Electrochromic Control Device for Consistent Transmissivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices lack efficient control mechanisms to maintain consistent transmissivity while varying solar heat gain and color properties, leading to suboptimal light and heat management in building and vehicle windows.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a power source, electrical load sensing circuit, and processor that measures electrical properties and adjusts current or voltage to maintain consistent transmissivity, with the ability to set the device to multiple transmission states with varying solar heat gain coefficients and colors, using correlation tables to determine optimal operation states based on environmental inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrochromic device is controlled to vary color properties and solar heat gain, then the light management performance is improved, but the transmissivity consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates an electrical load sensing circuit that measures the actual electrical load of the electrochromic device and feeds this information back to the processor. The processor uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the voltage or current supplied, ensuring that transmissivity remains consistent while achieving desired variations in color and solar heat gain coefficients through multiple transmission states
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (voltage or current) in a controlled manner to achieve different transmission states. By precisely adjusting these parameters and using correlation tables that map electrical load to optical properties, the system can transition between states with varying color and solar heat gain while maintaining transmissivity within a consistent range (e.g., within 5% variation)
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electrochromic device operates in multiple transmission states, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed as a multi-functional system that can operate the electrochromic device in multiple transmission states to achieve different energy management goals. The single control device integrates power supply, electrical load sensing, processing, and control functions, allowing it to adapt to various environmental conditions and user preferences while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated design
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 precise control of transmissivity and solar heat gain, maintaining desired illuminance and aesthetics while efficiently managing heat and light, with minimal perceivable difference in brightness between states, thus optimizing energy efficiency and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromic devices employ materials capable of reversibly altering their optical properties following electrochemical oxidation and reduction in response to an applied potential
Implementation Method 2
The electrical load sensing circuit is configured to measure at least one of a voltage and a current supplied to the electrochromic device
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A control device (120) for controlling the transmittance of an electrochromic device (110) includes a power source (150), an electrical load sensing circuit (140), and a processor (130) electrically coupled to the electrical load sensing circuit and the power source. The processor is configured to receive a measured electrical load value from the electrical load sensing circuit indicating an electrical property of the electrochromic device, further configured to control one or more properties of the electrochromic device by controlling the amount of current or voltage supplied from the power source to the electrochromic device, and yet further configured to vary a property of the electrochromic device while maintaining the electrochromic device at a substantially consistent transmissivity.