Integrated EC Window Controller to Cut Wiring Loss and Installation Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic window controllers are not integrated into the window assembly, leading to issues such as varying wire lengths, increased installation complexity, and higher costs due to remote location and mismatched controller-window pairings, which hinder the commercial potential of electrochromic devices.
Innovation Solution
Localized or 'onboard' window controllers are integrated into the window assembly, eliminating the need for external matching and reducing wiring complexity by being part of the IGU or window frame, featuring a power converter, communication circuit, microcontroller, and driver circuit for independent control of multiple EC panes, with wireless communication and power capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional remote controllers are used for EC windows, then controller-window pairing flexibility is improved, but wire length variation and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is merged with the window assembly, specifically integrated into the IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) structure. The controller housing becomes part of the window frame, and the controller is positioned within the window assembly boundaries, eliminating the need for separate remote mounting and reducing wire length variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is segmented into functional modules including the EC panes, IGU, and an integrated controller module. This segmentation allows the controller to be pre-assembled with the window unit at the factory, reducing field installation complexity while maintaining pairing flexibility through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional remote controllers are used for EC windows, then controller placement flexibility is improved, but wiring losses and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is merged with the window assembly, specifically integrated into the IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) structure. The controller housing becomes part of the window frame, and the controller is positioned within the window assembly boundaries, eliminating the need for separate remote mounting and reducing wire length variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is positioned locally within the window assembly rather than remotely. The power converter and driver circuits are located adjacent to the EC panes they serve, minimizing wire length and reducing electrical losses while providing localized control functionality.
3Device complexity
If onboard controllers are integrated into the IGU, then wiring complexity is reduced, but controller positioning constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is merged with the window assembly, specifically integrated into the IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) structure. The controller housing becomes part of the window frame, and the controller is positioned within the window assembly boundaries, eliminating the need for separate remote mounting and reducing wire length variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is positioned in the third dimension within the window assembly depth, specifically in the space between the glass panes of the IGU. This allows the controller to be integrated without occupying additional lateral space, maintaining a sleek window appearance while reducing wiring complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple EC panes are controlled by a single controller, then system integration is improved, but control precision for individual panes may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is segmented into functional modules including the EC panes, IGU, and an integrated controller module. This segmentation allows the controller to be pre-assembled with the window unit at the factory, reducing field installation complexity while maintaining pairing flexibility through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller includes individual driver circuits for each EC pane that provide independent control and feedback mechanisms. Each pane can be controlled precisely with its own drive signals while the integrated controller coordinates their operation, maintaining both system integration and individual control precision.
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 simplifies installation, reduces costs, and enhances control precision by minimizing wiring losses and allowing in-situ calibration, thereby improving the efficiency and commercial viability of electrochromic windows.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter configured to convert a low voltage to the power requirements of the at least one EC pane
Implementation Method 2
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
Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations.