining overall system functionality
2Productivity
If multiple sites are managed independently without centralized cloud-based control, then each site requires separate management infrastructure, but centralized monitoring and control across sites are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The master network controller is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple different sites through a single centralized interface. It can communicate with various window controllers across different locations using standard internet protocols, eliminating the need for separate management systems at each site while maintaining the ability to handle site-specific control requirements
3Reliability
If cloud-based remote management is implemented, then real-time monitoring and control are enabled, but network communication infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex dedicated communication infrastructure with standard internet protocol-based networking. Instead of requiring specialized hardwired communication systems between sites and cloud platforms, the master network controller uses conventional IP networks, significantly reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining real-time communication capabilities
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 solution enables efficient remote management of switchable optical devices across multiple sites, improving energy savings and operational efficiency by allowing for real-time monitoring and control, reducing the need for on-site infrastructure and enhancing the integration of building management systems.
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
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and non-transitory computer readable program instructions relating to controlling one or more devices of a facility where a hierarchy of controllers includes a plurality of control levels of which only a single control level is physically disposed in the facility, and the single control level is configured to communicatively couple to the one or more devices and control, or direct control of, the one or more devices.