Distributed EMS for Uniform Electrochromic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large area electrochromic devices suffer from slow and non-uniform transmissivity changes due to voltage drop issues, leading to the 'iris effect', and increasing power supply to improve switching speed can damage the devices and incur additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A distributed energy management system (EMS) with a multi-device boost power supply and cloud computing integration, which centralizes power distribution to multiple drivers, enabling efficient and uniform power delivery to electrochromic devices, including gradient transparent conductive layers for fast switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If more power is supplied to improve switching speed, then switching speed is improved, but device damage risk increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrochromic device into multiple independently controllable zones or segments. Each segment can be controlled separately with appropriate power levels, allowing fast switching in critical areas while protecting vulnerable areas from excessive power. This segmentation enables differential power distribution across the device surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements non-uniform power distribution across the electrochromic device surface, applying higher power density to specific regions that require faster switching while using lower power density in regions that are more vulnerable to damage. This local quality approach optimizes switching performance while minimizing damage risk in different areas of the device.
2Speed
If more power is supplied to improve switching speed, then switching speed is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single integrated power management system that can dynamically allocate power to different device regions. This merging eliminates the need for separate high-power supplies for each zone, reducing overall system cost and complexity while maintaining fast switching capability through intelligent power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic power adjustment where the power supply level is continuously adapted based on real-time device state, environmental conditions, and switching requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to use high power only when and where needed for fast switching, rather than maintaining high power capacity throughout, thereby reducing overall system cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If voltage is applied to large area devices, then transmissivity change is achieved, but non-uniform coloring occurs due to voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large area electrochromic device into multiple smaller controllable zones with independent or independently adjustable power supply. This segmentation compensates for voltage drop across the device by allowing each zone to receive appropriate voltage levels, ensuring uniform transmissivity change across the entire device surface despite the large area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements spatially varying voltage or current parameters across different regions of the electrochromic device. By adjusting electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) based on location within the device, the system compensates for voltage drop effects and achieves uniform transmissivity change across the entire large area surface.
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 solution provides sufficient and uniform power to larger electrochromic devices, reducing the risk of damage and cost, while achieving fast and uniform switching times across the entire panel.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochromic glass unit uses electrochromic glass that can change transmissivity with the application of electric current and voltage. The change of transmissivity typically relies on a reversible oxidation of a material.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed energy management system (EMS) for supplying power to a set of drivers that charge and discharge a set of electrochromic devices is described. One distributed EMS includes an external power supply interface to couple to an external power supply, a multi-device boost power supply comprising a set of batteries, and a driver interface to supply power to a set of drivers that charge and discharge a set of electrochromic devices. The distributed EMS also includes a communication subsystem to communicate with the set of drivers and EMS circuitry to supply power to the set of drivers, via the driver interface, based on a power state of the multi-device boost power supply and a state of the set of electrochromic devices.